Chicken Shish Tawook: The Ultimate Guide to Authentic Lebanese Skewers

Chicken Shish Tawook, a culinary jewel of the Middle East, is about to become your new favorite grilling obsession! Imagine tender, marinated chicken, bursting with vibrant flavors, perfectly charred on the outside and incredibly juicy on the inside. This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s an experience, a journey to the sun-kissed lands where simple ingredients transform into something truly extraordinary.

Shish Tawook, meaning “grilled skewers” in Turkish, has a rich history, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Ottoman Empire. Passed down through generations, this dish has become a staple in Lebanese, Turkish, and other Middle Eastern cuisines. It’s more than just food; it’s a symbol of hospitality, often shared during celebrations and gatherings.

What makes Chicken Shish Tawook so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors – the tangy lemon juice, the aromatic garlic, the warm spices – all working together to create a symphony of taste. The marinade not only infuses the chicken with incredible flavor but also tenderizes it, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Serve it with fluffy pita bread, creamy hummus, a refreshing salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. Get ready to elevate your grilling game and discover the magic of Shish Tawook!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces

Marinade:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

For Serving (Optional):

• Pita bread, warmed
• Hummus
• Tzatziki sauce
• Lebanese salad (Fattoush or Tabbouleh)
• Rice pilaf

Instructions:

Preparing the Marinade:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice. Make sure the yogurt is smooth and there are no lumps. This will create a creamy base for our marinade.
2. Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried thyme, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper to the yogurt mixture.
3. Whisk all the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and the marinade is a uniform color. Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice depending on your preference. Remember, the marinade is what gives the chicken its amazing flavor!

Marinating the Chicken:

1. Place the cubed chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or a large bowl.
2. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all the pieces are evenly coated. Gently massage the marinade into the chicken to help it penetrate the meat. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor.
3. Seal the bag or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Place the chicken in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become. I usually aim for at least 8 hours for the best results.

Preparing the Vegetables:

1. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Wash and dry the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and red onion.
2. Cut the bell peppers into 1-inch pieces. Try to make them roughly the same size as the chicken cubes so they cook evenly.
3. Cut the red onion into 1-inch pieces. You can separate the layers of the onion if you like, but make sure they are still large enough to stay on the skewers.

Assembling the Shish Tawook Skewers:

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will prevent them from burning on the grill. If using metal skewers, you can skip this step.
2. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator.
3. Thread the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between chicken, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and red onion. You can arrange them in any order you like, but try to keep the skewers balanced with a good mix of chicken and vegetables. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between the pieces to allow for even cooking.
4. Repeat until all the chicken and vegetables are used up. You should have several skewers ready to grill.

Grilling the Shish Tawook:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
2. Place the skewers on the preheated grill.
3. Grill the skewers for about 12-15 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be cooked through and the vegetables should be tender and slightly charred. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. If the vegetables are browning too quickly, you can move the skewers to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat slightly.
5. Once the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Oven Baking Instructions (Alternative to Grilling):

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the assembled skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Turn the skewers halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
4. If you want to add a little color to the skewers, you can broil them for the last few minutes of cooking, but watch them closely to prevent burning.

Serving the Shish Tawook:

1. Serve the Shish Tawook skewers hot off the grill or out of the oven.
2. You can serve them with warm pita bread, hummus, tzatziki sauce, Lebanese salad (Fattoush or Tabbouleh), and rice pilaf.
3. To serve, you can slide the chicken and vegetables off the skewers and arrange them on a platter, or you can serve the skewers whole.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of sumac for added flavor and visual appeal.
5. Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Shish Tawook!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: If you like your Shish Tawook with a little more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skewers, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
• Use different cuts of chicken: You can also use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tend to stay more moist during cooking. Just make sure to cut them into 1-inch cubes as well.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the marinade and cut the vegetables a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the skewers.
• Serve as a wrap: Serve the Shish Tawook in a warm pita bread with your favorite toppings, such as hummus, tzatziki sauce, lettuce, tomato, and onion.
• Lemon Herb Marinade Variation: For a brighter, more herbaceous flavor, try this variation: Omit the tomato paste, smoked paprika, and cumin. Increase the lemon juice to 1/3 cup and add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh mint to the marinade.
• Garlic Lovers’ Delight: If you’re a garlic enthusiast, don’t hesitate to add an extra clove or two of minced garlic to the marinade. The garlic will infuse the chicken with a rich, savory flavor.
• Yogurt Substitute: If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can substitute it with plain yogurt. Just make sure to strain the plain yogurt through a cheesecloth for a few hours to remove excess liquid, making it thicker like Greek yogurt.
• Skewers Alternative: If you don’t have skewers, you can cook the marinated chicken and vegetables in a grill basket or on a baking sheet. Just make sure to stir them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
• Make it a Bowl: Serve the grilled or baked Shish Tawook over a bed of rice pilaf or quinoa, topped with hummus, tzatziki, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This makes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Chicken Shish Tawook recipe is truly a must-try, and I’m not just saying that. The vibrant marinade, bursting with lemon, garlic, and aromatic spices, transforms ordinary chicken into an incredibly flavorful and tender delight. It’s the kind of dish that will transport you straight to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean with every single bite. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

But why is this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and depth of flavor. The ingredients are readily available, the preparation is straightforward, and the results are consistently outstanding. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and incredibly rewarding. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s both delicious and visually appealing. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as the chicken sizzles on the grill, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

Beyond its incredible flavor, this Chicken Shish Tawook is also incredibly versatile. Serve it with fluffy pita bread, creamy hummus, and a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Or, get creative and use the grilled chicken in wraps, salads, or even as a topping for your favorite grain bowl. The possibilities are endless!

Looking for some variations? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little extra heat. Or, experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. You could also marinate the chicken overnight for an even more intense flavor. Another great idea is to grill some vegetables alongside the chicken, such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, for a colorful and nutritious side dish. For a tangy twist, consider adding a tablespoon of pomegranate molasses to the marinade. This will add a subtle sweetness and a beautiful glaze to the chicken.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own! The beauty of cooking is that it’s all about experimentation and finding what works best for you. So, go ahead, unleash your inner chef and create a Chicken Shish Tawook masterpiece that you’ll be proud to share with everyone.

I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser, it’s easy to make, and it’s incredibly delicious. What more could you ask for?

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up the grill (or preheat your oven), and get ready to experience the magic of Chicken Shish Tawook. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

And finally, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking!