Shish Tawook is a traditional Middle Eastern dish consisting of marinated chicken skewers, grilled to juicy perfection. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful mixture of yogurt, lemon, garlic, and spices, making it tender and full of flavor. It’s perfect served with rice, flatbread, or salad.
Ingredients:
For the marinade:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For serving:
- Flatbread or pita
- Hummus, garlic sauce, or tahini (optional)
- Pickled vegetables or a fresh salad
Instructions:
- Prepare the marinade:
- In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken:
- Add the cubed chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Preheat the grill:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Assemble the skewers:
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Grill the chicken:
- Grill the skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nice char (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Be sure to turn the skewers occasionally for even cooking.
- Serve:
- Serve the Shish Tawook with flatbread, hummus, garlic sauce, or tahini. Pair with a fresh salad or pickled vegetables for a delicious, balanced meal.
Enjoy these flavorful and juicy Shish Tawook skewers, a perfect addition to any Middle Eastern meal or as a delicious BBQ option!
