Name: 8-Minute Lebanese Chicken Lahmacun (Lebanese Pizza) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 8 min
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 1 x ~30cm/12″ Lebanese bread (substitute other thin flatbreads if needed); 125g / 4 oz chicken mince (ground chicken); 2 tsp tomato paste; 1 tsp Baharat spice mix (Lebanese 7 spice); 1/2 tsp sweet paprika (or smoked paprika); 1 garlic clove, crushed; 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (halve if using table salt); 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley (or coriander/cilantro; optional, substitute 1 tsp dried oregano); 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for cooking; or regular olive oil); 2 tbsp Danish feta or goat cheese, crumbled (or regular feta); Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling; Lemon juice, a light drizzle; Dried chili flakes / red pepper flakes, to taste; ~1 tbsp toasted pine nuts, roughly chopped (sub pistachios, almonds, sesame seeds); 1 tsp finely chopped parsley (or coriander/cilantro)

Introduction

Lahmacun, often called Lebanese pizza, is a deliciously thin flatbread topped with spiced minced chicken and baked to crispy perfection. Ready in just eight minutes, this easy recipe makes a perfect appetizer or light meal. Its vibrant flavors and quick cooking time will have you coming back for more.

A close-up image of a thin pizza slice being lifted by a woman's hand, showing a golden-brown, slightly crispy crust on the edge, topped with a layer of melted cheese and a reddish sauce speckled with herbs and chili flakes. Small white dollops of soft cheese are scattered across the surface, with toasted pine nuts and fresh green parsley leaves adding texture and color contrast. The pizza rests on a white plate with more slices in the background, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 x ~30cm/12″ Lebanese bread (or other thin flatbreads)

125g / 4 oz chicken mince (ground chicken)

2 tsp tomato paste

1 tsp Baharat spice mix (aka Lebanese 7 spice; see note for substitutes)

1/2 tsp sweet or smoked paprika

1 garlic clove, crushed using garlic press

1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (halve if using table salt)

1 tbsp finely chopped parsley (or coriander/cilantro; optional, or substitute 1 tsp dried oregano)

1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for cooking; regular olive oil also works)

Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)

2 tbsp Danish feta or goat cheese, crumbled (or regular feta)

Lemon juice, just a light drizzle

Dried chili flakes / red pepper flakes (to taste)

~1 tbsp toasted pine nuts, roughly chopped (substitute pistachios, almonds, or sesame seeds)

1 tsp finely chopped parsley (or coriander/cilantro) for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your pan and flatbread. Use a large 30cm/12″ non-stick pan. Trim the Lebanese bread with scissors if necessary to fit the pan.

Step 2: Mix the filling. In a bowl, combine the chicken mince, tomato paste, Baharat spice mix, paprika, crushed garlic, salt, and finely chopped parsley. Mix well until evenly combined.

Step 3: Spread the mixture evenly over one side of the Lebanese bread, similar to spreading peanut butter, creating a thin layer covering the entire surface.

Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the pan over high heat. Place the bread in the pan with the meat side down. Cook for 90 seconds, pressing lightly to encourage browning and to help the meat stick to the bread.

Step 5: Flip the bread using tongs so the bread side is down. Cook for another 90 seconds, lowering the heat if it browns too quickly, until the bread is golden and crispy.

Step 6: Remove the flatbread from the pan to a cutting board. Top with crumbled feta, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, dried chili flakes, toasted pine nuts, and sprinkle with extra chopped parsley.

Step 7: Cut into eight slices like a pizza and serve immediately. Enjoy your flavorful, crispy Lebanese pizzas!

Tips & Variations

Use other thin flatbreads like tortilla or pita if Lebanese bread isn’t available.

Substitute Baharat spice mix with a combination of cumin, coriander, allspice, cinnamon, and black pepper if needed.

For a vegetarian version, replace chicken mince with finely chopped mushrooms or cooked lentils mixed with the spices.

Adjust the amount of chili flakes to your preferred spice level.

Adding fresh herbs like mint or dill on top can add a fresh twist.

FAQs

Can I use beef or lamb instead of chicken mince?

Yes, beef or lamb mince can be used as a delicious alternative. The cooking times remain the same, but make sure the meat is cooked through before removing from the pan.

What is Baharat spice mix and can I make it at home?

Baharat is a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend typically including black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, cardamom, nutmeg, and coriander. You can find it in most specialty stores or make your own by mixing these spices in equal parts or according to taste.