Lebanese Chicken Shish Taouk

Make juicy Lebanese Chicken Shish Taouk with a flavorful yogurt, lemon and garlic marinade. These Middle Eastern grilled chicken skewers are perfect with pita, salad and garlic yogurt dip for an easy Mediterranean meal.

When I want a meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen, I turn to Lebanese Chicken Shish Taouk. Tender chunks of chicken soak up a vibrant marinade of yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, tomato paste, and warm spices before hitting the grill. The result is juicy, flavour-packed chicken with just the right amount of char.

Across Lebanon and much of the Middle East, cooks have relied on this simple combination of ingredients for generations. Yogurt tenderizes the chicken, lemon brightens every bite, and garlic brings the bold savoury flavour making Shish Taouk so memorable.

I love serving these Lebanese chicken skewers straight from the grill with warm pita bread and a generous dollop of garlic yogurt dip. For gatherings, though, take things a step further and build a full Middle Eastern chicken platter with fresh salads, pickles, olives, and dips. It looks impressive, feeds a crowd with ease, and lets everyone build their perfect plate.

Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue, prepping lunches for the week, or looking for a new Mediterranean chicken recipe to add to your rotation, this Lebanese Chicken Shish Taouk delivers every time.

What is Shish Taouk?

Shish Taouk, sometimes spelled Shish Tawook, is a popular Lebanese chicken dish made by marinating chunks of chicken in yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and spices before grilling them on skewers.The word “shish” refers to the skewer, while “taouk” refers to chicken. The dish is enjoyed throughout Lebanon and the Middle East and is commonly served with pita bread, garlic sauce, fresh vegetables, rice, and pickles.

Unlike chicken shawarma, that’s cooked on a rotating spit and shaved into thin slices, Chicken Shish Taouk consists of marinated chicken pieces grilled directly over high heat, resulting in juicy, smoky Lebanese chicken kebabs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy, tender chicken every time
• Easy make-ahead recipe
• Perfect for grilling season
• Packed with Middle Eastern flavours
• Naturally high in protein
• Great for meal prep
• Easy to adapt for oven, grill, or air fryer cooking
• Ideal for entertaining and sharing platters

Turn Shish Taouk Into a Middle Eastern Feast

While Lebanese Chicken Shish Taouk makes a fantastic main dish on its own, I often build an entire Middle Eastern chicken platter around it. The combination of grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, warm bread, and creamy dips creates a meal that feels generous, colourful, and perfect for sharing.

Start with the Chicken Shish Taouk skewers as the centrepiece. Arrange them on a large platter and surround them with warm pita bread, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon wedges. Add a bowl of garlic yogurt dip or traditional toum for plenty of creamy contrast.

Next, bring in a few classic mezze-style accompaniments. Hummus, olives, pickled cucumbers, and pickled turnips all pair beautifully with the smoky grilled chicken. The pickles cut through the richness of the marinade, while the hummus adds a creamy, earthy element that rounds out the meal.

If you’re serving guests, add a crisp fattoush or cucumber tomato salad. The fresh vegetables balance the grilled chicken and make the platter feel lighter and more vibrant.

One of the best things about a Middle Eastern chicken platter is how flexible it is. Some guests pile everything into pita bread, while others build salad bowls or enjoy the chicken alongside rice. No matter how you serve it, the combination of Lebanese chicken skewers, fresh vegetables, and flavourful dips always disappears quickly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lebanese Chicken Shish Taouk with:

• Warm pita bread
• Garlic yogurt dip or toum
• Hummus
• Tabbouleh or fattoush salad
• Rice pilaf or couscous
• Pickled vegetables
• Fresh cucumber and tomato salad
• Lemon wedges

Tips for Perfect Chicken Shish Taouk

• Marinate overnight whenever possible for maximum flavour.
• Avoid overcrowding the skewers.
• Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for extra juicy results.
• Let the chicken rest before serving.
• Grill over medium-high heat to achieve a beautiful char while keeping the chicken moist.
• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

Storing Instructions

• Store leftover Chicken Shish Taouk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet, air fryer, oven, or microwave until warmed through.

Make Ahead

• Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
• Thread onto skewers a few hours before cooking and refrigerate until ready to grill.
• Prepare the dips, salad, and platter components ahead of time and assemble just before serving.

Meal Prep

Store the cooked chicken separately from salads and bread. Pair with rice, couscous, roasted vegetables, or fresh salad for easy lunches and dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

• Before Cooking – Freeze the chicken in its marinade in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
• After Cooking – Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until piping hot.

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