Shish Tawook: Lebanese Chicken Skewers

Yield: 4–6 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 4–12 hours marinating)
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes

Ingredients

For Shish Tawook/Chicken

• 2½ lb (1.1 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1½-inch cubes

• ½ cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt

• ¼ cup olive oil

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

• 8 garlic cloves, finely grated

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 2 tsp Lebanese 7-Spice

• 2 tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Garlic Toum

• 1 cup peeled garlic cloves (about 3 heads)

• 2 tsp kosher salt

• 3 cups neutral oil (grapeseed or canola)

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

• 2–4 tbsp ice water, as needed

For the Charred Tomatoes

• 12–16 vine-ripe Roma or Campari tomatoes

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp dried oregano or za'atar

• Juice of ½ lemon

• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Accompaniments

• Pita bread

• Dill pickles

• Sliced onions tossed with parsley and sumac

• Lemon wedges

Equipment

• Grill (Gas or Charcoal)

• Food Processor

• Wooden Skewers

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

1. Marinate the Chicken

• Whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, tomato paste, paprika, coriander, cumin, salt, pepper, and turmeric.

• Toss chicken until evenly coated.

• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

2. Make the Toum

• In a food processor, blend garlic and salt until finely minced.

• With the processor running, slowly drizzle in half the oil until emulsified.

• Add half the lemon juice.

• Continue alternating oil and lemon juice until incorporated.

• Add ice water if needed to loosen slightly.

• Chill for at least 1 hour.

Yield: Approximately 3½ cups

3. Prepare the Grill

• Heat grill to medium-high (425–450°F / 220–230°C).

• Oil the grates well.

4. Grill the Shish Tawook

• Thread chicken onto soaked skewers.

• Grill 5–6 minutes per side, turning once or twice.

• Cook until lightly charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

• Rest for 5 minutes.

5. Char the Tomatoes

• Toss tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano.

• Grill alongside the chicken for 5–8 minutes, turning occasionally until blistered and softened.

• Finish with lemon juice and parsley.