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The origins of shish tawook are steeped in Middle Eastern culinary traditions. The use of yogurt in the marinade isn’t just about tenderizing the meat; it’s about infusing every cube with tang and spice that harks back to ancient cooking methods.
The key to a great shish tawook lies in balance. The acidity of the lemon juice cuts through the richness of the yogurt, while the garlic provides an assertive kick that harmonizes with the warm spices of paprika, cumin, and turmeric.
I’ve always believed that a great dip elevates any grilled dish. The creamy garlic yogurt dip not only complements the spices in the chicken but also adds a cooling contrast.
The texture is luxuriously smooth, and the freshness of lemon and herbs cuts through any residual heat, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Every time I serve this dish, it becomes the star of conversation at the dinner table.
The process from marinating and grilling to dipping and savoring is as much about the experience as it is about the food.
This shish tawook recipe is keto-friendly yet packed with high-protein, low-carb ingredients, a healthy dish that invites you to experiment while staying rooted in authenticity.
✅ Read the entire article to ensure you’re fully prepared with all the necessary equipment and ingredients. The full recipe and cooking instructions are below.
What is Shish Tawook?
Shish tawook, sometimes called chicken shish kabob, is a traditional Middle Eastern dish (Lebanese) that features marinated chicken cubes skewered and grilled to perfection.
The term “shish” means skewer in Turkish, and “tawook” (or “tavuk”) translates to chicken, which tells you exactly what you’re getting, a beautifully seasoned, grilled chicken dish with a charred, smoky flavor.
Shish tawook is often enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments, from rice and flatbreads to fresh salads and dips, making it a versatile and beloved option in many cuisines.
Key Ingredients of Shish Tawook Recipe
This shish tawook recipe features a flavorful marinade and a creamy dip that enhances the juicy grilled chicken.
Here are the key ingredients of shish tawook chicken skewers recipe:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into cubes for tender, juicy skewers.
- Yogurt: Acts as a natural tenderizer, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Garlic: Adds a rich, bold aroma that enhances the marinade and dip.
- Lemon Juice: Provides tanginess and helps break down the chicken for extra tenderness.
- Olive Oil: Locks in moisture and helps the chicken develop a nice char.
- Paprika & Cumin: Warm, smoky spices that give the chicken a classic Middle Eastern depth.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances the natural flavors of the marinade.
- Garlic Yogurt Dip: A creamy mix of yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt, perfect for drizzling or dipping.
Equipment You Will Need for Making Shish Tawook Skewers
To achieve perfectly grilled, flavorful shish tawook skewers, you’ll need the right kitchen tools. Explore our shop for top-rated picks and expert recommendations:
- Mixing Bowls: Used for marinating the chicken. A large glass or stainless steel bowl works best to evenly coat the chicken in the yogurt-based marinade.
- Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: Essential for cutting the chicken into evenly sized cubes, ensuring even cooking on the skewers.
- Metal or Wooden Skewers: Metal skewers are reusable and conduct heat, helping cook the chicken from the inside and wooden skewers must be soaked in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Grill or Grill Pan: Outdoor grill is best for authentic smoky flavor. Use medium-high heat for a perfect char and a grill pan is great for indoor cooking, mimicking the charred texture of an outdoor grill.
- Tongs: Used to flip the skewers without piercing the meat, keeping the juices inside.
- Basting Brush: For brushing on extra marinade or olive oil during grilling to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Meat Thermometer: Ensures the chicken is cooked safely to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) without overcooking.
- Serving Platter: To beautifully arrange the skewers with dips, pita bread, and sides for a stunning presentation.
- Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper (Optional): Useful for resting the cooked skewers to retain moisture before serving.
What to Serve with Shish Kabobs (15 Delicious Side Dishes)
This dish is incredibly versatile, and there are plenty of options to complement its flavors. Consider pairing your shish tawook skewers with:
- Fattoush Salad with Dressing: A vibrant, crunchy Middle Eastern salad made with crisp romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, and toasted pita chips, tossed in a tangy sumac and lemon vinaigrette. The refreshing flavors balance the richness of the grilled chicken.
- Sumac Onion Salad: A simple yet flavorful side dish made with thinly sliced red onions tossed in sumac, lemon juice, and parsley. It adds a tart and slightly sweet contrast to shish tawook.
- Coleslaw Salad: A creamy or tangy coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a yogurt-based dressing offers a crunchy, refreshing contrast to the grilled meat.
- Tzatziki Sauce: This cool and creamy Greek sauce made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and fresh herbs is the perfect dip for shish tawook skewers. It enhances the smoky flavor while adding a refreshing touch.
- Cajun Rice: A spiced rice dish with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and Cajun seasoning, adding a smoky and slightly spicy depth that pairs well with the grilled chicken.
- Roasted Mixed Vegetables: A medley of bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes roasted with olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a smoky, caramelized flavor that complements the skewers.
- Lebanese Pita Bread: Soft and fluffy pita bread is the perfect vessel for wrapping shish tawook with a drizzle of garlic sauce, pickles, and sumac onions.
