Lebanese-Style Chicken Shish Taouk with Creamy Hummus
If you’re searching for an authentic garlic chicken shish taouk recipe packed with bold Middle Eastern flavours, you’ve come to the right place. These juicy grilled chicken skewers are marinated in yogurt, garlic, lemon, and warm spices before being served alongside silky, creamy hummus finished with an olive oil drizzle.
Perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or weekend entertaining, this traditional recipe delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
Table of Contents
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 32 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Lebanese
Course: Main Course
Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving
Ingredients ( garlic chicken shish taouk)
For the Chicken Shish Taouk
- 800g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 4 tablespoons thick Greek yogurt
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Creamy Hummus
- two 400g tins chickpeas, drained (reserve 4 tablespoons of the chickpea liquid)
- 4 tablespoons light tahini
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Ice-cold water (2–3 tablespoons, if needed for texture)
- Sea salt to taste
To Serve
- Warm pita breads
- Quick pickled red onions
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
- Sumac for dusting
How to Make Lebanese Chicken Shish Taouk
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper.
Add the cubed chicken to the bowl and toss thoroughly until every piece is well coated.
Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the marinade to tenderize the meat.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Hummus
Add the drained chickpeas, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and ground cumin to a high-speed food processor.
Blend until thick, then add the reserved chickpea liquid one tablespoon at a time while blending.
If the texture is still too thick, add a splash of ice-cold water. Blend for 3–4 minutes until completely smooth, silky, and pale. Season with salt to taste.
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Thread the marinated chicken cubes tightly onto the skewers, leaving no spaces between the pieces to keep them juicy.
Step 4: Grill
Preheat a charcoal barbecue, outdoor grill, or griddle pan to medium-high heat.
Lightly oil the grates, then place the chicken skewers down. Cook for 5–6 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is beautifully charred and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Spread a generous layer of creamy hummus onto a large serving platter or rustic shallow bowl.
Use the back of a spoon to create a swirl in the hummus, then drizzle extra virgin olive oil into the channels and dust with sumac.
Place the hot grilled chicken skewers directly over the hummus. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with warm pita bread, pickled red onions, and lemon wedges.
Expert Tips for Perfect Shish Taouk
- Use chicken thighs if you prefer extra juicy and forgiving meat that won’t dry out easily on the grill.
- Do not skip the marinating time; the acidity from the lemon and yogurt is vital for breaking down the fibers and keeping the white meat tender.
- Pack the chicken pieces tightly on the skewers to seal in the moisture during high-heat cooking.
- For the smoothest hummus, blend the ingredients while they are cold or add an ice cube directly into the food processor.
Easy Variations
Make It Spicy
Mix one teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a tablespoon of Harissa paste into the chicken marinade.
Oven Method
Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–18 minutes, turning once. Switch to the grill/broil setting for the last 2 minutes to get those authentic char marks.
Turkey Alternative
Skinless turkey breast works beautifully as a direct substitute for chicken breasts.
Quick Garlic Sauce (Toum)
If you love garlic, serve these skewers with an authentic Lebanese garlic whip (Toum) alongside the hummus.
What to Serve with Lebanese Chicken Shish Taouk
These skewers pair wonderfully with:
- Warm Lebanese flatbread
- Tabbouleh or Fattoush salad
- Batata Harra (spicy roasted potatoes)
- Pickled turnips
- Grilled tomatoes and green peppers
- Garlic yogurt dip
Storage
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in an oven or pan.
The homemade hummus can be stored separately in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days.
You can freeze the raw, marinated chicken in a freezer bag for up to two months. Defrost fully in the fridge before threading onto skewers.
Nutrition Information ( Lebanese Chicken Shish Taouk Per Serving )
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fibre: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
Nutritional values are approximate.
Frequently Asked Questions ( Lebanese Chicken Shish Taouk )
Can I use store-bought hummus instead?
Yes. If you are short on time, you can use a high-quality store-bought hummus. Elevate it by stirring in a little lemon juice and topping it with premium olive oil before serving.
Why is yogurt used in the marinade?
Yogurt contains lactic acid and calcium, which gently break down protein walls in meat. This makes the chicken incredibly tender compared to using strong citrus acids alone.
Can I cook these on an indoor stove?
Absolutely. A cast-iron griddle pan works excellently on a stovetop. Ensure the pan is smoking hot before adding the skewers to achieve restaurant-style char marks.
Final Thoughts
Bringing restaurant-quality Middle Eastern flavors into your home kitchen is incredibly rewarding, and this recipe proves you don’t need complex techniques to achieve spectacular results. The contrast between the hot, charred, savory skewers and the smooth, cool, zesty hummus creates a perfect bite every single time.
