If you’ve ever craved the juicy, flavorful chicken skewers served at Middle Eastern restaurants, you’re in for a treat! Shish Tawook is the ultimate grilled chicken dish—tender, aromatic, and bursting with bold flavors. This recipe brings that authentic Lebanese taste straight to your kitchen. The secret? A yogurt-based marinade infused with garlic, lemon, and warm spices that take the chicken to the next level.
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Fire up the grill (or a stovetop pan), and get ready to enjoy the best homemade Shish Tawook—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a backyard feast.
Why You’ll Love Shish Tawook
Incredibly Flavorful: The marinade infuses every bite with garlicky, lemony goodness.
Juicy & Tender: Yogurt helps break down the chicken fibers, making it extra soft.
Easy to Make: Minimal prep time, and the grill does most of the work.
Healthy & High-Protein: A great option for a balanced meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Stays juicy even when reheated.
Ingredients in Authentic Shish Tawook
Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless, skinless, and cut into cubes for even grilling.
Plain Yogurt: The key to a tender and juicy marinade.
Garlic: A must-have for that deep, savory flavor.
Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
Olive Oil: Keeps the meat moist and enhances the flavors.
Tomato Paste: Brings a subtle richness and slight sweetness.
Paprika: Adds color and a mild smoky taste.
Cumin & Coriander: Traditional Middle Eastern spices for depth.
Cinnamon: A hint of warmth that sets this dish apart.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance the flavors.
How to Make Shish Tawook
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, tomato paste, and spices. Toss the chicken in the marinade, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for the best flavor).
Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers.
Grill to Perfection: Preheat your grill (or a stovetop pan) over medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 5-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
Serve & Enjoy: Remove from heat and let the skewers rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with warm pita, garlic sauce, or a fresh salad.
How to Serve Shish Tawook
With Pita Bread: Wrap the grilled chicken in warm pita with garlic sauce and veggies.
Over Rice: Pair it with fragrant saffron or vermicelli rice.
With Fresh Salads: Serve alongside fattoush or tabbouleh for a refreshing contrast.
With Dips: Hummus, tzatziki, or toum (garlic sauce) make the perfect pairing.
Additional Tips
Use Chicken Thighs for More Juiciness: If you prefer extra tender meat, thighs work beautifully.
Don’t Skip the Marinating Time: At least 2 hours is essential for deep flavor.
Grill on High Heat: To get that authentic char and smoky flavor.
Make It Spicy: Add chili flakes or cayenne for a kick.
Double the Recipe: Shish Tawook makes great leftovers for wraps and salads.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I bake Shish Tawook instead of grilling?
A1: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q3: Can I freeze marinated chicken?
A3: Absolutely! Freeze the marinated chicken for up to 2 months, then thaw before grilling.
Q4: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A4: Warm in a pan over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Q5: Can I make this dairy-free?
A5: Swap yogurt for coconut yogurt or leave it out and add extra lemon juice.
Q6: Can I use metal skewers?
A6: Yes! Metal skewers don’t need soaking and help cook the meat evenly.
Q7: Is Shish Tawook spicy?
A7: Not traditionally, but you can add chili powder for heat.
Q8: Can I cook this on a stovetop?
A8: Yes! Use a grill pan or a regular pan with a little oil over medium-high heat.
Q9: What’s the difference between Shish Tawook and Chicken Shawarma?
A9: Shawarma is marinated longer and cooked on a rotating spit, while Shish Tawook is grilled on skewers.
Q10: What sides go best with this dish?
A10: Try roasted potatoes, grilled veggies, or a simple cucumber yogurt dip.
Final Thoughts
Shish Tawook is a must-try for anyone who loves juicy, flavorful grilled chicken. Whether you serve it in a wrap, over rice, or with a side of hummus, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So fire up the grill and enjoy a taste of the Middle East at home!
Print
Authentic Shish Tawook (Grilled Chicken Skewers)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stove-top
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
This authentic Shish Tawook recipe features juicy, marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection. Made with a flavorful yogurt marinade infused with lemon, garlic, and Middle Eastern spices, this dish is perfect for summer grilling or indoor cooking. Serve with warm pita, garlic sauce, and fresh salad for a delicious meal!
Ingredients
- 1 cup yogurt (plain or Greek)
- 2 lemons (zested and juiced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp 7-spice (Baharat) (or equal parts ground cumin, coriander, and cinnamon)
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into cubes)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and spices until smooth.
-
Marinate the Chicken:
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
-
Skewer the Chicken:
- Thread the marinated chicken onto metal or soaked bamboo skewers.
- Discard any excess marinade.
-
Grill the Skewers:
- Preheat and lightly oil a gas or charcoal grill over medium-high heat.
- Grill skewers, turning every few minutes, until internal temperature reaches 170°F (77°C).
-
Serve:
- Enjoy with pita, garlic sauce, hummus, rice, or salad.
Notes
- If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
- For oven baking, place skewers on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Shish Tawook pairs well with toum (garlic sauce), fattoush, or grilled vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 372
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 54g
- Cholesterol: 145mg