Shish Tawook

Love this skewer recipe? Check out my Lebanese Grilled Chicken Skewers with Pomegranate Molasses too! If you never tried molasses before, you'll be amazed!

Instructions

Step 1

In a skillet, add the extra virgin olive oil, garlic, tomato sauce, paprika, 7-spice mix, and oregano.

Cook at low heat for just a few minutes, enough for the spicy oil to start sizzling and absorb all the essence of the other ingredients.

Remove from the heat and let the oil down completely. You can speed this up by transferring the oil to a bowl with a silicone spatula and place in the fridge.

Step 2

Dice the chicken into medium-sized cubes. Toss them in a bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 3

Pour the sauce we prepared earlier on the chicken together with the lemon juice and mix well.

Now, add the yoghurt and thoroughly mix everything before leaving the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour.

Step 4

Now, skewer the chicken using metal skewers.

Keep any excess marinade if you are going to barbecue to skewers.

If you only have wooden skewers, I recommend leaving them to soak in water for around 30 minutes to keep them from burning.

You can optionally interleave the chicken with your favourite vegetables. Cherry tomatoes and peppers are a good option.

Step 5

Time to grill!

Ideally, you will barbecue the shish tawook for around 10-15 minutes or until nice and charred. If so, you can brush the excess marinade while you rotate the skewers on the grill for extra juiciness.

Alternatively, you can cook them in the oven using the grilling-mode function and setting the temperature to the max. Cooking until nice and charred.

Time to enjoy your gorgeous Lebanese chicken skewers sizzling and hot!

Tips

You can either buy the Lebanese 7-spice mix or make it yourself by mixing the following spices in equal measure: allspice, coriander, cinnamon, pepper, cloves, cumin, and nutmeg.

Goes well with

Looking for something epic to wrap these tender chicken bits in? Try out this cheesy Lebanese flatbread! Prefer plain flatbread or pita bread instead? Then, splash the wrap with a spoonful of my classic hummus before laying in the chicken for ultimate juiciness.

FAQ

What cut of chicken is best for Shish Tawook?

Chicken breasts are the most common cut used for Shish Tawook. They are lean and cook relatively quickly. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used, offering a slightly richer flavor.

What is the best way to marinate the chicken?

Marinating the chicken for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, allows the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat.

What yogurt is best for the marinade?

Plain whole-milk yogurt is preferred for its creamy texture and mild tang that complements the spices.

Can I use a different type of yogurt?

Low-fat yogurt can be used, but the marinade might be thinner. You might need to adjust the amount of lemon juice or add a thickening agent like cornstarch.

What are the key spices in the marinade?

Common spices include garlic, lemon juice, paprika, allspice, and sometimes cumin.

I like to use 7-Spice mix as a base because it contains many of the classic Lebanese spices in one place.

Can I substitute any spices?

If you are using individual spices and not the premade 7-Spice mix, you can adjust the spices based on your preference. For example, if you don't like allspice, you can use a combination of ground cloves and cinnamon.

What kind of skewers should I use?

Metal skewers are preferred because they can be preheated to help sear the chicken and prevent sticking. Wooden skewers need to be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent burning.

How long do I cook Shish Tawook?

The cooking time depends on the thickness of the chicken pieces and the heat source. Typically, they cook for 5-7 minutes per side on a grill or grill pan, or until cooked through.

What is the best way to tell if the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest piece of chicken. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

What can I serve with Shish Tawook?

Shish Tawook is typically served with pita bread, rice, grilled vegetables like onions and peppers, and a dipping sauce like garlic sauce or tahini sauce.

Can I make Shish Tawook ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and assemble the skewers. However, it's best to cook them just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.