What is Shish Tawook in Lebanese cuisine?

Shish Tawook is a popular Lebanese grilled chicken skewer, marinated in yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and spices for bold, tangy flavor and tenderness.

What makes the Lebanese Shish Tawook recipe unique?

The Lebanese version uses a creamy yogurt base, lots of garlic, and a citrus kick, often paired with toum (garlic sauce) and pita bread.

How long should I marinate chicken for Shish Tawook?

Marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for deep flavor. Avoid marinating over 24 hours to prevent mushy texture.

Can I use chicken breast or thigh for Shish Tawook?

Both work, but chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving during grilling. Breasts can dry out if overcooked.

What’s the best way to cook Shish Tawook at home?

Grill for a smoky, charred flavor. Baking at 450°F or air frying are great indoor alternatives.

What sides go well with Shish Tawook Lebanese style?

Serve with toum garlic sauce, pita, rice, or salads like tabbouleh for a balanced, authentic meal.

Shish Tawook recipe Lebanese 2025

Name: Shish Tawook recipe Lebanese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-484641H15M5S
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Lebanese / Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 2-inch cubes; 1 cup plain yogurt (full-fat preferred); 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 6–8 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper); 1 teaspoon salt; Warm pita bread or flatbread; Garlic toum (Lebanese garlic sauce); Pickled turnips or cucumbers; Tabbouleh or chopped salad; Basmati rice or vermicelli rice

Description

This Shish Tawook recipe Lebanese style brings together juicy grilled chicken, a creamy garlic and yogurt marinade, and bold Middle Eastern spices. Each bite is tender, tangy, and infused with rich flavor—thanks to a marinade that works like magic. Whether you’re serving it as skewers at a summer BBQ or wrapping it in warm pita with garlic sauce, this dish never disappoints. It’s healthy, vibrant, and seriously addictive.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 2-inch cubes

1 cup plain yogurt (full-fat preferred)

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

3 tablespoons olive oil

6–8 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)

1 teaspoon salt

Optional for Serving:

Warm pita bread or flatbread

Garlic toum (Lebanese garlic sauce)

Pickled turnips or cucumbers

Tabbouleh or chopped salad

Basmati rice or vermicelli rice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, tomato paste, olive oil, garlic, and spices until smooth and well combined.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—overnight is best for full flavor.

3. Skewer the Chicken:

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving small spaces between each piece.

4. Preheat the Grill (or Oven):

For grilling: Preheat to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.

For baking: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.

5. Cook the Chicken:

Grill: Cook the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes until charred and cooked through.

Oven: Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Broil for the last 2 minutes to get some color.

6. Serve Hot:

Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes. Serve with garlic sauce, warm bread, and your favorite sides.

Notes

Yogurt Tip: Full-fat yogurt gives the richest flavor and best tenderizing effect.

No Grill? No problem—use your oven or air fryer.

Want extra color? Add bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes between chicken pieces on the skewers.

Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the marinade.

Garlic Sauce Hack: If short on time, mix mayo, garlic powder, and lemon juice for a quick faux toum.

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 4–12 hours marinating)
Cook Time: 12–25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling or Baking
Cuisine: Lebanese / Middle Eastern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 skewer (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 290
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 105mg