Tender chunks of chicken marinated in a tangy garlic-yogurt sauce, threaded onto skewers, and grilled to juicy perfection. This iconic Lebanese grill dish is a staple of every barbecue and restaurant menu.
Ingredients
1 kg chicken breast, cubed
1 cup yogurt
4 cloves garlic, crushed
Juice of 2 lemons
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp white pepper
1 tsp salt
Garlic sauce (toum) for serving
Instructions
1Cut chicken breasts into 3cm cubes. Whisk together yogurt, crushed garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, tomato paste, and all spices.
2Toss chicken cubes in the marinade, ensuring every piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
3Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces to allow even heat circulation and char development.
4Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Brush grates with oil to prevent sticking and ensure clean grill marks on the chicken.
5Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until chicken is charred on edges but still juicy and cooked through.
6Serve immediately on a platter with garlic sauce, pickled vegetables, warm flatbread, and a crisp fattoush salad on the side.
Did You Know?
Every Lebanese restaurant guards its shish tawook marinade recipe like a state secret — the competition for the juiciest version is fierce.