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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!

top view chicken shish tawook skewers on a long white dish
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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

Skill Level
Beginner
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins

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

What does Tawook mean?

The word Tawook means Chicken, and the word shish means skewers. Thus, the name Shish Tawook.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes. You can certainly use boneless and skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. I would suggest trimming down some of the fat.

Can I use beef?

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.

Would Greek Yogurt work instead of plain yogurt?

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.

Would fresh ginger work?

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.

Ingredients to make chicken tawook.
  • 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.
process shot to make the marinade for the chicken tawook and placing them on skewers.
  • 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!
top view chicken skewers on a plate with a side of yogurt garlic dip
5 from 2 votes

Authentic Chicken Shish Tawook

By: Rena
Servings: 6
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
marinade: 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour
top view chicken shish tawook skewers on a long white dish
Chicken kebabs are marinated in an authentic Middle Eastern yogurt Marinade mix and grilled to perfection. Easy to make, juicy, and so delicious.

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.
    mixing and making the shish tawook marinade
  • Stir in the chicken chunks. Marinate for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken onto skewers.
    marinated chicken chunks placed on 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!
    top view chicken skewers on a plate with a side of yogurt garlic dip

Notes

This recipe was inspired and adapted from my friend Feel Good Foodie
Storage: Shish Tawook is best served on the same day. If you do have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You may reheat it in the microwave. If you prefer to reheat in a toaster oven, make sure you wrap up the chicken in foil to prevent them from drying out.
Marinade: The longer you marinate the chicken shish Tawook, the better. At the very minimum, you should marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours. If you can make it the night before and allow it to marinate in the fridge overnight, that would be ideal.
Nutrition Facts: We use a computerized system to calculate the nutritional values. Please note that the values will vary based on the ingredients you use and substitute.

Nutrition

Serving: 1skewerCalories: 259kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 33gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 99mgSodium: 595mgPotassium: 663mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 279IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 47mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Tried this recipe?Mention @healthyfitnessmeals or tag #healthyfitnessmeals!

What to serve with shish tawook

More Chicken recipes

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.
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About Rena Awada

Hi, Iโ€™m Rena! Welcome to my blog. I am here to help you prepare delicious, light, fresh meals that your whole family will love!

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5 from 2 votes

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Recipe Rating




5 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    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!

  2. 5 stars
    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 tahiniโ€ฆI 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. Iโ€™d love some recipes with this!