Name: Shish Tawook (Grilled Chicken Skewers)
Prep time: PT-493424H18M40S
Cook time: PT-493424H8M40S
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-2 inch cubes); 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon paprika (for color and a hint of smokiness); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon ground coriander; ½ teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon ground allspice (optional but recommended for a warm, aromatic flavor); Salt and pepper, to taste; ¼ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional, for garnish); Lemon wedges; Fresh parsley or cilantro; Grilled vegetables (like peppers, onions, and zucchini); Pita bread or flatbread; Garlic sauce or tahini; Chicken Breast: The lean, tender nature of boneless, skinless chicken breast makes it the ideal choice for Shish Tawook. It’s quick to cook and holds up well on the grill or in the oven.; Yogurt: Yogurt acts as both a tenderizer and a flavor carrier. The lactic acid in the yogurt helps break down the fibers of the chicken, resulting in a tender and juicy bite. It also contributes to the creamy texture and slight tang of the marinade.; Olive Oil: Olive oil not only helps the marinade adhere to the chicken but also adds richness and depth to the flavor.; Garlic and Lemon: These two ingredients give Shish Tawook its signature zesty and aromatic flavor. Garlic adds savory depth, while lemon contributes a bright, fresh acidity.; Spices: Paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and allspice are essential to creating the warm, savory flavor profile of Shish Tawook. These spices are often used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking, providing the dish with its signature boldness.

Ingredients

Scale

To make delicious Shish Tawook (Grilled Chicken Skewers), you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

1 ½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1–2 inch cubes)
1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon paprika (for color and a hint of smokiness)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground allspice (optional but recommended for a warm, aromatic flavor)
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional, for garnish)

For the Garnish (Optional):

Lemon wedges
Fresh parsley or cilantro
Grilled vegetables (like peppers, onions, and zucchini)
Pita bread or flatbread
Garlic sauce or tahini

Ingredient Highlights

Chicken Breast: The lean, tender nature of boneless, skinless chicken breast makes it the ideal choice for Shish Tawook. It’s quick to cook and holds up well on the grill or in the oven.
Yogurt: Yogurt acts as both a tenderizer and a flavor carrier. The lactic acid in the yogurt helps break down the fibers of the chicken, resulting in a tender and juicy bite. It also contributes to the creamy texture and slight tang of the marinade.
Olive Oil: Olive oil not only helps the marinade adhere to the chicken but also adds richness and depth to the flavor.
Garlic and Lemon: These two ingredients give Shish Tawook its signature zesty and aromatic flavor. Garlic adds savory depth, while lemon contributes a bright, fresh acidity.
Spices: Paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and allspice are essential to creating the warm, savory flavor profile of Shish Tawook. These spices are often used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking, providing the dish with its signature boldness.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Marinade

Cut the Chicken: Begin by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-2 inch cubes. Try to make the pieces roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
Make the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and allspice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra heat, you can add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are completely coated. You can use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a resealable plastic bag.
Chill and Marinate: Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight for the best flavor. The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will be.

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers

Soak Wooden Skewers (if using): If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers do not require soaking.
Thread the Chicken onto Skewers: Once the chicken is marinated, thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This helps the heat circulate evenly around the chicken, ensuring it cooks perfectly.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken Skewers

Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). If you are using a grill pan on the stovetop, heat it over medium-high heat and lightly grease it with oil.
Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure whether the chicken is cooked through, you can check by cutting one of the larger pieces to ensure there is no pink in the center. Alternatively, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Remove from the Grill: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to retain their juices.
Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro over the chicken skewers for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve with lemon wedges, garlic sauce, or tahini on the side. You can also pair the skewers with grilled vegetables, pita bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating: 2-3 hours (or overnight for more intense flavor)
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 300-350
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 30g