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
Scale
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.
