Palestinian Musakhan
The pride of traditional Palestinian cooking: taboon bread soaked in extra virgin olive oil with sumac-caramelised onion and roast chicken. The generous olive oil and the protein slow the absorption of the bread, for a moderate index (55).
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
A dish for occasions and gatherings; have a quarter of a loaf soaked with onion and sumac, a quarter chicken and a bowl of yoghurt to balance the richness.
Best preparation methods
Use genuine unrefined Palestinian extra virgin olive oil and pure, tangy local sumac, and roast the chicken in the oven until well browned so its juices run over the onion.
Important Nutritional Note
For people with diabetes or insulin resistance, it is always recommended to consider the total glycemic load (GL) of the meal rather than relying on the glycemic index alone.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (200 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 358 kcal | 716 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g | 44 g |
| Carbohydrate | 38 g | 76 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 35.2 g | 70.4 g |
| Fat | 14 g | 28 g |
| Dietary fibre | 2.8 g | 5.6 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
Among the foods in Arabic dishes with a glycemic index (24), it ranks 22 (lowest first).
Smart alternatives from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Is Palestinian Musakhan good for weight loss?
It can fit a balanced plan with portion control: a 200 g portion gives 716 kcal, and what matters most is your total daily intake and the rest of the meal.
How does Palestinian Musakhan affect blood sugar?
Its glycemic index is 55 (Low), a clinically reviewed estimate rather than a laboratory measurement. A typical 200 g portion has a glycemic load of 38.7 (High), so it is best to reduce or split the portion and combine it with protein and fibre.
What is the nutritional value of a typical portion of Palestinian Musakhan?
A typical 200 g portion of Palestinian Musakhan provides about 716 kcal, 44 g protein, 76 g carbohydrate, 28 g fat and 5.6 g fibre.
Reviewed by the WiBo Health medical team · Last reviewed 13 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.