Looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make dish? Try this delicious Shish Tawook recipe, featuring tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection. This Middle Eastern-inspired dish combines yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and a blend of aromatic spices like paprika, cinnamon, and oregano, resulting in a juicy and flavorful chicken skewers. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, planning a family dinner, or craving a tasty, protein-packed meal, this Shish Tawook is a perfect choice. Serve it with warm pita bread, a side of garlic sauce, and fresh veggies for a complete meal. This simple recipe will quickly become a favorite in your rotation, offering great flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into large chunks
½ cup plain whole milk yogurt
¼ cup lemon juice
¼ cup olive oil
6 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon paprika
¾ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, tomato paste, paprika, cinnamon, oregano, ginger, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
Thread the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, adding a wedge of onion to each skewer, if desired.
Grill the Chicken: Grill the skewers for 5-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has grill marks.
Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and serve with warm pita bread, lettuce, and garlic sauce for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Marinade: The combination of yogurt, spices, and garlic infuses the chicken with a delicious depth of flavor.
Quick and Easy: With a simple marinade and grilling process, you can prepare this dish in no time.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re having a casual family meal or hosting a BBQ, Shish Tawook is a crowd-pleaser.

Tips

Marinate Overnight: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for a minimum of 4 hours, or even overnight.
Grill with Veggies: Add bell peppers, tomatoes, or onions to the skewers for extra flavor and texture.
Ensure Even Cooking: If your chicken chunks are unevenly sized, they may cook at different rates, so try to cut them into similar sizes for more even grilling.

Variations and Substitutions

Different Proteins: Swap the chicken for lamb, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade for a spicier version of Shish Tawook.
Herb Options: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a different twist in the marinade.

FAQs

Q: Can I cook the chicken in the oven instead of grilling?
A: Yes, preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the chicken on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Q: Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it in the fridge before grilling.

Serving and Suggestions

Serve Shish Tawook with traditional sides like hummus, tabbouleh, or a simple salad.
For a more filling meal, add a side of rice or couscous.
Top with a drizzle of garlic sauce or tahini for extra flavor.