Shish Tawook: Juicy Grilled Chicken Skewers Marinated in Yogurt and Spices Recipe
Shish Tawook is a classic Middle Eastern grilled chicken skewer dish made from marinated chunks of boneless skinless chicken breast, infused with a flavorful blend of yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic spices. Perfectly grilled to juicy perfection, these skewers are a delicious and healthy option for a dinner or barbecue, traditionally served with pita bread, fresh lettuce, and garlic sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into large chunks
- ½ cup plain whole milk yogurt
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional
- Onion wedges for skewering
- Pita bread, lettuce, and garlic sauce for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, crushed garlic cloves, tomato paste, paprika, cinnamon, oregano, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper until fully combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken chunks into the marinade bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the chicken.
- Thread onto skewers: Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto skewers. If desired, add a wedge of onion between chicken pieces on each skewer for added flavor and moisture.
- Grill the skewers: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, turning carefully to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and develops a nice char without drying out.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill once the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Serve hot with warm pita bread, fresh lettuce, and a side of garlic sauce for an authentic Middle Eastern meal experience.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer than 4 hours (up to overnight) will result in more tender and flavorful meat.
- Use metal or soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning during grilling.
- Adjust grilling times based on the thickness of chicken pieces and the heat of your grill.
- Can be served with a variety of side dishes like rice, tabbouleh, or fattoush for a fuller meal.
- If an outdoor grill isn’t available, use a grill pan or broiler inside the oven to achieve similar results.
