Description
This Authentic Shish Tawook is a traditional Middle Eastern grilled chicken skewer recipe marinated in yogurt, lemon, garlic, and warm spices. Juicy, flavorful, and easy to make at home, it’s perfect for wraps, bowls, or served with rice and veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 lemon, juiced + zest from half of it
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 3–4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden skewers (soaked if grilling)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch chunks and place in a large bowl.
- Make the Marinade: In a separate bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, garlic, tomato paste, paprika, cinnamon, oregano, ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate: Pour the marinade over the chicken. Mix well, cover, and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours in the fridge.
- Skewer: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers.
- Grill or Bake: Preheat grill or oven to 450°F. Grill skewers over medium heat, turning every 2–3 minutes for 10–12 minutes total, or bake on a foil-lined tray for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Broil for a final 2 minutes for extra char.
- Serve: Rest for 2 minutes, then serve with pita, garlic sauce, salad, or rice.
Notes
For extra tenderness and flavor, marinate overnight. Use Greek yogurt if preferred, but thin it with milk. Always soak wooden skewers to avoid burning. Store leftovers up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. Reheat wrapped in foil to retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Low Carb
- Method: Grilling or Oven
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 259
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 595mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 99mg
Keywords: Shish Tawook, grilled chicken skewers, Middle Eastern recipe, yogurt chicken marinade