Name: Grilled Shish Tawook Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 4 h 10 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 4 h 26 min
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 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

If you’ve ever craved that perfect smoky flavor mingled with a tangy, garlicky punch, then you’re going to love this Grilled Shish Tawook Chicken Skewers Recipe. It’s a Lebanese classic that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Four skewers of grilled meat with char marks and some pieces of grilled onion are placed on green leafy lettuce on a white plate. The meat is orange-brown with a slightly crispy texture. A small white bowl with white creamy sauce topped with chopped green herbs sits at the top of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Shish Tawook Chicken Skewers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Shish Tawook Chicken Skewers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Shish Tawook Chicken Skewers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I made these chicken skewers at home — the marinade was bursting with layers of flavor and the grill added just the right amount of char. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time!

Flavor-packed marinade: A beautiful blend of yogurt, lemon, and warm spices that tenderizes the chicken and adds depth.
Easy to prepare: Minimal active time required — just marinate, skewer, and grill.
Perfect for gatherings: These skewers make excellent appetizers or main dishes for parties or family dinners.
Authentic taste: Truly captures the essence of traditional Lebanese grilled chicken.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering fresh, quality ingredients makes a huge difference in bringing out the authentic flavors of this dish. When shopping, look for fresh chicken breasts and whole milk yogurt to achieve the best marinade consistency and taste.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breast chunks, a small bowl of plain whole milk yogurt, a small bowl of fresh lemon juice, a small bowl of golden olive oil, six whole garlic cloves with papery skins, a small bowl of thick red tomato paste, a small bowl with bright red paprika powder, a small bowl of warm brown cinnamon powder, a small bowl of dried oregano leaves, a small bowl of pale beige ground ginger, a small bowl of white salt crystals, a small bowl of coarse black pepper placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken breast: The lean meat soaks up the marinade beautifully and grills up juicy and tender.
Plain whole milk yogurt: Acts as a tenderizing base with creamy tanginess that balances the spices.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken further.
Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and adds richness.
Garlic cloves: Freshly crushed for that unmistakable pungent aroma and flavor.
Tomato paste: Gives subtle sweetness and depth to the marinade.
Paprika: Provides mild smoky warmth and color.
Cinnamon: Adds a hint of warmth and complexity.
Oregano: Brings a herbal note that’s classic in Middle Eastern cooking.
Ground ginger: Gives a subtle zing and earthiness.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the marinade flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to round out the seasoning.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Grilled Shish Tawook Chicken Skewers Recipe is how easy it is to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment and make it uniquely yours!

Variation: I love adding wedges of onion to the skewers before grilling—it adds a wonderful aromatic sweetness that perfectly complements the smoky, tangy chicken.
For a Creamier Marinade: You can swap plain whole milk yogurt for Greek yogurt. It makes the marinade thicker and clings beautifully to the chicken pieces.
Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, mix in some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade. It livens up this classic recipe with a spicy kick.
Skewers Alternatives: No grill? No problem! Use a grill pan on the stove or broil the skewers in the oven for similar charred goodness.
Serving Suggestions: Serve your shish tawook with traditional garlic sauce (toum), fresh pita bread, and crisp salad veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce for a full Lebanese feast.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Shish Tawook Chicken Skewers Recipe

A flatbread wrap lies open on a white marbled surface, with two main layers inside. The base layer is fresh green lettuce leaves, soft and slightly crinkled, covering the lower half of the flatbread. On top of the lettuce are pieces of grilled chicken, browned and marked with grill lines, placed lengthwise in the center. A creamy white sauce is being spread over the chicken with a knife, adding a smooth, thick texture. A woman's hand is holding the flatbread from the bottom left corner, supporting it gently. The flatbread itself is light tan with darker toasted spots, soft and flexible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk Up the Flavorful Marinade

Start by combining ½ cup of plain whole milk yogurt, ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice, ¼ cup of olive oil, and 6 crushed garlic cloves in a large bowl. Add in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon paprika, ¾ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Whisk everything together until you get a smooth, well-blended marinade that smells absolutely heavenly. The blend of spices with garlic and tangy lemon forms the soul of this dish.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Tenderness

Drop your 2 pounds of large chicken breast chunks right into the marinade bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly coat every piece with the mixture. Cover the bowl tightly and pop it into the fridge for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better! This resting time lets the yogurt and lemon tenderize the chicken while infusing it with those delicious Middle Eastern flavors.

