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Shish Tawook is an authentic grilled chicken kabob recipe that’s enjoyed all over the Middle East. Tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken with each bite, these chicken kebabs are quite popular and easy to make too!
You will be surprised at how easy it is to make this chicken shish Tawook, which is essentially grilled chicken kebabs/kabobs. Chicken cubes are marinated in an authentic yogurt and spice marinade for the most tender, juicy, and delicious tasting chicken ever!
These kebabs can be grilled indoors on a grill pan, or you can use your outdoor grill. Simple and easy chicken recipe to serve to family and guests. Another great Authentic grilled Kebab you must try is my Kafta Recipe.
Recipe Overview
Before you get started
- It is best to use chicken breast when making shish Tawook. The marinade will work on boneless and skinless chicken thighs as well, which can be grilled as a whole piece.
- Full whole milk or low-fat plain yogurt.
- You can use avocado oil or olive oil, but vegetable oil will do just fine.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. If you can make the chicken and marinate the chicken the night before, even better.
- You may grill this shish twook on an indoor grill pan if you dont have an outdoor grill.
- Soak the wooden skewers for a few minutes to prevent them from burning especially if you are using an outdoor grill.
Frequently asked questions
The word Tawook means Chicken, and the word shish means skewers. Thus, the name Shish Tawook.
Yes. You can certainly use boneless and skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. I would suggest trimming down some of the fat.
Shish tawook marinade is specific to chicken and not beef. You can technically swap the chicken with beef, but I personally do not like it and recommend sticking with chicken.
Plain yogurt is recommended over Greek yogurt because it is thinner. Greek yogurt will also work, but I recommend you thin it out a bit with either water or milk.
Yes. If you have fresh ginger or ginger paste, use that instead.
Ingredients you will need
Below is a list of ingredients you will need to make this Mediterranean Shish Tawook recipe. Full measurements are listed further below in the recipe card.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts– cut into 1-inch chunks: I prefer using chicken breasts but you could use boneless and skinless chicken thighs
- Plain whole-milk yogurt: Or Greek Yogurt
- Lemon: Use fresh if possible. Bottled lemon juice works, but fresh tastes much better
- Olive oil: or any other oil. Avocado oil is a great option.
- Garlic Cloves: I recommend you use fresh garlic. But if you don’t have fresh garlic, don’t make a trip to the store just for garlic. Swap it with garlic powder. The taste will vary a bit.
- Tomato paste: Tomato sauce does not work as well. You need the paste
- Tawook spices: paprika, cinnamon, oregano, ground ginger, salt, and pepper
- Optional to serve with: lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, yogurt, pita bread
How to make shish tawook
Here is how you make perfect chicken shish tawook every time.
- Prepare the chicken: First, cut the chicken breast into 1-inch chunks.
- Make the marinade: In a large bowl add all the marinade ingredients and whisk until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Then, stir in the chicken chunks. Marinate for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken onto skewers.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill or a large heavy-bottom grill pan to medium heat. Add skewers and grill, flipping them every couple of minutes; it should take about 10-12 minutes in total.
- Finally, Serve: Serve with crunchy veggies, yogurt, and warm pita bread if desired. Enjoy!
Authentic Chicken Shish Tawook
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast , cut into 1-inch chunks
Marinade:
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 lemon, juiced + zest from half of it
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 3-4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional to serve with
- lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, yogurt, pita bread
Instructions
- Cut the 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast into 1-inch chunks.
- In a large bowl, add all the marinade ingredients (½ cup plain yogurt, 1 lemon, 3 tablespoons avocado oil, 3-4 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper) and whisk until well combined.
- Stir in the chicken chunks. Marinate for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken onto skewers.
- Preheat your grill or a large heavy-bottom grill pan to medium heat. Add skewers and grill, flipping them every couple of minutes; it should take about 10-12 minutes in total.
- Serve with crunchy veggies like lettuce, yogurt, and warm pita bread if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What to serve with shish tawook
- Lebanese rice or just plain white rice
- Salads like Coleslaw salad, Cucumber tomato salad, or this Zesty Quinoa salad recipe.
- Middle Eastern Red Lentil Soup
- Pita Bread or Homemade Dinner Rolls
- Creamy Mushroom and Zucchini Skillet
- Grilled Veggies like this Lemon Garlic Grilled Asparagus or this Honey Roasted Balsamic Glazed Carrots
- Healthy Mashed Potatoes
- Crispy Baked Greek Potato Wedges
More Chicken recipes
- Buffalo Chicken Salad
- Mediterranean Chicken Skillet
- Tuscan Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Creamy Chicken Spinach
- Chicken Scampi with Zoodles
Storing and reheating
- Storing: If you have leftovers, remove them from the skewers and place them in a sealed container to store in the fridge for up to 4 days. You may also freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: There are two ways to reheat. The easy way is to place them in the microwave and reheat them for 90-120 seconds or until heated through. Another way is to place and wrap them in a foil wrap, and place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 6-8 minutes.
Delish! Love the marinade. It imparted a wonderful flavor on the chicken. Your directions and timing were perfect. We spread a bit of hummus on pita bread, then topped with this chicken and toppings. Thank you!
Thanks so much. Glad you liked it
Is it okay to marinate overnight or well it be too flavorful??
totally fine to marinate overnight
I used to work in a Syrian restaurant growing up, and this was my FAVORITE meal.
Taste so similar and is delicious! I also wanted to have some tahini with it. (We used to serve it with garlic Mayo, which is as delightful as it sounds. But I want to cut back on calories!) so I mixed 1tsp of tahiniโฆI guess paste? ( I purchased the wrong product, which ended up helping me!) with greek yogurt, and it was amazing!!
On another note, I make it with a salad with lemon, mint, and olive oil dressing. Iโd love some recipes with this!