Grilled Middle Eastern Classic Chicken Shish Tawook A Mangoes and Palm Trees Favorite
Savor an authentic Chicken Shish Tawook, crafted by Oliver & Natalia with over 15 years of culinary expertise, featuring marinated skewers with a tropical mango-yogurt sauce.
What Is Chicken Shish Tawook?
Chicken Shish Tawook is a beloved Middle Eastern dish featuring marinated chicken skewers, known for their juicy, flavorful bite. Originating in Lebanon and Turkey, this grilled chicken tawook is celebrated for its tender texture and vibrant spices, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Its global popularity stems from its ease of preparation and adaptability, enjoyed with various sides across cultures.
Rooted in Lebanese and Turkish cuisine, “shish” translates to skewers and “tawook” to chicken. The yogurt-based marinade, infused with garlic, lemon, and spices, ensures tenderness and rich flavor, a hallmark of Middle Eastern grilling traditions. For more Middle Eastern inspiration, explore our Middle Eastern Chicken Recipes.
Chicken Shish Tawook Recipe
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 2 lbs | Cut into 1-inch cubes |
| Plain yogurt | 1 cup | Full-fat or Greek |
| Lemon juice | 1/4 cup | Freshly squeezed |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp | Extra virgin |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | Minced |
| Paprika | 2 tsp | – |
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp | – |
| Ground coriander | 1 tsp | – |
| Ground turmeric | 1/2 tsp | – |
| Sea salt | 1 tsp | – |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp | Freshly ground |
Mango-Yogurt Sauce (Optional)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Mango puree | 1/4 cup | – |
| Plain yogurt | 1/2 cup | – |
| Garlic | 1 tsp | Minced |
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup plain yogurt, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Place 2 lbs chicken cubes in a zip-lock bag or bowl, pour in the marinade, and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for 4-12 hours, turning occasionally.
- Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes or use metal skewers. Thread chicken cubes, leaving small gaps, optionally alternating with bell peppers or onions.
- Preheat grill to medium-high (375-400°F/190-204°C). Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve skewers with basmati rice, pita, or salad, and mango-yogurt sauce (mix 1/4 cup mango puree, 1/2 cup yogurt, 1 tsp garlic) or tahini.
Watch the Recipe Video
History and Origin
Rooted in Lebanese and Turkish cuisine, “shish” translates to skewers and “tawook” to chicken. The yogurt-based marinade, infused with garlic, lemon, and spices, ensures tenderness and rich flavor, a hallmark of Middle Eastern grilling traditions.
Popularity Around the World
Its health benefits, vibrant flavors, and ease of preparation have made shish tawook a global favorite. From Middle Eastern restaurants to home kitchens, it’s served with rice, salads, or pita, adapting to local tastes in countries like the USA, Canada, and beyond.
| Country | Popular Accompaniment |
|---|---|
| Lebanon | Tabbouleh, garlic sauce |
| Turkey | Pilaf, grilled vegetables |
| USA | Salad, pita bread |
Chicken Selection
Use 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and optimal marinade absorption. Opt for fresh, organic chicken for the best flavor and texture, ensuring firm, pink meat with no odor.
Marinade Preparation
Mixing the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup plain yogurt, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth.
Marinating Time
Place chicken cubes in a zip-lock bag or bowl, pour in the marinade, and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for 4-12 hours, ideally overnight, turning occasionally for deep flavor penetration.
Skewering the Chicken
Preparing the Skewers
Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning, or use cleaned metal skewers for durability and ease. Ensure skewers are long enough to hold 6-8 chicken cubes.
Threading the Chicken
Thread marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving small gaps (1/4 inch) for even cooking. Optionally, alternate with pieces of bell peppers or onions for added color and flavor.
Grilling Techniques
Grill Setup
Clean grill grates with a wire brush, preheat to medium-high (375-400°F/190-204°C), and lightly oil grates to prevent sticking.
Cooking Temperature
Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes to achieve grill marks and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Alternative Cooking Methods
Oven Roasting
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place skewers on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until reaching 165°F (75°C). Broil 2-3 minutes for a charred finish.
Pan Frying
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, turning to brown evenly, until 165°F (75°C).
Flavor Enhancements
Herbs and Spices
Add 2 tbsp chopped parsley or cilantro to the marinade for freshness, or 1/4 tsp cayenne for a spicy kick.
Additional Marinade Tips
Incorporate 1 tsp honey for subtle sweetness or 1 tbsp tomato paste for umami richness.
Serving Suggestions
Side Dishes
Serve with basmati rice, couscous, or warm pita bread. Pair with cucumber-tomato salad or tabbouleh.
Sauce Pairings
Offer garlic yogurt sauce, tahini, or a mango-yogurt sauce for a tropical twist.
Vegetarian Alternatives
Tofu Shish Tawook
Marinate 1 lb firm tofu cubes in the same yogurt-based marinade for 2-4 hours. Grill or bake until golden.
Vegetable Skewers
Skewer 1-inch pieces of bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms, marinate, and grill for 8-10 minutes.
Health Benefits
Nutritional Value
A serving (4 oz chicken) provides approximately 30g protein, B6, niacin, selenium, and antioxidants from garlic and lemon.
Healthy Cooking Tips
Grill to reduce fat, use extra virgin olive oil, and add vegetables to increase fiber and vitamins.
Common Mistakes
Overcooking the Chicken
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) without drying out.
Incorrect Marinade Ratios
Measure precisely for balanced flavor and texture.
Storing Leftovers
Refrigeration Tips
Cool chicken, store airtight at ≤40°F (4°C) for 3-4 days, and label containers.
Reheating Methods
Microwave covered, or reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes with broth.
More Chicken Recipes to Try
Lebanese Chicken Shawarma
A bold Middle Eastern wrap with tropical sauce
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