Shish Tawook: Juicy Marinated Chicken Skewers Grilled to Perfection Recipe
Shish Tawook is a flavorful Middle Eastern grilled chicken dish featuring tender chicken breast marinated in a rich blend of yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, tomato paste, and aromatic spices. Perfectly charred on the grill, this recipe serves as a delicious centerpiece for any meal and pairs wonderfully 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: Halal
Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- 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
- Onion wedges (optional, for skewering)
- Pita bread, lettuce, and garlic sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, crushed garlic, tomato paste, paprika, cinnamon, oregano, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken chunks to the bowl with the marinade, coating them thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to infuse and the chicken to tenderize.
- Skewer the chicken: Just before grilling, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Optionally, add one wedge of onion to each skewer to enhance flavor and presentation.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Cook the skewers for 5-8 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through with a slight char and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and serve hot with warm pita bread, fresh lettuce, and garlic sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Marinating for at least 4 hours is crucial for tender, flavorful chicken; overnight marinating yields best results.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste preference; add a pinch of chili powder for heat if desired.
- Ensure the grill is properly preheated to avoid sticking and to achieve those perfect grill marks.
- Serve with traditional Middle Eastern sides like tabbouleh or fattoush for an authentic experience.
