Name: Authentic Lebanese Chicken Tawook Skewers – Juicy, Smoky & Packed with Flavor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-491326H45M55S
Ingredients: 600g chicken breast or thigh fillets, cut into chunks; 150g Greek-style yoghurt; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp white pepper; 1 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp sweet paprika; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp tomato purée; Metal or wooden skewers (soaked if wooden)

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Discovering the Magic of Chicken Tawook

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of sitting down to a proper Lebanese meal, chances are you’ve come across Chicken Tawook. These juicy, marinated chicken skewers are a Middle Eastern favourite—served up with soft pitta, creamy garlic sauce, and maybe some zingy pickled turnips on the side. Whether you’re familiar with it or totally new, this recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen.

What makes Chicken Tawook so special is the yogurt-based marinade—it tenderizes the chicken beautifully while infusing it with warm, smoky, citrusy flavors. Think garlic, lemon, cumin, paprika, and just the right touch of tomato to round things out. And when those chicken pieces hit the grill? That char and sizzle takes it all to the next level.

This dish is not only delicious, but incredibly simple to prepare. You’ll need a handful of ingredients, a good marinating window, and either a grill pan or barbecue. Perfect for midweek meals, backyard cookouts, or your next Mediterranean-inspired dinner night.

🧾 Ingredients for Chicken Tawook

You only need a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients to make this dish shine:

600g chicken breast or thigh fillets, cut into chunky cubes

150g Greek-style yoghurt
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp salt
½ tsp white pepper
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp sweet paprika
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp tomato purée
Metal or wooden skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)

👩‍🍳 Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yoghurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, white pepper, cumin, paprika, olive oil, and tomato purée. Mix until you have a smooth, creamy marinade.

This marinade doesn’t just flavour the meat—it also tenderizes it, thanks to the natural enzymes in yoghurt and lemon juice. That’s what gives Chicken Tawook its famously soft texture.

🍗 Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the cubed chicken to the bowl and coat every piece well. Cover with cling film (or use a zip-lock bag) and place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. For best results, marinate overnight—you’ll be rewarded with chicken that’s absolutely packed with flavour.

🔥 Step 3: Prep the Grill

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaked to avoid burning. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.

Coming up in Part 2: We’ll get grilling, talk about how to get that perfect char, and share a few serving tips to turn this dish into a complete meal everyone will rave about.

Grilling to Perfection + Serving Tips for Chicken Tawook

Now that your Chicken Tawook skewers are prepped and marinated to perfection, it’s time for the best part—grilling. Whether you’re firing up the barbecue or using a grill pan indoors, this is where that beautiful smoky flavour really comes to life.

🔥 Step 4: Grill the Skewers

Once your grill is hot and ready, place the skewers directly over medium-high heat. Let them cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, turning every few minutes to make sure all sides get those gorgeous, charred grill marks.

You’ll know the chicken is done when:

The outside is nicely browned with a little charring,
The juices run clear, and
The internal temperature hits 75°C (165°F).

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re cooking indoors, a cast iron grill pan will give you the best sear. Preheat it until it’s smoking slightly before adding the skewers.

🍽️ Step 5: Time to Serve

Once cooked, let the skewers rest for a minute or two. Then it’s time to serve—and trust me, this is where you can really get creative.

Here are some classic Lebanese-inspired serving ideas:

Warm pitta or flatbread – the perfect wrap base
Garlic sauce (toum) – creamy, garlicky, and addictive
Pickled turnips or cucumbers – for that zippy contrast

Fresh parsley, tomato, and onion salad – light and bright
Lebanese rice or bulgur wheat – for a more filling plate

Whether you go full mezze-style or keep it simple with wraps, the balance of smoky, tangy, and creamy elements is what makes Chicken Tawook so special.

🥗 Bonus Ideas: What to Do With Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (unlikely!), here are a few ways to turn them into a next-day win:

Slice the chicken and toss it into a grain bowl with couscous, cucumber, and hummus.
Add cold skewers to a salad with feta and olives.
Use in a quick wrap with tzatziki and shredded lettuce for lunch on the go.

Coming up in Part 3: Your top Tawook questions answered, plus a final wrap-up on why this dish is such a must-try for fans of easy, flavourful grilling.

Part 3: FAQ + Final Thoughts on Chicken Tawook

Before you head to the kitchen or fire up your grill, let’s cover some of the most common questions that come up about Chicken Tawook.

🧐 FAQ: Chicken Tawook Explained

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs stay extra juicy and are often more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Either cut works great here.

2. Is the yoghurt marinade essential?
Yes—it’s key to tenderising the chicken and creating that classic texture. You could substitute with buttermilk in a pinch, but Greek yoghurt gives the best result.

3. Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Yes. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (fan) for around 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway. You won’t get the same char, but they’ll still taste amazing.

4. How long can I marinate the chicken?
Ideally overnight, but a minimum of 2 hours will still give great results. You can marinate for up to 24 hours safely.

5. Can I freeze marinated chicken?
Yes! Just place the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.

6. What’s the best sauce to serve with it?
Garlic sauce (toum) is the traditional choice, but tahini, tzatziki, or even a quick lemon-garlic mayo all work well.

7. Can I cook the chicken without skewers?
Yes—just cook the marinated chunks directly on a grill pan or bake them in the oven. Skewers are great for presentation but not essential.

🎉 Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tawook Recipe

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and full of flavour, Chicken Tawook is it. The marinade is simple, the cook time is quick, and the end result is incredibly satisfying. You get juicy, spiced chicken with a slight tang, that charred edge, and a whole world of serving possibilities.

Whether you’re grilling for friends or prepping for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. Give it a go, and don’t forget to tag me if you post your plate—I’d love to see how you make it your own!

Happy grilling!

Authentic Lebanese Chicken Tawook Skewers – Juicy, Smoky & Packed with Flavor

Author: Mouad Boulkhiout
Total Time: 30 minutes + marinating

Print Recipe

Description

These Lebanese Chicken Tawook Skewers are marinated in a warm, spiced yoghurt blend and grilled until perfectly juicy and charred. This easy, authentic recipe brings Middle Eastern flavour straight to your table, and pairs beautifully with garlic sauce, pickles, and warm flatbread.

Ingredients

Scale

600g chicken breast or thigh fillets, cut into chunks
150g Greek-style yoghurt
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp salt
½ tsp white pepper
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp sweet paprika
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp tomato purée
Metal or wooden skewers (soaked if wooden)

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix yoghurt, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, olive oil, and tomato purée until smooth.

Add chicken and coat well. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat grill or barbecue to medium-high. Thread chicken onto skewers.
Grill for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and cooked through.