Shish Tawook: How to Make Juicy Lebanese Grilled Chicken Skewers

Name: Shish Tawook
Prep time: 2 h 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

By:

Ruby Bennett

Published:

July 12, 2026

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Shish Tawook

You can never go wrong with grilled meat on a stick, especially when it has been marinated in a tasty sauce before hitting the heat. Shish Tawook, also called Shish Taouk, is a Lebanese and Syrian street food that turns simple chicken into something truly special. The magic is in the creamy, tangy yogurt marinade that tenderizes the meat naturally while packing it with flavor from lemon, garlic, and warm spices. I like to thread the marinated chunks onto skewers and grill them until the edges get a little charred and the inside stays wonderfully juicy. This dish is incredibly easy to make and works well served right off the stick, tucked into warm pita with fresh vegetables, or sliced over a bright salad. For an authentic spin, pair it with tabbouleh, creamy toum garlic sauce, and a sprinkle of sumac onions. You can find a detailed take on this classic recipe over at The Mediterranean Dish.

What Makes Shish Tawook Special

The word “tawook” actually means “chicken” in Turkish, and in Lebanon and Syria, these skewers are a backbone of casual meals and mezze spreads. Unlike a classic shish kebab that might use beef or lamb with a simple oil and onion marinade, Shish Tawook gets its signature character from the yogurt. The natural enzymes in yogurt gently break down the proteins, so even lean cuts come out tender. That creamy, tangy base also helps the spices stick to the meat, creating a beautifully seasoned crust on the grill. In the United States, yogurt based marinades are a healthier alternative to heavy oil based grilling styles, and this one delivers big taste without a lot of fuss. When I serve Shish Tawook alongside hummus, baba ghanoush, and pickled turnips, it turns an ordinary dinner into a little celebration around the table.

Key Ingredients

You need a handful of simple ingredients to build the marinade. The star is plain yogurt, which makes the chicken incredibly tender. Here is what goes into my version for four servings.

Ingredient	Quantity
Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts	1 pound, cut into bite sized pieces
Plain yogurt	1/2 cup
Olive oil	2 tablespoons
Lemon juice	2 tablespoons
Tomato paste	1 tablespoon
Garlic	3 cloves, minced
Paprika	1 teaspoon
Ground cumin	1 teaspoon
Dried oregano	1/2 teaspoon
Salt	1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper	1/2 teaspoon

I prefer boneless skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work nicely too, especially if you do not overcook them. For another yogurt based marinade idea, take a look at my grilled chicken marinade recipe.

How to Make the Marinade

Making the marinade is as simple as stirring everything together. In a mixing bowl, whisk the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, tomato paste, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat every single one. Cover the bowl and let it rest in the refrigerator. For the most tender, deeply flavored result, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. I do not recommend going past 24 hours, or the acid can make the texture a bit mushy. If time is tight, even 20 minutes on the counter will still give you a tasty dish, though the meat will not be quite as tender.

Grilling the Skewers

While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes so they will not burn on the grill. When you are ready to cook, heat your grill to medium high, around 375 to 400 degrees F. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers without crowding them; a little space between each cube helps the heat circulate and ensures even cooking. Grill the skewers, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F and you see those beautiful charred edges. This usually takes about 10 minutes total. If you do not have an outdoor grill, you can absolutely use a broiler or a cast iron grill pan on the stovetop. I have also baked them in a 400 degree F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway, and then given them a quick broil at the end for extra color.

A yogurt marinade is forgiving, but too much lemon juice or vinegar can toughen the meat. Always balance the acidity with a good glug of olive oil.

Serving Ideas

Once the skewers come off the grill, I like to dust them with a pinch of sumac or Aleppo pepper flakes for a little extra zing. Traditional sides make the meal complete: warm pita bread, fluffy rice pilaf, grilled vegetables, and a generous spoonful of toum, that creamy Lebanese garlic sauce that is an emulsion of garlic, oil, lemon, and salt. Pickled turnips and a handful of fresh parsley or mint add brightness and crunch. You can also pull the chicken off the skewers and pile it into gyros, wraps, or hearty salads. For a full Lebanese spread, serve Shish Tawook alongside hummus, tabbouleh, and baba ghanoush. If you love this approach, check out my authentic shish tawook recipe for another take on these irresistible skewers.

Tips and Common Mistakes

A few small things make a big difference when you make Shish Tawook at home. First, do not skip the soaking step for wooden skewers; dry skewers catch fire fast on a hot grill. Second, cut the chicken into similar sized pieces so everything cooks evenly. Third, resist the urge to pack the skewers too tightly. Leaving a bit of room between the pieces lets the heat do its job and gives you those caramelized edges. Fourth, remember that the yogurt is doing the tenderizing work, so there is no need to add extra lemon juice beyond what is in the recipe. Fifth, always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to hit exactly 165 degrees F without drying out the meat. Finally, let the skewers rest for a couple of minutes after grilling so the juices settle back into the chicken. These small habits turn a good batch of skewers into a great one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is shish tawook?

Shish tawook is a popular Lebanese dish of marinated chicken skewers, typically grilled over charcoal. The chicken is marinated in a yogurt based mixture with lemon, garlic, and spices, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. It is often served with garlic sauce (toum), pita bread, and fresh vegetables.

How do you make shish tawook at home?

To make shish tawook, cut boneless chicken breast or thigh into cubes. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, tomato paste, olive oil, and spices like paprika, cumin, and allspice for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight. Thread the chicken onto skewers and grill over medium high heat for 10 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and lightly charred. Serve with toum, pita, and pickled turnips.

What is the difference between shish tawook and shish kebab?

Shish tawook specifically refers to marinated chicken skewers, while shish kebab is a broader term for skewered and grilled meat, which can be beef, lamb, or chicken. Shish tawook uses a yogurt based marinade that tenderizes the chicken, whereas shish kebab marinades vary and often include onions and olive oil. The spices and preparation methods also differ.

How long should you marinate shish tawook?

For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate shish tawook for at least 2 hours. Overnight marination (8 12 hours) is ideal, as the yogurt and lemon juice help break down the chicken proteins, resulting in juicier meat. Avoid marinating longer than 24 hours, as the acid can make the chicken mushy.

What are the best side dishes to serve with shish tawook?

Traditional sides include toum (Lebanese garlic sauce), warm pita bread, fresh tabbouleh salad, fattoush, hummus, baba ghanoush, grilled vegetables, and pickled turnips. For a lighter meal, serve with a simple cucumber and tomato salad or rice pilaf. In the United States, it is also common to pair with grilled corn or a Greek salad.

Is shish tawook healthy?

Shish tawook can be a healthy choice when made with lean chicken breast and grilled without excessive oil. The yogurt marinade adds protein and calcium, while spices provide antioxidants. However, the accompanying sauces and bread can add calories. For a lower carb option, serve with salad instead of pita. A typical serving of chicken skewers (about 4 ounces) has around 200 250 calories.

Shish Tawook: How to Make Juicy Lebanese Grilled Chicken Skewers