Shish Tawook (Lebanese Marinated Chicken Skewers)

Bite-size pieces of both (boneless and skinless) chicken thighs and thin-cut chicken breasts marinated in fresh squeezed lemon juice, lots of garlic and a plethora of spices. Threaded onto wooden skewers and grilled, chicken tawook can be dunked into garlic dip or placed in warm pita bread and top with tomatoes, cucumber and onion for a sandwich or on top of a veggie-loaded salad.

Course Mains & Entrees

Cuisine Middle Eastern

Keyword chicken, grilled, kebabs, Lebanese, marinated, quick

Prep Time 45

Cook Time 8

Total Time 53

Servings servings

Calories 224

Author Laurie McNamara

Ingredients

1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into large pieces
1 pound boneless skinless, thin-cut chicken breasts, cut into large pieces
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
3/4 teaspoon ground sumac
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground clove
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
4 cloves garlic grated
1 large lemon juiced
2 tablespoons extra light olive oil or other light flavorless oil
10 to 12 wooden skewers soaked for at least 1 or more hours in water
minced parsley for serving

Instructions

In a large bowl toss chicken with salt, cardamom, sumac, oregano, paprika, cinnamon, white pepper, ground clove and nutmeg. Grate in the garlic and squeeze in the juice from a large and juicy lemon. Lastly, pour the oil.
Toss to combine, cover and marinate on the counter for 20-30 minutes.
Meanwhile preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 500°).
Once the chicken has marinated, thread onto the soaked skewers. Alternating between thigh and breast meat so each skewer has a little of both.
Place the skewers on the hot grill grates, immediately turn the heat down to medium and close the cover. Cook for only a few minutes before using tongs and turning the kebabs. Once the chicken is fully cooked (after about 5 to 8 minutes) remove from the grill.
Slide chicken off of the skewers and serve as is, in pita with tomato, cucumber and onion as a sandwich or on top of a salad. Either way, be sure to serve it with garlic sauce.

Nutrition