Go Back
–+ servings
5 from 30 votes

Shish Tawook

Shish Tawook is Lebanese grilled chicken skewers or kabobs. Served all year round, the distinctive color and flavor of this dish come from the yogurt and spice marinade that also tenderizes the chicken so it literally melts in your mouth!
Author Diana
Servings 5 servings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup plain natural or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 pounds (900g) chicken breasts boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt with tomato paste, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix so it's well combined.
  • Place the chicken pieces in the marinade, give it a mix so that the chicken is well covered, cover with plastic wrap and marinate for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours in the fridge.
  • If you're using bamboo skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 20 minutes. Thread the chicken onto the skewers, about 4-5 pieces per skewer.
  • Grill on an outdoor grill or a grill pan for about 4-6 minutes per side.

Notes

  • If cooking in the oven, preheat the oven to 360°F/180°C and place on a half sheet pan allowing the skewers to stay on the rim so that the chicken isn't touching the pan. Add half a cup of water to the bottom of the pan, and cook in the oven for 30 minutes.
  • Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours but preferably overnight.
  • When threading the chicken, do not squeeze it tight but don't leave space between every 2 pieces.
  • Feel free to add slices of yellow onions to the skewers.
  • A couple of halved tomatoes can be put on the grill as the chicken is being grilled, and enjoyed with the chicken.
  • The chicken is ready when the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Use an Instant reach thermometer to check.
  • When you pull the chicken skewers off the grill, tent with foil and let the chicken steam in there for 10 minutes to lock in the juices and stay moist.
  • Serve over pita bread with Toum garlic sauce, pickles, and sumac onions.
  • To make the sumac onions, thinly slice red or yellow onions, then in a bowl combine with chopped parsley, onions, a drizzle of olive oil, a splash of lemon juice, sumac, and salt. Give it a give massage, and serve.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container without any sauces in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven until just warmed through.

Nutrition

Calories: 314kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 719mg | Potassium: 794mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 346IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 1mg
Find it online: https://littlesunnykitchen.com/shish-tawook/