Step 3: Thread the Chicken Onto Skewers

When you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken from the fridge and take the chunks out of the marinade one by one. Thread them onto metal or soaked wooden skewers. For a little extra flare, tuck a wedge of onion between some chicken pieces. This adds a lovely caramelized note once grilled. Keep the skewers spaced enough so the heat can circulate evenly.

Step 4: Grill to Juicy, Smoky Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium heat—a perfect balance for cooking through without burning. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5 to 8 minutes per side. As you grill, keep an eye out for a nice char on the edges and an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure your chicken is fully cooked and juicy. The aroma at this stage is irresistible—smoky, garlicky, and bursting with spices.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Your Shish Tawook Feast

Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes to lock in all the juices. Serve your grilled chicken hot alongside warm pita bread, crisp lettuce, and a generous dollop of garlic sauce (toum) for that authentic Lebanese experience. Add fresh tomatoes and cucumbers if you like a refreshing crunch. Grab a skewer, wrap it in pita, and enjoy the irresistible flavors you just made!

Top Tip

Mastering the Grilled Shish Tawook Chicken Skewers Recipe is all about patience and attention to detail. These tips will help you get the most tender, flavorful results every time.

Marinate Overnight: Though the recipe calls for at least 4 hours, I’ve found marinating the chicken overnight really amps up the flavor and tenderness.
Use Whole Milk Yogurt: It creates the perfect creamy base for the marinade, tenderizing the chicken without overpowering it. Greek yogurt works too, but whole milk yogurt offers that lighter texture I prefer.
Grill at Medium Heat: This lets the chicken cook evenly without drying out, plus it develops those beautiful smoky charred edges that make shish tawook so irresistible.
Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Giving the chicken pieces a bit of breathing room ensures they cook through perfectly and get that nice grill char rather than steaming.

How to Serve Grilled Shish Tawook Chicken Skewers Recipe

Two raw skewers of pink marinated meat lie side by side on a light blue board. The meat pieces are thick, uneven, and threaded closely along short wooden sticks. To the left of the skewers, there is a small pile of several long, thin wooden sticks waiting to be used. In the top right corner, a clear glass bowl contains more pink meat covered in marinade, showing a creamy texture. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or mint bring a lively freshness that contrasts beautifully with the smoky grilled chicken. Toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of sumac dusted over top adds that extra Middle Eastern flair. Don’t forget a dollop of creamy garlic sauce (toum) to dip — it’s simply essential!

Side Dishes

Serve your Grilled Shish Tawook Chicken Skewers alongside warm pita bread, crisp lettuce leaves, and fresh vegetable slices like tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickled turnips. A simple fattoush salad or tabbouleh rounds out the meal with bright, tangy notes that complement the savory skewers perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover grilled chicken skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay delicious for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered helps maintain moisture and prevents the flavors from fading.

Freezing

You can freeze the grilled chicken pieces (remove from skewers first) in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Just make sure they’re well wrapped to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, use a grill pan or oven set to medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy and revives those smoky char marks. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for this Grilled Shish Tawook Chicken Skewers Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative, offering a bit more fat and richness. Just cut them into similar-sized chunks to ensure even cooking and follow the same marinating and grilling times.

Is it necessary to use yogurt in the marinade?

Yogurt is key to tenderizing the chicken while adding tanginess, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with buttermilk or a mix of lemon juice and olive oil. The texture might differ slightly, but the flavors will still be great.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes! You can use a grill pan on the stove or broil the skewers in the oven. Just watch closely to get that nice char without overcooking, turning the skewers halfway through.

How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

Marinate for at least 4 hours as the recipe suggests, but overnight if possible. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavors penetrate and the more tender the chicken becomes.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Shish Tawook Chicken Skewers Recipe is truly a feast for the senses — from the tangy, garlicky marinade to the smoky char on perfectly cooked chicken chunks. Once you master these tips and techniques, you’ll find it hard to go back to any other grilled chicken. It’s a dish that brings friends and family together, filled with flavor and warm smiles. So fire up that grill, gather your loved ones, and enjoy a delicious taste of Lebanon right at home.