- Saffron Rice: Aromatic saffron-infused rice cooked with butter and a hint of cardamom adds a rich, luxurious touch to the meal.
- Batata Harra (Spicy Lebanese Potatoes): Crispy fried or roasted potatoes tossed with garlic, cilantro, lemon juice, and chili flakes for a bold, flavorful side.
- Caramelized Eggplant Hummus: A twist on traditional hummus, blending roasted eggplant with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and olive oil for a smoky, creamy dip.
- Lebanese Pickles: Crunchy pickled cucumbers add a salty, tangy bite that contrasts beautifully with the tender grilled chicken.
- Levantine Pickled Cauliflower: Bright pink pickled cauliflower, brined with vinegar, beets, and garlic, adds a crunchy, zesty element to the meal.
- Jerusalem Salad: A classic Israeli-style chopped salad made with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and parsley in a lemony olive oil dressing.
- Garlic Toum Sauce: A fluffy, creamy Lebanese garlic sauce made by emulsifying garlic, lemon juice, oil, and salt—this is a must-have dip for shish tawook!
- Grilled Halloumi Cheese: Thick slices of halloumi cheese grilled until golden and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, adding a salty, smoky contrast to the skewers.
Quick Tips for Perfect the Shish Tawook Skewers
Here are some handy quick tips to ensure your shish tawook is nothing short of perfection:
- Marinate the Chicken Longer: For best results, let the chicken marinate overnight. This extra time allows the yogurt and spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Uniform Cubes: Ensure that chicken pieces are evenly cut. This not only guarantees uniform cooking but also enhances presentation.
- Preheat the Grill: Always preheat your grill to medium-high before cooking. This step is crucial for achieving those beautiful grill marks.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re unsure about the doneness of your chicken, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to avoid burning on the grill.
- Resting the grilled skewers is Key: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This step makes the meat juicier and more flavorful.
- Customize Your Dip: Experiment with your garlic dip by adding fresh dill or mint, or even a hint of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
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Authentic shish tawook skewers with creamy garlic yogurt dip are a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary.
From selecting the freshest chicken and perfecting a marinade that balances tang, spice, and garlic, to creating a cool, creamy dip that enhances every bite, this shish tawook recipe is all about creating a full sensory experience.
When you bite into these chicken tawook skewers, you’re not just tasting a dish; you’re experiencing a story of tradition passed down through generations, mixed with a modern twist that caters to busy lifestyles yet still honors authentic flavors.
Remember, the secret is in the details, so embrace every step, adjust the seasoning as you go, and most importantly, enjoy the process.
So fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the best of Lebanese flavors with a modern twist.
Authentic Shish Tawook Skewers with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Dip
Description
This Middle Eastern-inspired chicken shish tawook skewers recipe delivers tender, marinated chicken grilled to smoky perfection and paired with a tangy garlic yogurt dip.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
For the Creamy Garlic Yogurt Dip
Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Start by cutting your boneless chicken into uniform 1 ½-inch cubes.
- Uniformity is key for even cooking and perfect texture.
- Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl.
- Pat them dry with paper towels to help the marinade adhere better.
Marinating the Chicken
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, tomato paste (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Whisk the ingredients until smooth and well-blended.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken.
- Use your hands or a spatula to gently toss the pieces, ensuring every cube is thoroughly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight.
- The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it becomes.
Skewering the Chicken
- Preheat your grill or BBQ to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C).
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
- Make sure to leave a small gap between each piece for even cooking and that the flavors can meld beautifully with the char from the grill.
Grilling the Chicken
- Brush your grill grates with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the skewers on the grill.
- Grill the chicken skewers for about 12-15 minutes, turning them every 3-4 minutes.
- You want a lovely char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
- The chicken should be cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- This rest period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and moist.
Preparing the Creamy Garlic Yogurt Dip
- While the chicken rests, combine the Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Stir until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. If you’re a fan of fresh herbs, gently fold in chopped dill or mint.
- Garnish with a pinch of smoked paprika on top for an extra pop of color and a hint of smoky flavor.
Serving Your Masterpiece
- Arrange the grilled shish tawook skewers on a platter.
- Serve alongside a bowl of the creamy garlic yogurt dip.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired.
- Enjoy this dish hot off the grill for the best flavor experience.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Cholesterol 95mg32%
- Sodium 650mg28%
- Potassium 550mg16%
- Total Carbohydrate 8g3%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 40g80%
- Vitamin A 350 IU
- Vitamin C 15 mg
- Calcium 150 mg
- Iron 1.8 mg
- Vitamin D 20 IU
- Vitamin K 8 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 2-4 hours (overnight is best) to absorb all the spices and yogurt.
- While chicken breast works, thighs stay tender and juicy when grilled.
- Leave a little space between chicken cubes so they cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
- Brush the skewers with leftover marinade or a bit of oil while grilling to keep them extra moist.
- Cook the skewers over 375-400°F (190-200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to be fully cooked but still juicy.
- After grilling, let them rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices before serving.
- Serve with Lebanese garlic sauce (Toum), pita bread, sumac onions, and saffron rice for a complete meal.
