Chicken Tawook (Shish Tawook) – Juicy Lebanese Grilled Chicken Skewers

This Chicken Tawook (Shish Tawook) is a classic Lebanese grilled chicken dish made with tender marinated chicken, garlic, lemon, yogurt, and warm spices. The yogurt-based marinade keeps the chicken incredibly juicy while adding bright Mediterranean flavor that pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables, warm flatbread, and creamy sauces.

This dish is also part of our Mediterranean Diet Recipes: Healthy, Flavorful Meals for Everyday Cooking, where you’ll find fresh salads, seafood dinners, plant-based meals, and balanced Mediterranean dishes perfect for everyday cooking.

Traditionally served as skewers or wrapped in warm pita, chicken tawook is a staple across Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. It pairs beautifully with Homemade Hummus, Tzatziki Sauce, and fresh salads like Cucumber Tomato Olive Salad with Lemon Dressing. For a complete Mediterranean-style meal, serve it alongside Mediterranean Lentil Salad or build a full platter with rice, grilled vegetables, and warm Yogurt Flatbread.

Why You’ll Love This

• Juicy grilled chicken with bright lemon-garlic flavor

• Classic Mediterranean yogurt marinade that keeps the chicken tender

• Perfect for grilling, oven roasting, or skewers

• Great for meal prep, wraps, bowls, or Mediterranean platters

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes Marinate Time: 1–8 hours (recommended) Cook Time: 12–15 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes active Servings: 4

Nutrition Information

(Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 360 kcal

• Protein: 38 g

• Carbohydrates: 4 g

• Fat: 20 g

• Saturated Fat: 4 g

• Fiber: 0 g

• Sugar: 2 g

• Sodium: 420 mg

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1½ lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks

• ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp oregano

• ½ tsp cumin

• ½ tsp turmeric (optional, for color)

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

For Serving

• warm pita or flatbread

• sliced cucumbers and tomatoes

• pickled red onions (optional)

• hummus or garlic sauce

• chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, oregano, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper until smooth.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for a deeper flavor.

3. Assemble Skewers

Thread marinated chicken onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20 minutes first.

4. Cook the Chicken

Grill over medium-high heat for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly charred.

Oven method: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until cooked through.

5. Serve

Remove from skewers and serve with warm pita, fresh vegetables, and your favorite Mediterranean dips.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for extra juicy grilled skewers

• Add vegetables to skewers like bell peppers or onions

• Bake or grill, depending on the season

• Serve in wraps or bowls with rice, hummus, and fresh herbs

Make-Ahead & Storage

Chicken tawook is excellent for meal prep.

• Store cooked chicken in the refrigerator for 3–4 days

• Reheat gently in a skillet or oven

• Marinated raw chicken can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours

FAQ

What is Chicken Tawook?

Chicken tawook (also called shish tawook) is a Lebanese grilled chicken dish made with yogurt, garlic, lemon, and spices, typically cooked on skewers.

Can I cook it without skewers?

Yes. You can roast the marinated chicken on a sheet pan or cook it in a grill pan.

Is chicken tawook Mediterranean diet-friendly?

Yes. The recipe uses lean protein, olive oil, yogurt, and fresh herbs — all staples of Mediterranean-style eating.

What should I serve with chicken tawook?

It pairs well with pita, rice, hummus, salads, and grilled vegetables.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Tawook (Shish Tawook) is one of the easiest ways to bring authentic Mediterranean flavors into your kitchen. With a simple yogurt marinade, bright citrus, and warm spices, it creates tender, flavorful chicken that works beautifully in wraps, bowls, or full Mediterranean platters. Whether you’re grilling for a summer dinner or preparing a cozy meal at home, this dish is a versatile recipe you’ll come back to again and again.