Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Lebanon with these Authentic Shish Tawook Lebanese Chicken Kebabs! Bursting with flavors from a delightful marinade of garlic, lemon, and spices, these tender chicken skewers are not just a meal; they're an experience. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to learn the secrets to making these mouthwatering kebabs? Let’s dive into this culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Lebanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pita bread for serving
- Fresh vegetables for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken. Cut 1 lb of chicken breast into even-sized cubes, about 1 to
- 5 inches in size. This will ensure they cook evenly on the grill.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to a resealable plastic bag. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare your grill or grill pan. Preheat it to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are hot and ashed over.
- After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator. If using skewers, thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Once your grill is ready, place the skewers on the grill. Cook the chicken for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- While the chicken is grilling, prepare your serving platter with pita bread and fresh vegetables for garnish, such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley.
- Once the chicken is done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- Serve the shish tawook hot off the grill, accompanied by the pita bread and fresh vegetables. Enjoy your authentic Lebanese chicken kebabs!
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For the best taste, allow your chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, let it sit for up to 4 hours. This will deepen the flavors and make the chicken even more succulent.
- Uniform Chicken Pieces: Cut your chicken breast into even-sized cubes (about 1 to
- 5 inches) to ensure they cook evenly on the grill. This helps avoid any undercooked or overcooked pieces.
- Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the chicken. A hot grill will give you those beautiful grill marks and help seal in the juices.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill and keeps your kebabs intact.
- Rest Before Serving: After grilling, let the chicken skewers rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Serve with Fresh Garnishes: Enhance your meal by serving the kebabs with fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. A side of creamy garlic sauce or tahini can also elevate the dish.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the marinade to suit your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give it an extra kick if you like some heat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 330kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 93mg
