Juicy, marinated grilled chicken skewers packed with garlic, lemon, and warm spices, served with sumac onions, creamy toum (garlic sauce), and a crisp cucumber tomato salad. A vibrant and balanced platter bursting with bold Middle Eastern flavors—perfect for gatherings or weeknight meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Tawook skewers offer an irresistible combination of succulent chicken infused with aromatic spices, char-grilled to perfection. The tangy salad and pickled onions add a refreshing contrast, while creamy toum or hummus brings richness to the dish. It’s quick to prepare, healthy, and easy to pair with rice, flatbread, or vegetables.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken marinade:

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thigh, cubed
1/2 cup plain yogurt
3 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the salad:

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped

For the sumac onions:

1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 tsp sumac
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp lemon juice

For serving:

Toum (garlic sauce) or hummus
Fresh parsley for garnish

directions

In a large bowl, mix yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed chicken and stir to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
To prepare the salad, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss gently and set aside.
For the onions, mix thinly sliced red onion with sumac, salt, and lemon juice. Let rest for 15–30 minutes to lightly pickle.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
Grill the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
Serve the skewers hot with the fresh salad, sumac onions, and a generous dollop of toum or hummus. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes (plus marination)
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (including minimum marination)

Variations

Spice Blend: Add turmeric or coriander for an earthier flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with halloumi or tofu marinated in the same yogurt spice mix.
Baked Version: Roast the skewers in a 425°F (220°C) oven for 20–25 minutes if you don’t have a grill.
Wrap It: Serve in pita wraps with pickles and greens for a quick sandwich-style meal.
Heat It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for a spicy kick.

storage/reheating

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the skewers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or oil.
The salad and onions are best consumed fresh but can be refrigerated separately for 1–2 days.

FAQs

What is Chicken Tawook?

Chicken Tawook is a popular Middle Eastern dish consisting of marinated grilled chicken skewers, traditionally served with garlic sauce and flatbread.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are often preferred for their juiciness and flavor. Both cuts work well.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 1 hour is necessary, but marinating overnight yields the most flavorful and tender result.

Can I use metal or wooden skewers?

Both are suitable. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

Is there a substitute for toum?

Yes, you can use hummus, tzatziki, or garlic yogurt sauce as alternatives.

Can I grill these indoors?

Yes, a grill pan or broiler in the oven can be used if outdoor grilling is not possible.

What sides go well with Tawook skewers?

Serve with rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, tabbouleh, or flatbread.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Do not overcook and be sure to use yogurt in the marinade, which helps retain moisture.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken in its marinade for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.

Is this recipe spicy?

The traditional version is mildly spiced, but you can adjust heat levels by adding chili or cayenne.

Conclusion

Middle Eastern Chicken Tawook Skewers are a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare dish that brings the flavors of the Levant to your table. Whether served as part of a family meal or grilled up for guests, their aromatic spice blend and juicy texture never fail to impress. Paired with fresh sides and a garlicky dip, this recipe is a complete and satisfying culinary experience.