Name: Shish Tawook: Middle Eastern Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 5 tablespoons plain yogurt; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 5 large cloves garlic, crushed; 2 teaspoons paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon allspice; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces; Chopped or sliced tomato; Sliced cucumber; Sliced onion; Fresh parsley; Flatbread; Toum (Lebanese Garlic Sauce)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

If you have yet to try the vibrant, tender, and flavor-packed Shish Tawook: Middle Eastern Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe, get ready to fall in love. This dish is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create juicy, marinated chicken skewers with a perfect blend of spices and tangy yogurt. It’s bright, smoky, and satisfying, bringing Middle Eastern flavors right to your backyard grill or stovetop. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or craving something fresh and exciting, this recipe delivers in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate filled with six raw pale pink chicken thighs sits in the center, surrounded by small white bowls holding various spices and ingredients, including red chili powder, black pepper, salt, tomato paste, minced garlic, oil, and yogurt. To the right of the plate are two bright yellow lemon halves, and at the bottom, two whole garlic bulbs lie next to a small bowl with a reddish spice. On the lower left, a white bowl contains red cherry tomatoes still on the vine, and above that, a silver bowl holds whole yellow lemons. At the top left corner, a stack of folded light brown flatbreads rests on a plate. Fresh green parsley sprigs add a touch of color near the flatbreads and spices. The whole arrangement is set on a white marbled textured surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for this dish is a breeze, yet each one plays a crucial role in achieving the authentic taste and texture that makes Shish Tawook so special. From the creamy tang of yogurt to the punch of fresh garlic and the smoky depth of paprika, these components create a marinade that tenderizes and flavors the chicken beautifully.

5 tablespoons plain yogurt: Acts as a tenderizing base, keeping the chicken juicy and imparting a mild tang.
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds bright acidity to balance richness and enhance the spices.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps the marinade adhere.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Infuses rich color and a subtle sweetness to the marinade.
5 large cloves garlic (crushed): Provides a pungent aroma and deep flavor that’s essential in Middle Eastern cooking.
2 teaspoons paprika: Brings a smoky warmth and vibrant red hue.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken deeply.
1/4 teaspoon allspice: Adds a subtle, sweet-spicy complexity.
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Gives just the right amount of gentle heat.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Rounds out the spice profile with a bit of sharpness.
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: Cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces, these are the perfect meat for tender, juicy skewers.
Chopped or sliced tomato: Freshness to brighten each bite on the side or as garnish.
Sliced cucumber: Adds crunch and coolness, balancing the spice.
Sliced onion: Brings sweetness and texture, especially when paired with flatbread.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of herbaceous green that adds freshness.
Flatbread: Ideal for wrapping the skewers or scooping up extra sauce.
Toum (Lebanese Garlic Sauce): A creamy, garlicky condiment to amp up flavor with every bite.

How to Make Shish Tawook: Middle Eastern Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together the yogurt, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, tomato paste, crushed garlic, paprika, salt, allspice, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is your flavor powerhouse — the yogurt tenderizes while the lemon juice and spices build a beautifully balanced profile. Once the marinade is ready, toss in your chicken pieces to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator, letting those ingredients mingle for at least one hour or as long as 24 hours if you have the time. Trust me, the longer the better for that deep, irresistible taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers

Once your chicken has soaked up the marinade, it’s time to thread the pieces onto skewers. Using about six skewers, evenly distribute the chicken so that each serving gets one delicious skewer. Keep the pieces snug but not crowded to ensure even cooking and a beautiful char from the grill or stovetop pan.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Fire up your grill or heat a grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly charred. The aroma as the spices hit the heat is intoxicating, and the sight of golden, juicy chicken skewers will have you ready to dive right in.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Take your skewers off the heat and get ready to plate. The best part about this Shish Tawook: Middle Eastern Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe is how straightforward it is to serve — just add your favorite garnishes and sides, and you’ve got a festive, flavor-packed meal everyone will love.

How to Serve Shish Tawook: Middle Eastern Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

The image shows two wooden skewers with grilled pieces of chicken that are reddish-brown with charred black edges, arranged on a white plate. The chicken pieces look juicy and have a rough texture with some small char marks. Behind the skewers, there are small red tomato pieces and a few fresh green herb sprigs adding color contrast. The background is a white marbled surface with a soft focus showing some garlic and tomatoes on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A classic Shish Tawook plate isn’t complete without a handful of fresh, crunchy garnishes. Scatter chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and rings of sweet onion around your skewers. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color and fresh herbal notes that perfectly cut through the richness of the chicken and marinade.

Side Dishes

This grilled chicken pairs beautifully with warm flatbread and a generous dollop of Toum, the beloved Lebanese garlic sauce. The cool crunch of a simple fattoush or tabbouleh salad will also make a refreshing counterpart. For heartier appetites, serve with a side of fluffy basmati rice or creamy hummus to scoop alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling a bit creative, slice the grilled chicken off the skewers and use it as a filling for wraps or pita sandwiches. Add pickled turnips or a drizzle of tahini sauce to elevate the flavors further. For a casual but tasty approach, set out all the components buffet-style, letting guests assemble their own perfect Shish Tawook plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken skewers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the chicken will continue to soak up some marinade flavors, becoming even more intense.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the cooked chicken, wrap the skewers tightly or remove the chicken and freeze in portions inside freezer bags. Frozen Shish Tawook remains delicious for up to 2 months and is perfect for quick meals anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken skewers in a preheated oven or on a grill pan over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the chicken juicy and prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs are naturally juicier and more forgiving on the grill, chicken breast can be used if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook, as breast meat can dry out faster.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least one hour is necessary for the flavors to start penetrating the meat, but marinating overnight or up to 24 hours results in the best taste and tenderness.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! You can cook Shish Tawook on a grill pan, cast iron skillet, or even broil the skewers in the oven. Just watch them closely to get a nice char without burning.

Is it necessary to use yogurt in the marinade?

Yogurt is key for tenderizing and adding moisture, but if you need a substitute, try buttermilk or a mix of lemon juice and olive oil, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Can I prepare the skewers in advance?

Yes! You can marinate and skewer the chicken a day ahead, keeping everything covered and refrigerated until it’s time to cook. This makes for an easy and flavorful meal prep option.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about Shish Tawook: Middle Eastern Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe — it brings warmth and excitement to any table with its vibrant marinade and juicy, tender chicken. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or trying it for the first time, this recipe welcomes you with open arms and mouthwatering results. So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy this delicious Middle Eastern treasure that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!

Shish Tawook: Middle Eastern Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need