Shish Tawook chicken, a traditional Lebanese dish, becomes juicy and tender from a simple marinade of fresh lemon juice and garlic. The perfect healthy, low carb chicken dinner recipe.
If I could eat one food every single day for the rest of my life, it would be Lebanese food, without a doubt. Shish Tawook Chicken (also spelled shish taouk), a native dish of Lebanon and Syria, is marinated chicken breasts that are typically grilled on skewers. It’s delicious with Lebanese Rice Pilaf, a big Syrian Salad, wrapped in pita with a side of Traditional Hummus. You can even make it with shrimp in the air fryer! Since we live in Michigan where the grill is covered in snow 75% of the year, for most of the year we sauté the chicken in a pan with a little olive oil. I’ve also broiled the chicken in the oven which works well, too.
Why You’ll Love this Shish Tawook Chicken
- It uses only 5 simple ingredients, that you likely already have!
- A great lean source of protein that the whole family will like.
- Tastes great on its own, but is great in salads or wraps in pita bread. Easy meal prep!
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Large, moist, and meaty part of the chicken that is easily accessible and affordable. Chicken thighs would work as well.
- Lemon juice: Bright and acidic, it works as a great natural tenderizer for meat.
- Lemon zest: Fresh, intense citrus flavor without any of the bitterness.
- Garlic: Nutty, earthy, and strong flavor that pairs well with lemon.
- Olive oil: A great addition to any marinade to add volume to help coat the chicken.
How to Make Shish Tawook Chicken
Step 1. Start your Shish Tawook Chicken by using a microplane to freshly grate your garlic into a large bowl.
Step 2. Drizzle in some olive oil.
Step 3. Use a zester or microplane to freshly zest one lemon into the mix.
Step 4. Once the lemon has been zested, juice it and add it to the bowl.
Add in some salt and pepper for taste, then give it a little whisk.
Step 5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6. Once the marinade is made, take your chicken breast and cut them into cubes.
Step 7. Add your cubed chicken to the bowl, and stir until evenly coated in the marinade. Let sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Step 8. When ready to cook, preheat a large skillet over medium high heat and add a bit of olive oil. Add the chicken along with any remaining juices, and cook until golden browned.
Serve your Lebanese Shish Tawook Chicken garnished with fresh parsley, and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between chicken shawarma and chicken tawook?
Is shish tawook healthy?
How do you store leftover tawook chicken?
More Lebanese Recipes
- Classic Hummus with Toasted Pine Nuts
- Garlicky Greens with Caramelized Onions (Hindbeh)
- Grilled Chicken Shawarma
- Lebanese Hushwee Rice
- Roasted Garlic Hummus
Eat It, Like It, Share it!
Did you try this recipe and love it? The next time you make it, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your meal.
If you need some inspiration, leftover Shish Tawook Chicken tastes delicious wrapped in a pita with cucumber laban and hummus. Let me know how you like it in the comments!
Your fork is waiting.
Shish Tawook Chicken
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts cubes in a glass bowl or large resealable plastic bag.20 ounces boneless
- Add lemon juice, zest, grated garlic, salt and pepper to the chicken toss until chicken is evenly coated with marinade. Refrigerate for 20 minutes or up to overnight.1 juice and zest of lemon, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Heat pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add chicken to the pan along with all of the marinade. Sauté chicken, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Serve with fresh minced parsley on top.fresh parsley to serve
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