How to Make Shish Tawook: A Delicious Lebanese Chicken Kebab

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Shish Tawook (sometimes spelled shish taouk) is a classic Middle Eastern dish consisting of marinated chicken cubes skewered and grilled to juicy perfection. Originating from Lebanese and Turkish cuisine, this dish is now loved across the Arab world and beyond. It’s fragrant, healthy, and incredibly flavourful—perfect for summer barbecues or easy midweek meals.

In this post, you’ll learn how to make shish tawook at home using British English and easy-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, this recipe guarantees restaurant-quality results.

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🔍 What is Shish Tawook?

The word shish means skewer, and tawook (derived from Turkish tavuk) means chicken. Shish tawook is made with boneless chicken breast or thigh pieces marinated in yoghurt, garlic, lemon juice, and spices, then grilled or baked until beautifully charred and tender.

It’s often served with garlic sauce (toum), flatbread, pickles, and salad, making it a perfect balanced meal.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade (Serves 4):

500g boneless chicken breast or thigh, cut into chunks

3 tablespoons plain yoghurt

2 tablespoons tomato purée

Juice of 1 lemon

4 garlic cloves, crushed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon ground paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Serving:

Flatbreads or pita

Garlic sauce (toum) or hummus

Pickled turnips or gherkins

Chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and onions

Lemon wedges

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🍗 How to Make Shish Tawook

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine the yoghurt, tomato purée, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and spices. Mix well to form a thick marinade.

Add the chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible for deeper flavour.

2. Skewer the Chicken

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. You can also alternate with vegetables like red onion, bell peppers, or courgettes if you like.

3. Grill or Cook the Chicken

BBQ or Grill: Preheat your barbecue or grill pan to medium-high. Grill the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred on the outside and cooked through.

Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C). Place the skewers on a foil-lined tray and roast for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through.

Air Fryer: Cook at 200°C for 12–15 minutes, turning once.

Ensure the chicken is golden and cooked through with no pink in the centre.

4. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the shish tawook hot with flatbread, garlic sauce or hummus, pickles, and a simple salad. Wrap it all together for a satisfying shawarma-style wrap, or plate it up with rice and grilled vegetables.

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📝 Tips for Perfect Shish Tawook

Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness, although chicken breast is leaner and still works well.

Marinate overnight for maximum flavour.

Tomato purée and yoghurt help tenderise the chicken and add a vibrant colour.

Char the skewers slightly for that authentic smoky BBQ flavour.

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📌 

How to make shish tawook

Homemade Lebanese chicken kebab

Easy shish tawook recipe

Shish tawook marinade

Grilled Middle Eastern chicken

Lebanese chicken skewers recipe

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🌟 Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make shish tawook, it’s time to bring this Middle Eastern favourite into your own kitchen. With its tender, flavour-packed chicken and fresh accompaniments, shish tawook is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you serve it wrapped in flatbread, over rice, or as part of a mezze platter, this dish will transport your taste buds to the streets of Beirut or Damascus. Give it a try—and enjoy the flavours of the Levant at home.

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.