This Shish Tawook, (شيش طاووق) recipe is a very popular Middle Eastern Chicken Kabob dish, and is going to be one of your favorite go to chicken kabob recipe. It is marinated with delicious spices and yogurt to bring out the most juicy grilled chicken recipe you will ever have.
WHAT IS SHISH TAWOOK, (شيش طاووق )?
Shish Tawook is one of the most popular recipe in Lebanon. No matter where you eat at, there will be Shish Tawook on the menu. Shish Tawook is also widely served in Turkey and many countries around the world. Shish means “skewer” in Turkish and it is believed that the dish was originated from there. It is very healthy, low carb and high in protein.
HOW TO MAKE THE SHISH TAWOOK?
There are many variations of making the Shish Tawook. Most people simply cube the chicken and marinate with traditional delicious spices, yogurt, lemon juice and garlic. They are then placed on a skewer for grilling. I do however prepare mine just a little different. The best way to have the Shish Tawook is by grilling it on a charcoal grill. It brings out the best flavors of this recipe. Some grill them in the oven which is also okay. My mother-in-law sometimes just places them on an oven pan and grills them in the oven without even putting them on the skewer. It all works!
MARINATING:
I always start by cubing and marinating the chicken. I highly recommend that you use chicken tenders for this recipe. It’s so much better than regular chicken breasts, if you have that option available. It is also important that you marinate them for about 2-4 hours to get the best results. You can also marinate them the night before. The chicken comes out super tender, juicy and flavorful. If you are in a hurry though, you can still prepare them right away.
This marinade can last in your fridge for 2-3 days. So if you want to make a bigger batch and grill some daily, it is perfectly fine. I used a ready made Shish Tawook Spice because I have it handy. I use a brand called SHAN. They have a huge collection of amazing difference spices that I absolutely love. You can also find it online on amazon or any Middles Eastern store around you. When I don’t have the spice handy, I use the Shish Tawook Spice recipe below that I will include in the recipe card.
GRILLING:
Place the marinated chicken on the skewers. You can add additional veggies like onions or bell peppers. You may also use some zucchini pieces too if you like and grill them at the same time. We usually just use onions and bell peppers. This time I didn’t add any and also used an indoor grill to grill them since it’s cold outside.
SIDES TO PAIR WITH THIS DISH?
Almost everyone I know pairs the Shish Tawook with traditional garlic paste and hummus. It is also served with Fattouch or Tabbouleh Salad which I will hopefully be posting soon on my blog. You can also serve it with just a simple salad with fresh vegetables and a lemon juice dressing like I did in the photo. I also served mine with Quinoa, which is healthier carb option. Most restaurants or family prepare a traditional Middle Eastern vermicelli rice to serve along with this dish. Some just prefer French fries or Lebanese Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra, بطاطا حارة) . It can also be prepared as a sandwich using pita bread. You can’t go wrong on any of the options.
I hope you try and enjoy this Shish Tawook, (شيش طاووق) recipe with your family! Since it’s a healthy dish, you can grill these chicken skewers for your meal prep as well. Please tag me on my INSTAGRAM so I can see your delicious recreation! Try it, Rate it, Share it! Xoxo…
OTHER RECIPES YOU MAY LIKE:
Lebanese Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra)
Sweet and Chili Shrimp Stir Fry
Shish Tawook
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. chicken tenders or breast cubes into 1.5 inch pieces
- cubed onions optional
- cubed bell peppers optional
MARINADE:
- 3 tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 cup whole milk yogurt plain and non-Greek
- 2 tbsps. garlic minced
- 1/4 cup oil Olive, Vegetable or Canola
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 tbsp. ketchup
- 1.5 tbsp. tomato paste
- 4 tbsps. Shish Tawook Spice
NOTE:
If you don't have the Shish Tawook spice, add:
- 1 tsp. 7 spice can substitute for all spice
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. oregano
- 1 tsp. paprika extra
Instructions
- Cube the chicken breast or tenders into 1.5 inch cubes.
- Add in the marinade ingredients. Mix to coat well and let it marinate for 2-4 hours if time permits.
- Assemble the chicken skewers and grill on each side for 4-5 minutes.
- Serve with suggested sides.
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