Shish Tawook: Juicy Marinated Chicken Skewers Recipe
Shish Tawook is a classic Middle Eastern dish featuring juicy, marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection. The chicken is soaked in a flavorful blend of yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic spices, resulting in tender, smoky meat that pairs perfectly with pita bread and fresh garlic sauce. This recipe brings the authentic taste of Lebanese cuisine right to your home grill in under 30 minutes of active cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 26 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into large chunks
- ½ cup plain whole milk yogurt
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional for Serving
- Pita bread
- Lettuce leaves
- Garlic sauce
- Onion wedges (for skewers)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, crushed garlic, tomato paste, paprika, cinnamon, oregano, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until they form a smooth, aromatic marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken chunks into the marinade bowl. Use a spoon or your hands to coat the pieces evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate and tenderize the chicken.
- Assemble the Skewers: Just before cooking, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Optionally, add a wedge of onion between chicken chunks on each skewer to enhance flavor and texture.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 5 to 8 minutes per side, turning carefully to ensure even cooking. Grill until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a slight char for that authentic smoky taste.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and serve hot with warm pita bread, fresh lettuce leaves, and garlic sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this classic Lebanese grilled chicken dish.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if time allows.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier alternative, adjusting cooking time slightly.
- Use a grill pan inside if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
- Serve with a side of tabbouleh or fattoush salad for a complete meal.
