🍋 Shish Taouk (Grilled Chicken Skewers)

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If Shish Kabob is bold and beefy, then Shish Taouk is zesty, bright, and impossibly juicy. This Lebanese-inspired grilled chicken recipe is marinated in yogurt, garlic, lemon, and warm spices, giving it that signature tang and tenderness. It’s a recipe I grew up eating at family gatherings, and now it’s a staple at my own dinner parties.
Served with rice, pickled veggies, or a big green salad, these skewers are a total crowd-pleaser—especially hot off the grill.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1.5" pieces

  • 3/4 cup plain whole milk yogurt

  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • Optional: a pinch of cayenne for a little heat

🥄 Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken
    In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice and zest, garlic, tomato paste, olive oil, and spices. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.

  2. Skewer & Prep
    If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers (about 4–5 pieces per skewer).

  3. Grill Time
    Preheat your grill (or grill pan) over medium-high heat. Brush with oil, then cook the skewers for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Internal temp should hit 165°F.

  4. Serve It Up
    Garnish with fresh parsley or mint and a squeeze of lemon. Pair with roz bil shareya, fattoush, or grilled seasonal veggies.

🍴 Eat With the Seasons

If it's spring or summer, try serving these with grilled asparagus, zucchini, or a tomato-cucumber salad. In fall, roasted squash or a warm lentil salad balances the brightness beautifully.

🌟 The Takeaway

This recipe is everything I love about cooking: bright, seasonal ingredients, nostalgic flavors, and the magic that happens when you feed your people something made with love. Whether you’re celebrating something big or just craving grilled chicken that actually tastes like something—this one’s for you.

Want to see how I served Shish Taouk and other family favorites at my May dinner party celebrating our journey as Egyptians in America? Check out the full post here.