Try this Shish Tawook recipe for tender, yogurt-marinated chicken skewers that will take your taste buds to the Middle East!
I was a full-grown adult the first time I tried grilled chicken that had been marinated in yogurt, and I immediately became obsessed. How had this secret been kept from me? How was the chicken so tender? And, most importantly, what recipes could I find that used this method?
Enter shish tawook—my first go at making my own yogurt-marinated chicken. While shish tawook is primarily popular in Turkish and Lebanese cuisine, it has spread far beyond the Middle East and landed in Western cuisine. Featuring mouthwatering marinated chicken grilled to perfection on a skewer, this handheld dish is perfect for any summertime cookout.
The marinade combines warm spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and allspice with a base of creamy plain yogurt. The hardest part, honestly, is patiently waiting for the chicken to marinate. Grilling these skewers is a breeze; it takes less than 20 minutes to achieve a golden-brown, lightly-charred exterior. You can easily prepare shish tawook the night before a big shindig and cook it outdoors with your family the next day. But be careful—the warm and welcoming aroma will have everyone coming back for more.
Is Shish Tawook Healthy?
This shish tawook recipe is full of lean and healthy protein from the chicken, and it has plenty of healthy fats from the olive oil. You get lots of warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cardamom, as well, all of which contain antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties. Lemon juice provides some vitamin C, too. This recipe can be a healthy part of many diets, especially when paired with wholesome vegetable sides. If you’re limiting your intake of sodium, be aware that shish tawook is a bit on the high side of sodium content. Consider using “lite” salt in the marinade, or simply use less salt. Overall, this recipe is gluten-free, high in protein, and relatively low in fat.
What’s the Difference Between Shish Tawook & Shish Kebab?
Shish comes from the Turkish word for “skewer,” while tawook is derived from the Turkish word for “chicken.” On the other hand, the word kebab refers to any kind of meat or vegetable that has been skewered and grilled. So technically, both dishes are kebabs. But shish tawook specifically features chicken, whereas shish kebab can include chicken, beef, seafood, or veggies.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Once cooked, leftover shish tawook should be refrigerated within 2 hours and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe ziplock bag or container.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your shish tawook with Keto Tzatziki and Tahini for dipping, or wrap it in warm pita with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and hummus. It’s delicious with a number of healthy side dishes, like Roasted Cauliflower With Tahini Sauce, Grilled Avocados With Feta Tahini Sauce, and Falafel With Canned Chickpeas for a whole buffet of delicious options. I also recommend making a big Fattoush Salad to get your fresh veggies in!
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup plain whole milk yogurt
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1½-inch cubes
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Grill the skewers for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has nice grill marks.
- Serve hot with sides of your choice, such as pita bread, garlic sauce, and fresh vegetables.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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