Authentic Lebanese Shish Taouk Recipe

Name: Authentic Lebanese Shish Taouk Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 skewers
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 1 cup plain yogurt; 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp seven-spice blend; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) cubes)

35 min 4 skewers Easy

All Recipes

Enjoy these juicy Lebanese chicken skewers marinated with yogurt, lemon, and spices, perfect for a flavourful grilled meal.

Prep

20 min

Cook

15 min

Total

35 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Shish Taouk is a popular Lebanese dish that's well-loved for its vibrant flavours and tender, juicy chicken. The secret to its deliciousness lies in the marinade, a fragrant blend of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices that infuses the chicken with a rich and tangy flavour. Perfect for grilling, Shish Taouk is often served with a side of garlic sauce and pickles, offering a delightful contrast that elevates the dish. Whether you're firing up the grill for a family barbecue or seeking a quick weeknight meal, these skewers are sure to impress. The combination of lemon, garlic, and seven-spice blend gives Shish Taouk its distinctive taste, making it a must-try for any lover of Middle Eastern cuisine. The marinade not only imparts flavour but also tenderizes the meat, resulting in perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Instructions

Prepare the marinade

In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, seven-spice blend, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.

Pro tip: Use a whisk to ensure the marinade is smooth.

Marinate the chicken

Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Pro tip: Marinating overnight enhances the flavour.

Preheat the grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 200°C (400°F). If using charcoal, wait until the coals are glowing red with a light grey ash.

Pro tip: Ensure the grill grates are clean and oiled.

Skewer the chicken

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking.

Pro tip: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand.

Grill the chicken

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F) when probed at the thickest part.

Pro tip: Look for a nice char without burning the chicken.

Serve

Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve immediately with garlic sauce and pickles.

Pro tip: Garnish with fresh parsley for added colour.

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Tips & Tricks

Use metal skewers for better heat conduction.
Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavour.
Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning.
Check grill marks to ensure a nice sear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shish Taouk?

Shish Taouk is a traditional Lebanese dish consisting of marinated chicken skewers, typically grilled and served with garlic sauce.

What is chicken taouk?

Chicken Taouk refers to the same dish as Shish Taouk, a marinated chicken skewer popular in Middle Eastern cuisine.

How long should I marinate chicken for Shish Taouk?

For best flavour, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight marination is ideal.

What temperature should chicken be cooked to?

Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to ensure it is safe to eat.

Can I bake Shish Taouk instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.

What is Lebanese seven-spice?

Lebanese seven-spice is a blend of spices including black pepper, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, fenugreek, and ginger.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Shish Taouk with warm pita bread, creamy garlic sauce, and a side of crisp pickles for an authentic Lebanese meal. A fresh tabbouleh salad or a simple cucumber and tomato salad also make excellent accompaniments. If you're planning to make Shish Taouk ahead of time, marinate the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Once cooked, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.