A delicious Middle Eastern grilled chicken recipe, Shish Tawook is boneless chicken marinated in yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and blend of spices. Grilled to perfection, it pairs well with Middle Eastern sides.

Chicken Shish Tawook is a perfect dish to be served at your next BBQ or make it for a quick weeknight dinner. Serve it with some pita, dips and salad on the side to make it a Middle Eastern Feast.

What is Shish Tawook?

In Turkish, the word “shish” means skewer, and “tawook,” or taouk, means chicken. Shish tawook is basically Middle Eastern grilled chicken skewers marinated in a yoghurt, lemon juice, lots of garlic, and spices. The origins of Shish Tawook can be traced back to Ottoman Cuisine. It has become a popular dish in many Middle Eastern countries including Lebanon, Syria and Iraq.

Ingredients For Chicken Shish Tawook

Chicken – Use Boneless chicken breast or thight fillets cut into small pieces.
Plain Yoghurt – this makes for base of marinade and helps to tenderise chicken.
Garlic – lots of freshly minced garlic.
Olive Oil – use extra virgin olive oil.
Lemon Juice – freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Tomato paste – concentrated tomato paste.
Cumin Powder and Dried Oregano
Paprika – you either use smoked or sweet paprika.
Ground Cinnamon – gives a warmth and depth to the marinade.
Salt and pepper to taste – Season generously with salt and black pepper for a balanced taste.

How to Make Chicken Shish Tawook

Marinate Chicken – in a bowl combine ingredients for marinade and mix well. Add chicken and coat it well with the marinade. Allow it to marinate for at least 1 hour. For an even more intense taste, marinate for up to 24 hours.

Skewer The chicken – Thread chicken pieces into the skewers. I like to use metal skewers as they are reusable. They don’t burn. You can use wooden skewers if you don’t have metal ones.

Grill the Shish Tawook – Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side. Grill until the chicken is fully cooked, has nice grill marks, and a slightly charred exterior.

Watch How to Make Chicken Shish Tawook

Tips for Perfect Shish Tawook

Use boneless chicken cut into small pieces to ensure quick and even cooking.
Allow sufficient marinating time for the chicken to absorb the flavors fully.
Preferably use metal skewers but if you are using wooden skewers soak them in water to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Grill over medium-high heat for that perfect char without overcooking.

How to Serve Chicken Shish Tawook

There are endless serving options when it comes to Chicken Shish Tawook. Here are some inspiration ideas:

In Pita Bread: Stuff the grilled chicken into warm pita bread pockets along with Salad and a drizzle of tahini sauce or hummus
On a Plate: Serve the chicken skewers on a plate with aromatic rice, a fresh salad, and a generous drizzle of garlic sauce.
With Flatbread: Pair your Chicken Shish Tawook with Middle Eastern flatbreads such as khobaz or lavash.
As a Platter: Create a mouthwatering platter with Chicken Shish Tawook, creamy hummus, vibrant tabbouleh, and crispy falafel for a complete Middle Eastern feast.