Lebanese yogurt-marinated chicken skewers
Shish Tawook
Shish Tawook
2h 22mEasy
Prep Time
2 hr 10 min
Cook Time
12 min
Total Time
2 hr 22 min
Servings
4
8 skewers
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Shish Tawook
Lebanese yogurt-marinated chicken skewers
Tender, juicy chicken skewers marinated in a garlicky yogurt-lemon mixture and grilled until golden. The Lebanese answer to chicken kebabs—impossibly flavorful and moist.
130m
Prep Time
12m
Cook Time
142m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Shish tawook gets its legendary tenderness from a yogurt and lemon marinade that tenderizes while infusing deep flavor. The garlic and warm spices create an irresistible charred aroma on the grill.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp each: paprika, cumin, and allspice
PrecisionUtility
Test Kitchen Pick
Thermometer
Helpful Tool
Why a thermometer helps here
This is the kind of recipe where doneness changes the result fast. A quick thermometer helps you pull it at the right moment instead of guessing.
The easiest upgrade here is accuracy, not another pan.
- Makes doneness more repeatable
- Helps avoid dry or overcooked protein
If you cook meat or fish regularly, an instant-read thermometer gets used constantly.
Shop thermometer options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Whisk yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, spices, and 1 tsp salt in a bowl.
- 2
Add chicken cubes and toss to coat. Cover and marinate 2-4 hours (or overnight) in the fridge.
- 3
Thread chicken onto skewers, shaking off excess marinade.
- 4
Grill over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until charred and cooked through (165°F).
- 5
Rest 3 minutes, then serve with garlic sauce (toum), pickled turnips, and pita bread.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Substitutions
YogurtCoconut yogurt
Dairy-free option that still tenderizes
Chicken breastChicken thighs
Juicier and harder to overcook
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Olive Oil
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the olive oil matters
On recipes like this, olive oil is not just a background fat. A better bottle gives you cleaner flavor and a better finish.
This is one of the few pantry upgrades that keeps paying off every time you cook in this lane.
- Useful in dressings, sauces, and finishing
- Improves flavor without changing the recipe structure
A good bottle of olive oil is one of the safest pantry upgrades for Mediterranean and Italian cooking.
Shop olive oil for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Don't skip the marinating time—at least 2 hours makes a huge difference.
Cut chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking.
Storage
Refrigerate cooked chicken for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to keep moist.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (110mg) · 4 servings
Calories280
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein38g
Carbohydrates10g
Fat4g
Fiber420mg
Sugar0g
Sodium2g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken thighs?
- Yes, thighs are juicier and more forgiving on the grill.
- What is garlic sauce (toum)?
- A Lebanese emulsion of garlic, lemon juice, and oil whipped until fluffy white.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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