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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes » Chicken » Shish Tawook | Grilled Chicken Skewers

    Shish Tawook | Grilled Chicken Skewers

    5 from 14 votes
    April 7, 2020 (last updated November 27, 2022) by Amina Al-Saigh

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    A popular middle eastern recipe, Shish Tawook is one of my go-to weeknight family meals. Made with simple pantry ingredients, these grilled chicken skewers can be served as a side or as a main course. Not only are they healthy but they're also a crowd favorite, especially with kids. And you don't need to wait until summer BBQ weather to enjoy Shish Tawook, you can make them on your indoor grill. Trust me on this one - you need to try them!

    Grilled chicken skewers placed on a plate with onions and lemon.

    Growing up, my mom always kept marinated chicken breast pieces in the freezer for a quick meal idea and now I do the same. Because - Hello!! We all have those days where we need a break in the kitchen. To marinate the chicken we use the classic ingredients which are yogurt, lemon juice, garlic and tomato paste. In my recipe, I also throw in some paprika for extra flavor and olive oil because chicken breast needs some extra fat. If you have toum, you can also use that in the marindae! I usually make a big portion which I can batch freeze.

    Have extra chicken and want to try a different marinade? Check out my Joojeh Kabob recipe. With work and two kids, these grilled chicken skewers are a lifesaver for me. They will be for you too!

    Shish Taook skewers on a plate garnished with onions and lemon slices

    How to make ahead and freeze Shish Tawook

    • To make a large batch, double or triple the recipe ingredients
    • Mix the marinade together but leave out the lemon juice and marinate the chicken cubes. Place in a freezer safe bag in meal sized portions.
    • Allow to thaw overnight in the fridge when you want to cook the shish tawook
    • Before cooking, add the lemon juice an mix well, then cook per recipe instructions. Ensure chicken is at room temperature before grilling.

    Cooking tips and how to serve Shish Tawook

    • Chicken breast does not have as much fat as other types of meat, so it's important to not overcook it or it may become dry. Ensure you cook no more than 5-7 minutes each side and check that it's white inside
    • Shish Tawook is typically served with a fresh chopped vegetables for easy sandwich making, as well as toum. Make my 5-minute toum and it will really elevate this dish!
    • One of the best things to serve it with is Sumac Onions. Thinly sliced red onions that have been rubbed with sumac and allowed to stand for 10-15 minutes
    • You can also serve with a side of rice or Fattoush Salad

    Looking for a side dish to go with this recipe? Check out these recipes:

    • Instant Pot Tomato Rice
    • Instant Pot Keema Rice
    • Middle Eastern Fattoush Salad
    Grilled chicken skewers served on a plate

    Shish Tawook | Grilled Chicken Skewers

    Tender chicken breast pieces marinated in yogurt, spices and tomato paste, grilled to perfection. Serve as a side or part of the main course, these shish tawook skewers make a delicious weeknight family meal. 
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: middle eastern
    Keyword: chicken skewers, grilled chicken, middle eastern, shish taook
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 7 -10 skewers
    Author: Amina Al-Saigh

    Ingredients

    Makes 7-10 skewers

    • 3-4 chicken breasts
    • ¾ cup plain yogurt
    • 2 tbsp tomato paste
    • 3 tbsp olive oil
    • 5 garlic cloves minced
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • 1 tsp salt
    • ½ tsp paprika
    • ¼ tsp black pepper

    Instructions

    • Start by combining all ingredients together except for the chicken to form the marinade. Mix well.
    • Cut the chicken breast into approximately 2 inch cubes and add to the marinade. Rub well.
    • Cover and allow chicken to marinate in the fridge at least 1 hour, preferably overnight. Take out 30 mins before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
    • Skewer the chicken onto metal skewers (or you can use wood skewers but ensure to soak them in water before using for 1 hour)
    • Grill the chicken on a stove top skillet or grill pan on medium heat for about 5-6 mins on each side. Ensure chicken is white and cooked through.
    • Serve with sumac onions, vegetables and pita bread.
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @HungryPaprikas or tag #HungryPaprikas!
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      Comments

    1. Sam says

      June 20, 2022 at 4:58 pm

      5 stars
      Very tasty

      Reply
    2. Huda says

      May 06, 2021 at 11:18 pm

      5 stars
      My kids loved this chicken! I was so happy because they typically don’t enjoy eating chicken like this. It was so tender and juicy 😍

      Reply
      • Amina says

        May 07, 2021 at 1:37 am

        It's the best when we find a recipe that kids enjoy! So glad Huda 🙂

        Reply
    3. Juweria says

      April 20, 2021 at 3:59 am

      5 stars
      This was so quick, easy and delish!!

      Reply
      • Amina says

        April 22, 2021 at 2:29 am

        Thanks for the feedback Juweria!

        Reply
    4. Safiya says

      March 11, 2021 at 10:17 pm

      That looks fantastic, Amina!! Going to save this for Ramadaan.

      Reply
    5. Fatimah says

      January 19, 2021 at 2:19 pm

      5 stars
      So delicious! We already can’t wait to make it again! And so easy to make!

      Reply
    6. Sarah says

      January 12, 2021 at 1:51 am

      5 stars
      This was so easy and yummy 😋

      Reply
    7. Sarah says

      December 19, 2020 at 1:37 am

      5 stars
      Loved how tasty and kid friendly this is!!

      Reply
    8. Nouran says

      December 16, 2020 at 12:06 am

      5 stars
      On repeat ! So good.

      Reply
    9. Iza says

      December 11, 2020 at 1:00 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is amazing! The chicken is very soft after marinating it all overnight. Will be making it again!

      Reply
    10. Zahra @threecupsofchai says

      June 25, 2020 at 6:24 am

      5 stars
      I love shish tawook, and this recipe is perfect!

      Reply
      • Amina says

        August 13, 2020 at 5:39 am

        Thank you for the kind review Zahra!!

        Reply
    11. Sarra says

      April 18, 2020 at 1:00 am

      5 stars
      Delicious!

      Reply
      • Amina says

        April 30, 2020 at 10:12 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    12. Wafa says

      April 13, 2020 at 4:19 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious!

      Reply
      • Amina says

        April 17, 2020 at 5:38 pm

        Glad you enjoyed it Wafa!

        Reply
    13. Amanie says

      April 12, 2020 at 9:07 pm

      5 stars
      So yummy and easy to make!

      Reply
      • Amina says

        April 17, 2020 at 5:37 pm

        Thanks for the lovely review Amanie!

        Reply

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    ABOUT ME

    Hi friend! I'm Amina, a wife and busy mother of two. And I know you're super busy too. I'm here to help you figure out dinner for your family with my easy, quick, and Middle Eastern inspired recipes. Hope you enjoy your stay - and please - have a look around and get in touch!

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