This Authentic Shish Tawook recipe is so delicious and versatile that I guarantee you’ll add it to your summer grilling rotation. But guess what? You can make it in the cooler months too in an oven or on a grill pan.
A staple at most Middle Eastern restaurants, there’s no reason for you not to make it at home! Pair with one of my refreshing salads: Lebanese Tabbouleh, Tahini Salad, Cucumber Chickpea Feta Salad, Fattoush or Jerusalem Salad.
What is Shish Tawook?
Shish Tawook (also spelled shish taouk) is a popular Middle Eastern dish, particularly in Lebanon, Turkey, and other countries in the region. The name “Shish Tawook” is derived from the Turkish words “şiş” (skewer) and “tavuk” (chicken), reflecting its primary ingredient.
The history of Shish Tawook can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, where grilling meat on skewers was a common cooking method. Over time, different variations of grilled chicken kabobs emerged in various regions.
Even though Shish Tawook Kebabs are enjoyed throughout the Levant and the rest of the Middle East, they are considered to be more aligned with Lebanese cuisine than Levantine Cuisine.
Serve these chicken kebabs with Lebanese garlic sauce (Toum), lemon tahini sauce, mint yogurt sauce, Mast-o Khiar (Persian cucumber yogurt dip), vermicelli rice, batata harra (spicy Lebanese potatoes), pickled cauliflower, giardiniera pickles, and Lebanese pita bread.
You can add to them to Maroulosalata (Greek Lettuce Salad) for a complete meal. Or serve with Asparagus Potato Salad (with Peas and Herbs).
Ingredients
This is an incredibly easy recipe to prepare and uses pretty standard pantry and fridge staples.
- Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breast is my go-to for shish tawook, but you can of course use boneless skinless chicken thighs. Also try my Harissa Chicken Skewers recipe.
- Yogurt: A plain or Greek-style yogurt is fine. You don’t need anything fancy here. The reason we use yogurt is to help tenderize the chicken.
- Spices: Every family has their own spice blend. I like a combination of Baharat (7-spice), oregano, chili powder and turmeric. Turmeric powder is used primarily for color enhancement. If you don’t have any, don’t worry about it. You can omit it.
- Tomato paste: you only need a little tomato paste for this recipe. I recommend you get yourself some of the tomato paste sold in squeeze tubes. They last much longer than canned tomato paste and are perfect for recipes like this that only need a little bit.
- Garlic: I prefer to use fresh garlic in this recipe, but you can use garlic powder if that’s what you have.
See the recipe card at the bottom of the page for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make this Lebanese Shish Tawook Recipe
Step 1. Prepare the yogurt marinade. To a large bowl, add the marinade ingredients.
Step 2. Mix the marinade. Whisk the marinade ingredients together until you get a smooth sauce.
Step 3. Marinade the chicken. Add the chicken cubes to the shish tawook marinade, toss to coat evenly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 4. Skewer. Skewer the tender chicken chunks onto metal or bamboo skewers. If using bamboo, soak them in water for 30 minutes first to help them resist burning on the grill.
Step 5. Grill. Grill the chicken skewers on a gas or charcoal grill, turning every few minutes so that the chicken can cook evenly. The chicken will be ready when the internal temperature is 170F/77C.
Step 6. Serve. Serve your grilled chicken shish tawook with your favorite sides. I like garlic sauce (toum) and sumac onions with a side salad.
Expert Tips
- Roast in the oven instead: You can certainly use an oven to cook the chicken, especially in the winter months. Preheat your oven to 400F/200C. Bake directly on a parchment paper lined baking sheet or on a rack set on a baking sheet. You will have to turn the chicken so that it can grill evenly. You might also want to use the broiler to get some charring and crispy bits.
- Use a grill pan instead: You don’t have to sacrifice those gorgeous grill marks. If you want to make this recipe in the winter or on a rainy day and can’t use the outdoor grill, then use a cast iron grill pan on your stove. You might need to split the chicken into multiple skewers so you can fit the size of the grill pan.
- Soak the wooden skewers. If you plan to use bamboo skewers on the grill, soak them in water for 30 minutes before skewering and grilling. They will soak up some of the water which will help them remain intact on the grill and resist burning.
- Use a meat thermometer. A meat thermometer (affiliate link) can help you ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly (not undercooked or overcooked).
Recipe FAQs
I don’t recommend making this recipe in advance. It is best served hot off the grill. However, you can certainly marinate the chicken a day before you plan to cook it. Don’t marinate it for more than 24 hours.
Cooked chicken shish tawook should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoyed within 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing it.
Other Middle Eastern Recipes You Will Enjoy
Main Dishes
Levantine Recipes
Levantine Recipes
Appetizers
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Authentic Shish Tawook (Grilled Chicken Skewers)
Ingredients
- 1 cup Yogurt – You can use plain Greek yogurt
- 2 Lemons – juiced and zested
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 Garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp 7-Spice (Baharat spice) – You can use equal parts ground cumin, coriander and cinnamon
- ½ tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Chili flakes – Optional but recommended
- 4 Chicken breasts (skinless, boneless and cut into cubes)
Instructions
- Prepare the yogurt marinade. To a large bowl, add 1 cup Yogurt, juice and zest of 2 Lemons , 2 tbsp Olive oil, 4 Garlic cloves (finely minced), 1 tbsp Tomato paste, 1 tsp Dried oregano, 1 tsp 7-Spice (Baharat spice), ½ tsp Turmeric powder, 1 tsp Kosher salt, and ½ tsp Black pepper. Add optional 1 tsp Chili flakes.
- Mix the marinade. Whisk the marinade ingredients together until you get a smooth sauce. You can taste the marinade if you want. It should be a little salty.
- Marinate the chicken. Add 4 Chicken breasts (skinless, boneless and cut into cubes) to the yogurt-based marinade, toss to coat evenly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. You can marinade overnight too if you prefer.
- Skewer. Skewer the chicken chunks onto metal or bamboo skewers. If using bamboo, soak them in water for 30 minutes first to help them resist burning on the grill. Discard any leftover marinade.
- Grill. Grill the chicken skewers on a pre-heated and oiled gas or charcoal grill, turning every few minutes so that the chicken can cook evenly. The chicken will be ready when the internal temperature is 170F/77C.
- Serve. Serve your grilled chicken shish tawook with your favorite sides. See note for recommended sides.
Notes
- Roast in the oven: Preheat your oven to 400F/200C. Bake directly on a parchment paper lined baking sheet or on a rack set on a baking sheet. You will have to turn the chicken so that it can grill evenly. You might also want to use the broiler to get some charring and crispy bits.
- Use a grill pan: You don’t have to sacrifice those gorgeous grill marks. If you want to make this recipe in the winter or on a rainy day and can’t use the outdoor grill, then use a cast iron grill pan on your stove top on medium high heat. You might need to split the chicken into multiple skewers so you can fit the size of the grill pan.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
So delicious! Everyone loved it. I can’t wait to make it again.
Thank you, Wendy!
Hello
You mention tomato paste at the beginning but there is no reference to it in the recipe card.
Please advise
Thanks,
Grisel L
Good catch. I have added it back to the recipe card. We were going through edits recently and it must have been accidentally removed.
I’m back to make this for the second time! It’s so delicious and flavorful. The chicken turned out so tender and soft. I served it with the vermicelli rice recipe which as also incredible.
Thank you so much, Jill.
These were really good. Will definitely be making again. Thank you for the great recipe
Glad you liked the recipe!