If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor and tenderness, this Chicken Shish Tawook Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With juicy, marinated chicken chunks kissed by lemon and garlic and grilled to perfection, it’s a Middle Eastern favorite that’s utterly irresistible. Whether you’re planning a weekend barbecue or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe promises a delightful, aromatic experience that’s both simple to prepare and stunning to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Shish Tawook Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each bringing a vital flavor or texture to the dish. From the creamy yogurt marinade to the fresh lemon juice zinging with brightness, these essentials come together to create something truly special.
- 2 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into 1.5-inch cubes for even cooking and a perfect bite-sized experience.
- 1 cup Plain yogurt: Opt for full-fat yogurt to add creaminess that tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
- 1/4 cup Olive oil: Use high-quality olive oil to enrich the marinade and add a subtle fruity depth.
- 2 units Lemons: Juice these to infuse the chicken with a fresh, tangy brightness.
- 5 cloves Garlic: Minced for aromatic punch and savory flavor that defines this dish.
- 1 tablespoon Ground cumin: Adds warm, earthy notes perfect for Middle Eastern flair.
- 1 tablespoon Paprika: Sweet paprika brings mild smokiness and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander: Offers light citrus undertones that brighten the marinade.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing all other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper: Freshly ground, it adds subtle heat.
- 1 pack Wooden or metal skewers: Soak wooden skewers if using to avoid burning on the grill.
- Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, onions (optional): To alternate on skewers for added color and texture.
How to Make Chicken Shish Tawook Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. This thick and fragrant marinade is going to be the magic that tenderizes and infuses the chicken with gorgeous layers of flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken breast pieces into the bowl and toss until every piece is lovingly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. For maximum flavor and tenderness, letting it marinate overnight is even better.
Step 3: Prepare Your Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, this step is crucial to prevent charring later—soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This little trick keeps your skewers from burning and keeps the focus on perfectly cooked chicken.
Step 4: Get the Grill Ready
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Whether you’re grilling outside or using a grill pan indoors, the heat level is key to achieve those beautiful grill marks and cook the chicken evenly without drying it out.
Step 5: Skewer the Chicken and Veggies
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. If you love a pop of color and an extra crunch, alternate chicken with bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and onions. This not only looks stunning but also introduces lovely complementary textures.
Step 6: Grill to Perfection
Grill the skewers for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning them occasionally to cook all sides evenly. Your goal is juicy chicken cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F, tender and utterly flavorful.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once off the grill, let the skewers rest for a few minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute so every bite is as moist and tasty as possible.
How to Serve Chicken Shish Tawook Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herb garnishes like parsley or mint add a burst of greenery and freshness that brighten this dish. A sprinkle of sumac or a dollop of garlic sauce (toum) can elevate the flavors and add those authentic Middle Eastern finishing touches.
Side Dishes
Chicken Shish Tawook pairs beautifully with warm pita bread, a tangy tabbouleh salad, or fluffy basmati rice. Roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber and tomato salad bring balance with coolness and crunch alongside the smoky grilled chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken from the skewers directly onto platters surrounded by colorful grilled veggies, or arrange in wraps with fresh garlic sauce and pickled turnips. You can also turn this into a salad bowl by chopping the grilled chicken and tossing with greens, tahini dressing, and toasted pine nuts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Shish Tawook stays delightful for up to 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container. Store the chicken separately from any fresh garnishes or sauces for the best texture upon reheating.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. After grilling and cooling the chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a warm oven or covered in a skillet over low heat to keep the chicken tender and prevent drying out. You can also pop it briefly in the microwave, but watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add an extra depth of flavor while staying tender. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes and follow the same marinating and cooking times.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 2 hours is essential to allow the flavors to penetrate, but letting the chicken marinate overnight results in a more tender, flavorful outcome.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes! You can use a grill pan or broil the skewers in the oven. Just keep an eye on the chicken to avoid drying out, and turn frequently to mimic the grilling effect.
What can I use instead of wooden skewers?
If you don’t have wooden skewers, metal skewers work great and don’t require soaking. Just be sure they’re clean and food-safe before threading the chicken.
Is it necessary to add vegetables to the skewers?
Not necessarily. Vegetables like bell peppers and onions add color and texture but the chicken alone tastes fantastic. Adding veggies is a personal preference and an easy way to enhance the meal visually and nutritionally.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Shish Tawook Recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into an unforgettable dish. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try—it’s perfect for sharing with friends or making yourself a little extra happy with every tender, juicy bite. Once you taste this, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection!
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Chicken Shish Tawook Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chicken Shish Tawook is a flavorful Middle Eastern grilled chicken dish featuring tender chicken cubes marinated in a yogurt-based mixture with lemon, garlic, and aromatic spices. Perfectly skewered alongside fresh vegetables and grilled to juicy perfection, this recipe yields a delicious and healthy meal ideal for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breast (Cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 1 cup Plain yogurt (Opt for full-fat yogurt for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup Olive oil (Use high-quality olive oil)
- 2 units Lemons (Juiced)
- 5 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon Paprika (Sweet paprika for mild flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Essential for seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper (Freshly ground)
Skewers and Vegetables
- 1 pack Wooden or metal skewers (Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using)
- To taste Bell peppers (For skewering)
- To taste Cherry tomatoes (For skewering)
- To taste Onions (For skewering)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast to the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight to allow flavors to develop deeply.
- Soak Skewers: If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure even cooking and nice char marks.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and onions if you wish for added flavor and texture.
- Grill Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has a pleasant char.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to maximize flavor and tenderness.
- Soaking wooden skewers is crucial to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- You can customize the vegetables on the skewers based on your preference or seasonal availability.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
- Serve with a side of garlic sauce, rice, or fresh salad for a complete meal.
