How To Make Lebanese Shish Tawook (Chicken Kebab)

How To Make Lebanese Shish Tawook (Chicken Kebab) is a medium Lebanese recipe that serves 4. 710 calories per serving. Recipe by Henrys HowTos on YouTube.

Prep: 8 hrs 18 min | Cook: 14 min | Total: 8 hrs 47 min

Cost: $12.35 total, $3.09 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Chicken Breast (skinless, boneless, diced into bite‑size pieces)
  • 1 cup Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed from about 4–5 lemons)
  • 5 Garlic Cloves (peeled and crushed)
  • 0.25 cup Olive Oil (extra‑virgin recommended)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 tbsp Salt (kosher or table salt)
  • 1 tbsp Dried Oregano
  • 0.5 tbsp Dried Thyme
  • 1 tbsp Red Sumac (provides a tangy, lemony flavor)
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt (plain, full‑fat)
  • 1 Brown Onion (coarsely diced)

Instructions

  1. Dice the Chicken

    Trim any fat from the chicken breasts and cut into uniform bite‑size cubes (about 1‑inch pieces).

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prepare the Marinade

    In a large mixing bowl whisk together lemon juice, crushed garlic, olive oil, black pepper, salt, dried oregano, dried thyme, sumac, and Greek yogurt until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Dice the Onion

    Peel the brown onion and coarsely dice it; it will add texture and sweetness to the kebabs.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Combine Chicken, Onion, and Marinade

    Add the diced chicken and onion to the bowl with the marinade. Toss until every piece is evenly coated.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Marinate Overnight

    Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours (overnight) to let the flavors penetrate.

    Time: PT8H

    Temperature: 4°C

  6. Give a Quick Mix Before Grilling

    Remove the bowl from the fridge, give the mixture a quick stir to re‑coat the pieces.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Preheat the Grill

    Heat the grill (or grill pan) to medium‑high, about 400°F (200°C).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 400°F

  8. Skewer the Chicken

    Thread about six chicken pieces onto each metal (or soaked wooden) skewer, leaving a small gap between pieces for even heat circulation.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Grill the Kebabs

    Place the skewers on the hot grill. After 30 seconds, turn each skewer to seal the other side. Continue turning every 30 seconds for a total of about 7 minutes, until the chicken is firm and no longer pink.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: 400°F

  10. Rest and Serve

    Remove the kebabs from the grill, let them rest on a plate for 2 minutes, then serve with flatbread, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of lemon juice.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
710
Protein
60 g
Carbohydrates
8 g
Fat
42 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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How To Make Lebanese Shish Tawook (Chicken Kebab)

Recipe by Henrys HowTos

A juicy, tangy Lebanese‑style chicken kebab marinated in lemon, garlic, sumac, and Greek yogurt, then grilled to perfection. Serve with flatbread, fresh veggies, or rice for a classic Middle Eastern meal.

MediumLebaneseServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
8h 23m
Prep
14m
Cook
1h 2m
Cleanup
9h 39m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.35
Total cost
$3.09
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Ensuring the chicken is fully coated with the yogurt‑lemon marinade.
  • Marinating for at least 8 hours to develop flavor.
  • Leaving small gaps between pieces on the skewer for even cooking.
  • Turning the kebabs every 30 seconds to seal juices and avoid burning.
  • Checking doneness by firmness; the chicken should feel springy.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with separate cutting board and utensils to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Wash hands thoroughly after touching raw poultry.
  • Grill surfaces reach high temperatures; use tongs and wear heat‑proof gloves.
  • If using wooden skewers, ensure they are soaked to prevent burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Lebanese Chicken Kebab in Lebanese cuisine?

A

Lebanese Chicken Kebab, known locally as "Shish Taouk," is a staple of Levantine street food and family gatherings. It reflects the region’s love for grilled meats marinated in citrus, yogurt, and aromatic spices, a tradition dating back to Ottoman‑influenced cooking methods.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Lebanese Chicken Kebab within Lebanese cuisine?

A

In coastal areas, the kebab is often served with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh lemon, while mountain regions may add pomegranate molasses for a sweet‑sour twist. Some villages use a blend of sumac and za'atar instead of just sumac.

cultural
Q

How is Lebanese Chicken Kebab traditionally served in Lebanon?

A

It is typically served on a warm flatbread (khubz) with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a side of garlic‑yogurt sauce. It can also be presented on a platter with rice, grilled tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations is Lebanese Chicken Kebab traditionally enjoyed in Lebanese culture?

A

Shish Taouk is popular at family picnics, Ramadan iftars, and summer barbecues. It’s also a common dish at weddings and festive gatherings because it can be prepared in large batches and served quickly.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Lebanese Chicken Kebab versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include sumac, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and dried oregano. Acceptable substitutes are lemon zest for extra citrus, plain regular yogurt for a lighter texture, and dried thyme or za'atar if sumac is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Lebanese dishes pair well with Lebanese Chicken Kebab?

A

Pair it with tabbouleh, fattoush salad, hummus, or a side of rice pilaf (roz bel laban). A simple cucumber‑tomato salad with mint also balances the kebab’s richness.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Lebanese Chicken Kebab at home?

A

Common errors include over‑marinating (which can make the texture mushy), overcrowding the skewers, and grilling too long, which dries the chicken. Also, not turning the kebabs frequently can cause uneven cooking.

technical
Q

Why does this Lebanese Chicken Kebab recipe use Greek yogurt in the marinade instead of plain oil‑only marinades?

A

Greek yogurt tenderizes the chicken with its mild acidity and adds a creamy mouthfeel, while also helping the spices adhere. The combination of yogurt and lemon juice creates a balanced tang that oil alone cannot achieve.

technical
Q

Can I make Lebanese Chicken Kebab ahead of time and how should I store it before grilling?

A

Yes. After marinating, you can keep the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze the marinated chicken (still on skewers) in a sealed bag; thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Henrys HowTos specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Henrys HowTos specializes in clear, step‑by‑step cooking tutorials that focus on practical home‑cooking techniques, often highlighting Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Henrys HowTos' approach to Lebanese cooking differ from other Middle Eastern cooking channels?

A

Henrys HowTos emphasizes minimal equipment, straightforward ingredient lists, and real‑world timing (like overnight marinating) that fit busy home cooks, whereas many other channels focus on elaborate plating or professional‑grade tools.

channel

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