Chicken Shish Tawook
Shish Tawook is a beloved authentic Lebanese kebab dish of grilled chicken, in a yogurt-based marinade with lemon, garlic, and spices. These Middle Eastern chicken skewers are so tender and huge in flavor!
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 10 min
- Yield
- 6 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- ¼ cup plain whole milk yogurt or laban
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic (minced or grated)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- Several grinds black pepper
- 2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breasts (cut into 1½-inch pieces)
- Neutral oil, such as canola or safflower, or oil spray, to coat the grill grates
Instructions
- 1
In a medium bowl, whisk all of the ingredients except the chicken and neutral oil.
- 2
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, mixing well to coat the pieces fully. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours and up to one day.
- 3
Thread the marinated chicken on metal or soaked bamboo skewers.
- 4
Heat the grill to medium high. Coat the grates generously with oil just before adding the chicken.
- 5
Place the skewered chicken on the grill and cook for 10-20 minutes (depending on the size of your chicken cubes) or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Turn the skewers once midway through cooking. Look for a golden brown color with some charring.
- 6
Remove the skewers and allow them to rest for a few minutes. Push the chicken from the skewers using a piece of pita bread or a large fork. Serve immediately.