Authentic Shish Tawook (Middle Eastern Chicken Skewers
The BEST Shish Tawook recipe! Juicy chicken marinated in a tangy, spiced yogurt sauce and grilled to perfection. An easy, authentic Middle Eastern dish perfect for weeknights or feasts.
Ingredients
For the Marinade & Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5 inch cubes
- ½ cup plain whole milk yogurt not Greek
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 6 large garlic cloves crushed or finely minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For Serving (Optional):
- Warm pita bread
- Creamy garlic sauce Toum or tahini sauce
- Sliced onions & bell peppers for skewering
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Marinate: In a large bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients (yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, tomato paste, and all spices) until smooth.
- Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss until thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Prep to Cook: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium high heat.
- Skewer: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving small gaps. Optional: alternate with onion or pepper chunks.
- Grill: Place skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 5-8 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Rest & Serve: Transfer skewers to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve immediately with pita bread, garlic sauce, and your favorite sides.
Notes
Do not skip the marinating time; it's essential for tender, flavorful chicken. Pat chicken dry before skewering for better browning. Leftovers make amazing wraps or salads.