main-dishes

Shish Tawook – Grilled Chicken Skewers

A beloved Middle Eastern classic, Shish Tawook features tender cubes of chicken marinated with lemon, garlic, yogurt, tomatoes, and warm spices. The yogurt keeps the chicken incredibly juicy while the combination of paprika, coriander, cumin, chili, and cardamom builds a deep, aromatic flavor. At RizzieFarms, this dish brings back memories of traveling through the Middle East in 2019, where backyard grills filled the air with sizzling skewers and bright citrus aromas. These skewers are perfect for a cookout and pair beautifully with grilled peppers, onions, and tomatoes.

Servings: 4–6 servings
Total Time: 252 min

Ingredients

Shish Tawook Marinade
  • 2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
For Serving
  • Grilled onions
  • Grilled green bell peppers
  • Grilled tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Slice **2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts** into skewer-sized cubes (roughly 1 to 1 1/2 inches).
  2. Make the marinade: In a mixing bowl combine **1 teaspoon minced garlic**, **2 teaspoons plain Greek yogurt**, **2 teaspoons tomato paste**, **1 teaspoon red chili powder**, **1 teaspoon salt**, **1 teaspoon ground cardamom**, **1 teaspoon ground coriander**, **1 teaspoon paprika**, **1/2 teaspoon black pepper**, **1/2 teaspoon ground cumin**, **1/2 teaspoon curry powder**, the **juice of one lemon**, and **1/4 cup vegetable oil**. Mix until a smooth marinade forms.
  3. Marinate: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, coating thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for **2 to 4 hours** to tenderize and absorb flavor.
  4. Skewer: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto metal or soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
  5. Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for **10–12 minutes**, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly charred around the edges. Internal temperature should reach **165°F**.
  6. Serve: Plate the skewers with **grilled onions, green bell peppers, and tomatoes**. Enjoy hot.

Notes

  • For extra tenderness, increase yogurt to 1 tablespoon, but do not add too much or the marinade may slide off.
  • Cardamom is essential to authentic Shish Tawook flavor — avoid omitting it.
  • You may substitute chicken thighs for an even juicier result.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with rice pilaf, couscous, hummus, or warm pita bread.
  • If grilling indoors, a cast-iron grill pan works well.

Tags

main-dishes chicken grilled middle-eastern skewers