Shish Tawook

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Shish Tawook recipe is tender, juicy, and packed with vibrant flavor from the rich marinade. The yogurt helps keep the chicken moist while the spices and garlic create a delicious savory taste. It is easy to prepare and perfect for grilling, meal prep, or family dinners.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the marinade:

• 2 pounds boneless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For serving:

• Pita bread
• Garlic sauce
• Rice
• Pickles
• Grilled vegetables

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, oregano, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.

Add the chicken cubes and toss well until fully coated.

Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.

Grill the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly charred.

Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes.

Serve with pita bread, garlic sauce, rice, or grilled vegetables.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Marinating time: 2 hours

Cook time: 12 minutes

Total time: 2 hours 27 minutes

Variations

Use chicken thighs for extra juicy skewers.

Add bell peppers and onions to the skewers.

Bake the chicken in the oven if grilling is unavailable.

Serve in wraps with garlic sauce and vegetables.

Add chili flakes for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooked Shish Tawook in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently in a skillet, oven, or microwave.

Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What does Shish Tawook mean?

Shish Tawook refers to marinated grilled chicken skewers popular in Middle Eastern cuisine.

Why is yogurt used in the marinade?

Yogurt helps tenderize the chicken and keeps it juicy during cooking.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes. Chicken thighs stay especially moist and flavorful.

Can I cook Shish Tawook without a grill?

Yes. You can use a grill pan, skillet, or oven.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 2 hours is recommended, but overnight gives the best flavor.

What sauce pairs best with Shish Tawook?

Garlic sauce, tahini sauce, or yogurt sauce pair wonderfully.

What sides go well with Shish Tawook?

Rice, pita bread, salads, fries, or grilled vegetables all pair nicely.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes. Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I freeze marinated chicken?

Yes. Freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 2 months before cooking.

Conclusion

Shish Tawook is a juicy and flavorful Middle Eastern grilled chicken dish with a rich yogurt marinade and warm spices. Perfect for family meals, cookouts, or meal prep, this classic recipe delivers tender chicken and bold flavor in every bite

Shish Tawook

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Shish Tawook is a popular Middle Eastern grilled chicken dish made with marinated chicken cubes seasoned with garlic, yogurt, lemon juice, and warm spices. Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly charred, this classic recipe is perfect for family meals or cookouts.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Pita bread
• Garlic sauce
• Rice
• Pickles
• Grilled vegetables

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, oregano, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken cubes and toss well until fully coated.
3. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
4. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
5. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
6. Grill the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly charred.
7. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes.
8. Serve with pita bread, garlic sauce, rice, pickles, or grilled vegetables.

Notes

• Chicken thighs create extra juicy and flavorful skewers.
• Add bell peppers and onions to the skewers for extra flavor.
• The chicken can be baked in the oven if grilling is unavailable.
• Serve in wraps with garlic sauce and vegetables for a handheld meal.
• Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze cooked or marinated chicken for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 340 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg

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