Shish taouk — chicken skewers marinated in yoghurt, garlic and lemon

Shish taouk chicken is one of the most beloved dishes of Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine: pieces of chicken marinated for hours in yoghurt with garlic, lemon and spices, then grilled on skewers until they take on a golden, delicious crust. The yoghurt marinade makes the meat extraordinarily tender, while the lemon gives it freshness. It is traditionally served with pita bread, creamy garlic (toum) or a fresh salad.

INGREDIENTS (for 4 people):

For the marinade:

• 800 g chicken breast, cut into pieces
• 250 g thick (Greek) yoghurt
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 60 ml olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 teaspoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon oregano

For the skewers:

• 2 green peppers, cut into pieces
• Wooden or metal skewers

PREPARATION STEPS:

1. In a large bowl mix the yoghurt, crushed garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, tomato paste, paprika, pepper, salt and oregano until a smooth marinade forms.
2. Add the chicken pieces and mix well so they are fully covered. Cover the bowl and leave in the fridge for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight (12 hours).
3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes so they do not burn. Heat the grill or oven to a high temperature (220°C).
4. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of green pepper.
5. Grill the skewers for 12–15 minutes, turning them on all sides, until the chicken is golden and fully cooked (internal temperature 75°C).
6. Leave them to rest for 5 minutes and serve hot with pita bread, salad or garlic sauce.

Preparation time: 20 minutes (+ 4–12 hours marinating) | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

(Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0)