Shish Tawook

Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly spiced, Shish Tawook is a classic Middle Eastern grilled chicken skewer recipe that combines tender chunks of marinated chicken with the smoky goodness of outdoor grilling. Infused with a rich marinade made from plain yogurt, zesty lemon juice, olive oil, vibrant tomato paste, and aromatic spices like paprika, cumin, and cayenne, each bite bursts with bold, irresistible flavors. This dish is quick to prepare—just 20 minutes of active prep time—yet impressively satisfying, especially when served alongside warm pita bread, a crisp salad, or fluffy rice. Perfect for summer barbecues or family dinners, this easy-to-make chicken kebab recipe will bring authentic Middle Eastern charm to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 250 ml plain yogurt
• 50 ml lemon juice
• 60 ml olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 5 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and set aside.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, tomato paste, minced garlic, paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.

Step 3

Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 4

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.

Step 5

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.

Step 6

Grill the shish tawook skewers for about 12-15 minutes, turning them every few minutes to ensure even cooking, until the chicken is fully cooked and has grill marks.

Step 7

Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 8

Serve the shish tawook with warm pita bread, a side salad, or rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1428.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2412.8

Total Fat 98.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 21.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.5g
Cholesterol 865.5mg	0%
Sodium 3312.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 37.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.4g	0%
Total Sugars 24.2g
Protein 327.5g	0%

Vitamin D 174.3IU	0%
Calcium 662.8mg	0%
Iron 13.7mg	0%
Potassium 3794.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.8%

Protein: 55.8%

Carbs: 6.4%