Go Back

Shish Tawook

Authentic Lebanese chicken skewers marinated in a yogurt-based mixture for incredible tenderness and flavor, perfect for grilling or broiling.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 37 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Lebanese, Middle Eastern
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1 cup plain yogurt full-fat works best
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced use fresh garlic
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste adds color and umami depth
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts use quality chicken for best results
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak 30 minutes)
For Serving
  • Pita bread or flatbread
  • Garlic sauce (toum)
  • Pickles
  • Fresh tomatoes and lettuce
  • French fries (traditional Lebanese style)
  • Lemon wedges

Method
 

Making the Marinade
  1. Whisk yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice in a large bowl until smooth.
  2. Add minced garlic and stir in tomato paste thoroughly.
  3. Mix in all spices: paprika, cumin, coriander, cayenne, salt, pepper, oregano.
  4. The marinade should be thick, creamy, and vibrant reddish-orange color.
  5. Taste it now and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Preparing the Chicken
  1. Cut chicken breasts into 1.5-inch cubes.
  2. Pat chicken dry with paper towels before marinating.
  3. Add chicken to marinade and mix thoroughly.
  4. Cover bowl or seal bag completely and refrigerate for minimum 2 hours (preferably overnight).
  5. Turn or massage chicken halfway through marinating.
Threading the Skewers
  1. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes.
  2. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces.
  3. Wipe off excess marinade before grilling.
Cooking
  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Place skewers on grill, leaving space between each, and grill for 5-6 minutes per side.
  3. Total cooking time is 10-12 minutes. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serving Traditional Style
  1. Warm pita bread and spread garlic sauce inside.
  2. Slide chicken pieces off skewer directly into bread.
  3. Add pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, and french fries inside.

Notes

Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Ensure to separate from bread and sauces to prevent sogginess.