Shish Tawook is one of my go-to weeknight family meals. Made with simple pantry ingredients, these grilled chicken skewers are extra juicy and flavourful due to the use of yogurt, tomato paste, and garlic in the marinade. And you don’t need to wait until BBQ weather to enjoy them, you can make them on your indoor grill. If you want to transform bland chicken breast into a meal your family will love – follow along my recipe!

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

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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 we all have those days when we need an easy meal.

In the middle east, yogurt, lemon juice, tomato paste are typically used to marinate chicken breast. They all to tenderize the chicken breast and infuse a lot of flavour. In my recipe, I also throw in paprika, onion powder, cinnamon and ginger for extra flavour. If you have toum, you can also use that in the marinade.

Have extra chicken and want to try a different marinade? Check out my Joojeh Kabob recipe, or if you want to try baking instead of grilling these skewers, follow my baked chicken skewers recipe which was developed for the oven.

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 and 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 Arabic salad 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.

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

Grilled chicken skewers served on a plate
5 from 23 ratings

Shish Tawook (Middle Eastern Chicken Skewers)

Yield: 6 servings
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Author: Amina Al-Saigh
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. 
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Ingredients
 

Makes 7-10 skewers

  • 700 g chicken breast
  • 3/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, optional

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.
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 266kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 34g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 100mg, Sodium: 620mg, Potassium: 696mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 174IU, Vitamin C: 14mg, Calcium: 56mg, Iron: 1mg
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