There’s something magical about juicy, marinated chicken skewers fresh off the grill. If you’ve never tried Shish Tawook, you’re in for a treat! This dish is packed with flavor and has a texture that’s both tender and satisfying. I love making this at home, especially since the marinade is super simple and the result is absolutely mouthwatering.
Method
Marinate the Chicken
To start, you’ll need to prepare the marinade, which is the heart of this dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine plain yogurt, ketchup, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, crushed garlic, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Use a whisk to mix these ingredients thoroughly until they create a smooth and creamy marinade. This marinade not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with a rich, robust flavor.
Add the Chicken
Once the marinade is ready, add the cubed chicken breasts to the bowl. Stir the chicken pieces to ensure they are evenly coated. It’s essential to make sure that every piece is well-covered so that the flavors penetrate throughout. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least two hours. For the most flavorful and tender results, let it marinate overnight.
Prepare the Grill
While the chicken marinades, get your grill ready. Preheat it to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling. This step prevents them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers don’t require soaking, making them a convenient option.
Skewer the Chicken
Once the chicken is marinated to perfection, it’s time to assemble the skewers. Thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This spacing ensures that the heat circulates evenly, resulting in perfectly cooked chicken on all sides. Be gentle while threading to prevent breaking the tender pieces.
Grill the Chicken
Place the prepared skewers on the preheated grill. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Flip them carefully using tongs to avoid losing any pieces. You’ll know they’re ready when they have beautiful grill marks and the chicken is cooked through. To ensure safety, check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Serve the Dish
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more succulent. Serve hot with a side of garlic sauce, pita bread, or rice. The vibrant flavors and tender texture make this dish irresistible!
Necessary Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Skewers (metal or wooden)
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
Shish Tawook: A Flavorful Journey to the Middle East
Cuisine: lebanonDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes15
minutes30
minutesIngredients
5 chicken breasts, cubed
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp ketchup
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 cup olive oil
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, ketchup, lemon juice, olive oil, crushed garlic, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth.
- Add the Chicken: Toss the cubed chicken into the marinade. Make sure every piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Grill: Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Serve: Serve hot with a side of garlic sauce and pita bread.
Notes
- Don’t skip marinating overnight if you want the chicken to be extra juicy and flavorful!
- Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety.
- Avoid overcrowding the skewers, as it may lead to uneven cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with fluffy rice, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad.
- Drizzle some garlic sauce or tahini on top for that extra zing!
- Wrap in warm pita bread with pickles for a quick sandwich.
Fun Fact
Shish Tawook is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is especially popular in Lebanon and Turkey. The word “tawook” means chicken, and “shish” refers to skewers!
Conclusion
Shish Tawook is one of those recipes that brings the authentic taste of the Middle East right to your table. The juicy, tender chicken, paired with that irresistible garlic sauce, is sure to be a hit! Try this recipe at your next barbecue, and watch how quickly it disappears.
