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Easy Mouthwatering Shish Tawook Recipe Perfect Lebanese Chicken Skewers Guide

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This easy Lebanese chicken skewers recipe features a tangy yogurt-based marinade with authentic spices, delivering tender, juicy, and flavorful grilled chicken perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 12 lemons)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon ground sumac (or lemon zest as substitute)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Wooden or metal skewers (wooden soaked in water for 30 minutes)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts. Cut into even 1-inch cubes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, sumac, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir until fully blended.
  3. Add chicken cubes to the marinade and toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4-6 hours.
  4. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  5. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
  6. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grates.
  7. Grill skewers for 5-6 minutes on one side without moving to develop char marks. Flip and grill another 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  8. Remove skewers and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours for best tenderness; longer marinating (4-6 hours or overnight) improves flavor. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F to avoid overcooking. Soak wooden skewers to prevent burning. Medium-high heat is ideal for juicy, flavorful skewers. Can be cooked indoors using a grill pan, broiler, or air fryer.

Nutrition

Keywords: Shish Tawook, Lebanese chicken skewers, grilled chicken, yogurt marinade, Middle Eastern recipe, easy chicken skewers, healthy chicken recipe