Authentic Shish Tawook is one of the most famous Lebanese grilled chicken dishes, known for its tender texture and bold garlic-lemon flavor. These juicy chicken skewers are marinated in a yogurt-based marinade with garlic, lemon juice, and spices, then grilled until perfectly charred and flavorful.

Shish Tawook is commonly served in pita wraps with garlic sauce (toum), pickles, and vegetables, or plated with rice and salad. The yogurt marinade is the secret that makes the chicken incredibly tender and juicy.

This recipe is easy to make and perfect for grilling season, family dinners, or meal prep.

What Is Shish Tawook?

Shish Tawook is a traditional Lebanese grilled chicken skewer dish. The chicken is marinated in yogurt, garlic, lemon, tomato paste, and spices, then grilled on skewers until slightly charred.

It’s commonly served as:

Skewers with rice
Pita wraps with garlic sauce
Chicken plates with salad and fries

It’s one of the most popular Middle Eastern chicken recipes.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

1½ lbs (700g) chicken breast, cut into cubes
½ cup plain yogurt
3 tablespoons lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon cinnamon

For Serving:

Pita bread
Garlic sauce (toum)
Pickles
Tomatoes
Lettuce
Lemon wedges

Instructions

Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, tomato paste, olive oil, paprika, salt, pepper, oregano, and cinnamon.
Marinate the Chicken
Add chicken cubes and mix well. Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Assemble Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
Grill the Chicken
Grill on medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
Serve
Serve with pita bread, garlic sauce, pickles, and vegetables.

Oven Method (No Grill)

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
Place skewers on baking sheet
Bake for 18–20 minutes
Broil for 2–3 minutes for char

Air Fryer Method

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C)
Cook skewers for 10–12 minutes
Turn halfway through cooking

Tips for the Best Shish Tawook

Marinate Overnight
The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.

Use Yogurt
Yogurt tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor.

Don’t Overcook
Chicken breast can dry out if overcooked.

Use Metal Skewers
They cook more evenly than wooden skewers.

What to Serve with Shish Tawook

Lebanese rice
Pita bread
Garlic sauce (toum)
Pickles
Fattoush salad
Hummus
French fries

Shish Tawook is often served as a wrap with garlic sauce and pickles — one of the most popular Lebanese street foods.

Storage and Meal Prep

Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze marinated raw chicken for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Reheat in oven or air fryer until warm.

This recipe is great for meal prep and can be used in wraps, bowls, salads, or sandwiches.

Garlic Sauce (Toum) Quick Recipe

4 garlic cloves
½ cup oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Pinch of salt

Blend until thick and creamy.

Final Thoughts

Authentic Shish Tawook is one of the most delicious and popular Lebanese chicken dishes. The yogurt marinade makes the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful, while grilling adds a delicious smoky flavor.

Serve it with pita, garlic sauce, pickles, and vegetables for a truly authentic Lebanese meal at home. It’s easy to make, perfect for meal prep, and always a crowd favorite.

If you love grilled chicken, this Lebanese Shish Tawook recipe will become one of your favorite meals.