Shish Taouk (Lebanese Garlic Yogurt Chicken Skewers)
Local name: شيش طاووق
In short: Yogurt, lemon, garlic and tomato paste marinate chunks of chicken that are skewered and grilled until juicy, charred and tender. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Resting
- 4 h
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 410 kcal
Shish taouk is the Lebanese chicken kebab served at every grill house and barbecue, usually with a bowl of toum, the fluffy garlic sauce, and a handful of fries or pickles. The yogurt and lemon marinade tenderizes the chicken, while tomato paste and paprika give it its reddish color. The skewers cook quickly, so keep an eye on them and take them off as soon as the juices run clear.
Instructions
- Whisk the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, tomato paste, garlic, paprika, pepper and salt in a large bowl. Add the chicken and turn to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, up to 12 hours.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Thread the chicken onto the skewers, 5 or 6 pieces each, pressing them together lightly.
- Heat the grill to medium-high and oil the grate. Cook the skewers for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until charred in spots and the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Rest the skewers for 3 minutes, then serve with toum, pickles and warm pita.
Tips
- Chicken breast dries out fast, so do not cook it past 74°C (165°F). Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, and need about 2 more minutes per side.
- No grill? Broil the skewers on a rack 10 cm (4 in) from the heat for 12 to 14 minutes, turning twice, or cook them in a very hot ridged grill pan.
Questions and answers
Can I marinate shish taouk overnight?
Yes, up to 12 hours is fine. Beyond that the lemon juice and yogurt can make the chicken soft and mealy.
What is the difference between shish taouk and chicken shawarma?
Shish taouk is cubed chicken marinated in yogurt, lemon and tomato paste and grilled on skewers. Shawarma is thinly sliced, heavily spiced chicken cooked on a vertical spit, or roasted and sliced at home.
What do you serve with shish taouk?
Toum, pickles, fries, tabbouleh or fattoush and warm pita. A grilled tomato on the side is common.
How long does it take to make Shish Taouk (Lebanese Garlic Yogurt Chicken Skewers)?
About 40 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Shish Taouk (Lebanese Garlic Yogurt Chicken Skewers)?
About 410 kcal per serving, with 56 g of protein, 4 g of carbohydrates and 16 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 410 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 56 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 1300 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
