If you are looking for a dish that bursts with flavor, tenderness, and a delightful aroma, then the Shish Tawook: Juicy Grilled Chicken Skewers Marinaded in Yogurt and Spices Recipe is truly a gift from the culinary heavens. This classic Middle Eastern favorite boasts chicken so tender it melts in your mouth, thanks to the magic of a yogurt-based marinade infused with warm spices and fresh garlic. Every bite delivers juicy, charred goodness balanced by a vibrant citrus kick and a subtle blend of aromatic spices that make it unforgettable. Whether you’re grilling for family, friends, or just indulging yourself, this recipe will quickly become a staple you reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up the perfect Shish Tawook doesn’t require a long list of complicated ingredients. Each component is simple yet essential, combining to create delicious layers of flavor and a beautifully tender texture. From the creamy yogurt that softens the chicken to the fragrant spices that give it character, every ingredient plays a starring role.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Cut into large chunks for even cooking and the ideal skewer size.
- Plain whole milk yogurt: The tenderizing base that makes the chicken irresistibly juicy.
- Lemon juice: Adds a refreshing tang that brightens the marinade perfectly.
- Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps the marinade cling beautifully.
- Garlic cloves: Crushed for a punch of fragrant, savory depth.
- Tomato paste: A subtle hint of sweetness and richness to balance flavors.
- Paprika: Brings smoky warmth and a vibrant color to the dish.
- Cinnamon: Adds an unexpected, cozy note that pairs perfectly with the spices.
- Oregano: Introduces a herbaceous touch for added complexity.
- Ground ginger: Delivers a mild zestiness that rounds out the marinade.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor.
- Black pepper: Provides a subtle heat and spice balance.
How to Make Shish Tawook: Juicy Grilled Chicken Skewers Marinaded in Yogurt and Spices Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, tomato paste, and all the aromatic spices in a large bowl. Whisk these together until everything is perfectly blended, creating a luscious marinade that will lovingly coat each chicken piece. This mixture not only flavors the meat but works its magic to tenderize and infuse juiciness.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Drop the chicken chunks into the marinade and gently toss to ensure every piece is fully covered. Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours, or even better, overnight. This makes all the difference, allowing the yogurt and spices to deeply penetrate the meat for a flavor-packed, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken
When ready to cook, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. You might want to add a wedge of onions between the chicken chunks for extra flavor and moisture—it’s a personal touch that lends a wonderful char and aroma as they grill.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Heat up your grill to medium heat and lay the skewers down carefully. Grill for about 5 to 8 minutes on each side, rotating to get those beautiful char marks and ensuring the chicken cooks evenly. The result is chicken that’s juicy on the inside with a perfectly grilled smoky exterior.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, let the skewers rest briefly before serving. Pairing them with warm pita bread, fresh lettuce, and a creamy garlic sauce creates a complete and satisfying meal that never fails to impress.
How to Serve Shish Tawook: Juicy Grilled Chicken Skewers Marinaded in Yogurt and Spices Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or mint make great garnishes, adding a burst of green freshness that contrasts beautifully with the richly spiced chicken. A sprinkle of sumac or a few lemon wedges on the side can enhance the flavors with a little tangy brightness. These little finishing touches elevate your presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Shish Tawook pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its bold taste. Think fluffy basmati rice, a fresh tabbouleh salad brimming with parsley and tomatoes, or creamy hummus alongside warm pita bread. Grilled vegetables like zucchini and peppers also provide a lovely smoky partner to the savory skewers.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, serve your Shish Tawook skewers over a bed of fragrant couscous or stuffed into pita pockets with pickled turnips and a drizzle of toum (garlic sauce). Wrapping the skewers in grape leaves or creating a mezze platter with olives, feta, and fresh veggies makes for a stunning, share-worthy spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Shish Tawook, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The chicken stays tender and flavorful, making it great for quick meals the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Shish Tawook skewers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to two months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, ensuring the chicken stays juicy.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the oven to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving directly as it can dry out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or a little olive oil when reheating helps keep the texture just right.
FAQs
What makes yogurt a good marinade for Shish Tawook?
Yogurt contains natural acids and enzymes that break down proteins in the chicken, helping it become tender and juicy. Plus, it acts as a flavorful base that carries spices deep into the meat.
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breast is common, boneless thighs also work wonderfully, offering extra juiciness and flavor that some prefer.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours. Overnight marination is even better for maximum flavor infusion and tenderness.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook Shish Tawook another way?
Yes, you can cook the skewers under a broiler or in a grill pan on the stovetop. Just keep an eye on them and turn to get even char marks while ensuring they don’t dry out.
Is Shish Tawook spicy?
The spice level is mild, focused more on aromatic warmth from paprika, cinnamon, and ginger rather than heat. You can always add chili if you want to spice things up!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a game-changing grilled chicken recipe, the Shish Tawook: Juicy Grilled Chicken Skewers Marinaded in Yogurt and Spices Recipe is ready to become your new favorite. It’s a dish that brings people together with its vibrant flavors, simplicity, and satisfying texture. Give it a try, and watch as these skewers become the star of your meals, cherished by friends and family alike.
PrintShish Tawook: Juicy Grilled Chicken Skewers Marinaded in Yogurt and Spices Recipe
Shish Tawook is a flavorful Middle Eastern grilled chicken dish featuring tender boneless chicken marinated in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic spices. The chicken is skewered and grilled to perfection, delivering a juicy and savory meal that’s perfect for serving with pita bread and fresh accompaniments.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
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
Optional for Serving
- Pita bread
- Lettuce
- Garlic sauce
- Onion wedges (for skewering)
Instructions
- Prepare 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 to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken chunks into the marinade and thoroughly coat all pieces. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the chicken.
- Thread Chicken onto Skewers: Just before grilling, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Optionally, add a wedge of onion between chicken chunks on each skewer for added flavor and moisture.
- Grill Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill the skewered chicken for 5-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char, indicating perfect grilling.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the skewers and serve hot alongside pita bread, fresh lettuce, and a side of garlic sauce for an authentic Middle Eastern experience.
Notes
- Marinating for at least 4 hours is crucial for tender, flavorful chicken.
- You can soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning on the grill.
- If you don’t have a grill, cooking the skewers under a broiler or on a grill pan on the stovetop works as a good alternative.
- Adjust spices based on your taste preference; for some heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with tabbouleh, hummus, or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.
