Shish Taouk, or Tawook, is a traditional Lebanese grilled chicken dish, marinated to perfection with a blend of Mediterranean spices, yogurt, and lemon juice. This savory recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful bite with a zesty yogurt sauce that complements the tender chicken. Perfect for family meals, backyard barbecues, or any special occasion, Shish Taouk is simple to make yet bursting with flavor. The use of yogurt in the marinade helps tenderize the chicken, ensuring it remains moist while grilling, and the spices create an authentic Middle Eastern experience right in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
Chicken & Marinade:
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon baharat (Lebanese spice mix)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon sumac
- 4 wooden skewers, soaked in water
Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- ¼ cup cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried mint
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, tomato paste, salt, baharat, black pepper, oregano, cayenne pepper, paprika, and sumac. Mix thoroughly.
- Marinate the Chicken: Incorporate the diced chicken into the marinade, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, ideally overnight, to enable the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prepare the Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred on the outside—about 12-15 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Make the Yogurt Sauce: While the chicken is grilling, prepare the yogurt sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt, cucumber (if using), garlic, lemon juice, cayenne, mint, and salt. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly blended, then place it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy.
- Serve: After grilling the chicken, take it off the heat and allow it to sit for a few minutes to retain its juices. Serve the Shish Taouk hot, alongside the yogurt sauce, with warm pita bread, rice, or salad.
Conclusion:
This Lebanese Shish Taouk recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the bold flavors of the Middle East. The marinated chicken skewers are juicy, perfectly seasoned, and paired with a cooling yogurt sauce that adds a refreshing tang to each bite. Whether you’re grilling for a summer barbecue or preparing a family dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
Authentic Lebanese Shish Taouk with Tangy Yogurt Sauce
Tender, marinated chicken skewers grilled toperfection, served with a refreshing yogurt sauce. This Shish Taouk is aclassic Lebanese dish that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade:
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon baharat Lebanese spice mix
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon sumac
- 4 wooden skewers soaked in water
Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- ¼ cup cucumber peeled, seeded, and diced (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried mint
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, tomato paste, salt, baharat, black pepper, oregano, cayenne pepper, paprika, and sumac. Mix thoroughly.
- Marinate the Chicken: Incorporate the diced chicken into the marinade, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, ideally overnight, to enable the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prepare the Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred on the outside—about 12-15 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Make the Yogurt Sauce: While the chicken is grilling, prepare the yogurt sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt, cucumber (if using), garlic, lemon juice, cayenne, mint, and salt. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly blended, then place it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy.
- Serve: After grilling the chicken, take it off the heat and allow it to sit for a few minutes to retain its juices. Serve the Shish Taouk hot, alongside the yogurt sauce, with warm pita bread, rice, or salad.