Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will revolutionize your grilling game with the most irresistible Shish Tawook you've ever tasted! This authentic Middle Eastern chicken skewer recipe is not just a meal, it's a flavor explosion that combines tender, juicy chicken with a perfect blend of aromatic spices that will make your kitchen smell like a bustling street market in Beirut. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a grilling novice, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality results that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 3 tbsp yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pita bread for serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Cut chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring even size for consistent cooking.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade, thoroughly coating each piece. Cover and refrigerate for minimum 2-4 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F.
- Thread marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces for even heat distribution.
- Grill skewers for 12-15 minutes, rotating every 3-4 minutes to ensure even charring and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove skewers from heat and let rest for 3-5 minutes to retain moisture.
- Serve hot with warm pita bread, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and optional side of garlic sauce or hummus.
Tips
- Marination is Key: The longer you marinate, the more flavor your chicken will absorb. While 2-4 hours is good, overnight marination will elevate your dish to extraordinary levels.
- Uniform Cutting: Ensure your chicken cubes are exactly the same size to guarantee even cooking and prevent some pieces from being over or undercooked.
- Skewer Strategy: Leave a small gap between chicken pieces on the skewer to allow heat to circulate evenly and create that perfect char.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F for food safety without overcooking.
- Rest Your Meat: Always let the skewers rest for 3-5 minutes after grilling to lock in those precious juices and keep the chicken incredibly tender.
- Bonus Flavor Hack: Brush the skewers with additional marinade during the last few minutes of grilling for an extra flavor punch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
