Sizzling Authentic Shish Tawook: A Juicy Skewer Recipe

Middle Eastern kitchens have long celebrated their delectable shish tawook as a culinary treasure passed through generations.

Spices weave magic into tender chicken pieces marinated with precision.

Families gather around sizzling grills, sharing stories and savoring each perfectly charred morsel.

Lebanese and Syrian cooks understand the delicate balance of yogurt, garlic, and aromatic herbs that make this dish extraordinary.

Marinades infuse deep flavors that dance across your palate with vibrant complexity.

Succulent chicken pieces promise a journey through traditional Mediterranean cooking techniques.

You will love how simple ingredients create such memorable, mouthwatering results that transport taste buds directly to bustling street markets.

Shish Tawook Skewers That Taste Like Street Food Bliss

• Quick Marination Magic: Infuse chicken with incredible Middle Eastern flavors in just one hour, transforming simple ingredients into a taste explosion.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Perfect for picky eaters and adventurous food lovers, offering customizable serving options that make everyone at the table happy.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: High-protein chicken combined with probiotic-rich yogurt creates a balanced meal packed with lean nutrition and exciting Mediterranean spices.

Ingredients in Authentic Shish Tawook

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs marinade flavors perfectly, best when boneless and cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.

• Yogurt, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Tenderizing agents that add tangy freshness and help break down chicken proteins.
• Olive Oil: Creates moisture and helps spices distribute evenly across chicken.
• Garlic: Provides robust aromatic base with deep savory undertones.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Paprika, Cumin, Oregano: Warm spices that give traditional Middle Eastern character to the dish.
• Optional Cayenne Pepper: Adds subtle heat for those who enjoy spicier versions.

Cooking Steps for Authentic Shish Tawook (Grilled Chicken Skewers)

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Tangy yogurt
• Zesty lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice
• Rich olive oil
• Crushed garlic
• Aromatic spice blend

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes silky smooth and well-blended.

Step 2: Coat Chicken in Delicious Goodness

Drop tender chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring every single cube gets completely drenched in flavor.

Seal the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and tuck it into the refrigerator.

Let the chicken soak up all those incredible flavors for at least one hour, or better yet, overnight for maximum taste explosion.

Step 3: Prepare Skewers for Grilling

Carefully thread the marinated chicken onto metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers.

Discard any remaining marinade to prevent potential contamination.

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high temperature and lightly brush with oil to prevent sticking.

Place skewers on the grill, rotating every few minutes to ensure even cooking.

Cook until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 170°F, achieving a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Transfer perfectly grilled skewers to a serving platter.

Accompany with warm pita bread, creamy garlic sauce, smooth hummus, fluffy rice, or a crisp salad.

Get ready to transport your taste buds to the streets of the Middle East!

Shish Tawook Skewering & Marinating Tricks

• Let chicken marinate overnight in the refrigerator to allow spices and yogurt to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading chicken to stop them from charring quickly during grilling.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy results, avoiding overcooking.
• Replace chicken with firm tofu or halloumi cheese, using the same marinade for a delicious plant-based version.
• Clean and oil grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful char marks on chicken skewers.

Shish Tawook That Reheats Juicy and Flavorful

• Store leftover shish tawook in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping chicken fresh for 3-4 days.
• Wrap skewered or unwrapped chicken tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, preserving quality for up to 3 months.
• Warm chicken at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying and maintain moisture.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture, stopping when chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to prevent overcooking.

Spiced Picks For Shish Tawook

• Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy marinade, cutting through the rich yogurt and brightening the grilled chicken's smoky flavors.
• Cool Down with Mezze Companions: Pair the skewers with creamy hummus, refreshing tabbouleh salad, and soft pita bread to create a balanced Mediterranean meal that enhances the chicken's herbal and citrus notes.
• Zesty Garlic Sauce Sidekick: Serve with traditional Lebanese toum (garlic sauce), which adds a sharp, creamy contrast that amplifies the grilled chicken's subtle spice profile and provides a cool, smooth texture against the charred meat.
• Complement with Herb-Infused Rice: Prepare a light, herbed rice pilaf with parsley, mint, and a touch of cumin to mirror the marinade's aromatic spices and provide a delicate, complementary base for the grilled skewers.

Shish Tawook Marinade Options

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace traditional marinade ingredients with gluten-free yogurt and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free. Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce if needed.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute yogurt with coconut milk yogurt or cashew-based yogurt alternative. Maintain the same spice profile and marinating technique.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh cubes. Press tofu thoroughly, cut into similar-sized pieces, and follow the same marinating and grilling process for plant-based protein.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Skip pita bread and serve skewers over cauliflower rice or mixed green salad. Use extra herbs and spices to enhance flavor profile without adding carbohydrates.

FAQs

• What is the origin of Shish Tawook?

This popular dish originated in Lebanon and is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly in countries like Syria, Turkey, and Lebanon. It’s a beloved street food and family meal known for its tender, flavorful grilled chicken.

• Why do you use yogurt in the marinade?

Yogurt helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down its proteins, making the meat incredibly soft and juicy. The acidic components in yogurt also help the spices penetrate deeper into the chicken, enhancing its overall flavor.

• Can I use chicken breast instead of other cuts?

Yes, chicken breast works perfectly for Shish Tawook. Cut it into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. Just be careful not to overcook, as chicken breast can dry out quickly if exposed to high heat for too long.

• What makes the marinade so special?

The combination of yogurt, lemon, garlic, and traditional Middle Eastern spices creates a complex, tangy, and aromatic flavor profile that transforms ordinary chicken into a delicious, restaurant-quality dish.

Authentic Shish Tawook (Grilled Chicken Skewers) Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Lebanese shish tawook invites grill masters into a world of Mediterranean magic. Marinated chicken skewers promise tangy, tender bites that transport you directly to Beirut’s bustling street corners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into cubes)

Marinade Base:

• 1 cup yogurt (plain or Greek)
• 2 lemons (zested and juiced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon 7-spice (Baharat) (or equal parts ground cumin, coriander, and cinnamon)
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 garlic cloves (finely minced)

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by blending tangy yogurt, zesty lemon essence, freshly squeezed citrus juice, fragrant olive oil, crushed garlic, and aromatic spices in a spacious mixing vessel until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
2. Gently immerse pristine chicken cubes into the prepared marinade, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated and embraced by the flavorful mixture.
3. Seal the marinating container and allow the chicken to luxuriate in the refrigerator, absorbing complex flavors for a minimum of 60 minutes, or ideally overnight for maximum taste development.
4. Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto pre-soaked wooden skewers or sturdy metal alternatives, arranging them with precision and discarding any residual marinade.
5. Ignite the grill to medium-high temperature, lightly brushing the grates with oil to prevent sticking and create enticing grill marks.
6. Position the prepared skewers on the heated grill, rotating periodically to ensure uniform cooking and achieving a perfectly golden exterior with an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C).
7. Transfer the succulent grilled skewers to a serving platter, accompanied by traditional Middle Eastern sides like warm pita bread, creamy garlic sauce, smooth hummus, fluffy rice, or crisp salad.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by marinating chicken for 8-12 hours, allowing spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender and juicy results, ensuring even cooking and better absorption of marinade.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and potential fire hazards during cooking.
• Adjust spice levels by adding more paprika or cayenne for extra heat, or reducing for a milder taste without compromising traditional flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 53 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg