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    Home » Chicken Recipes » Chicken Shish Tawook (Taouk Skewers)

    Chicken Shish Tawook (Taouk Skewers)

    Published: Mar 23, 2021 · Modified: Jul 20, 2020 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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    Shish Tawook is probably one of the most popular chicken skewers throughout the Middle East. Juicy and tender chicken cubes in yogurt marinade threaded in wooden skewers and bursting with flavor. Serve with yellow rice or pita bread and Lebanese garlic sauce (Toum) for a traditional Middle Eastern dinner.

    Next time try this delicious shish kebab recipe.

    Tawooq skewers on a white plate with a bowl of yellow rice on the back.
    Shish Tawook (Taouk) is a kid friendly chicken dinner that is delicious oven baked or grilled.

    Skewered chicken always have their charm as they are loved by kids and adults. Chicken marinated in yogurt, lemon and garlic along with some warm spices. Skewered with some peppers for a better presentation and then grilled or oven baked.

    Shish Tawook and grilled chicken tenders are two of the most favorable chicken recipes in my home. They show up bi-weekly if not even more.

    Table of contents

    • ❓Why This Recipe Works
    • 📝 Recipe Ingredients
    • 🥄 Instructions
    • 💡 Expert Tips
    • 💬 Frequently Asked Questions
    • 🍽 Serve with
    • 🥫 Storage
    • 📣 More Recipes From the Blog

    ❓Why This Recipe Works

    This is a recipe that has been in the Middle East for ages so it is very common to find different recipes and variations to it. Mine is made with chicken breast that is tenderized with yogurt, lemon and vinegar.

    You will love how easy this recipe comes together, just mix the marinade then add the chicken and refrigerate. Grill or bake in the oven for everyone to enjoy.

    📝 Recipe Ingredients

    Shish Tawook ingredients on a white marble table.
    Shish Tawook ingredients are easy to find. Plus you will need tomato paste (not pictured above)

    🥄 Instructions

    A collage of 4 images showing how to make chicken shish tawook.
    1. In a deep bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients well.
    2. Add the cubes chicken.
    3. Coast chicken well with the marinade, cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours.
    4. Thread the chicken into skewers and grill or bake in the oven

    💡 Expert Tips

    • It is better for this recipe to use regular full fat yogurt and not Greek yogurt.
    • Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours but overnight is best.
    • Adding cubed bell pepper and sometimes onions adds beauty to the skewers, besides charred bell pepper and onions tastes very good.
    • After grilling the tawook it is better to place it on a plate and cover with a tented foil to keep it from drying out.

    💬 Frequently Asked Questions

    What does Shish Tawook mean?

    Shish Tawook is a Turkish phrase from (Şiş Tavuk). Shish or Şiş means skewers while Tawook or Tavuk means chicken. This recipe has spread throughout the Middle East during the Ottoman period.

    🍽 Serve with

    These beautiful skewers are usually served with white or yellow rice, toum , tabouleh, hummus dip, or your favorite green salad. An added bonus is that almost ALL kids love it and willing to try it.

    🥫 Storage

    Shish Taouk is better consumed in the same day but if you have leftovers place them in a container with a tight lid. When you are ready to use heat them up covered with foil briefly in your oven.

    Tawook skewers placed on a white serving plate with yellow rice and toom on the side.
    Serve Chicken Shish Tawook with yellow rice, pita bread and toum.

    📣 More Recipes From the Blog

    • Chicken Kofta Kabobs
    • Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
    • Shish kabob (kebab) recipe
    • Yummy Middle Eastern Chicken Kabobs
    Tawooq skewers on a white plate with a bowl of yellow rice on the back.

    Shish Tawooq

    Authentic shish tawook recipe from the Middle East. An easy skewered chicken recipe for a delicious weeknight dinner.
    4.89 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle East
    Diet: Halal
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes
    Marinate for:: 2 hours
    Total Time: 55 minutes
    Servings: 6 Servings
    Calories: 356kcal
    Author: Amira

    Ingredients

    • 8 garlic cloves crushed.
    • 1/2 cup yogurt.
    • 2 Tablespoons yellow mustard.
    • 3 Tablespoons Lime juice about one and a half lime.
    • 3 Tablespoons olive oil.
    • 2 Tablespoons white vinegar.
    • 1 Tablespoon onion powder.
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper.
    • 1 1/4 teaspoon pink salt or to taste. you can use regular table salt.
    • 1/2 teaspoon 7 spice blend.
    • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste.
    • 1/2 teaspoon sugar.
    • 1/2 teaspoon oregano.
    • 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast cubed.

    Optional:

    • Cubed Bell pepper for threading in skewers with chicken.

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl combine everything except for the chicken and bell pepper. Mix well.
    • Add the chicken, toss to coat well, cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.
    • Preheat oven to 400F.
    • Thread chicken and bell pepper into bamboo skewers.
    • Grill or place skewers on grilling pan and bake in the middle of your oven for 20-25 minutes then move up to the upper level for 15 minutes until lightly browned.

    Notes

    • It is better for this recipe to use regular full fat yogurt and not Greek yogurt.
    • Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours but overnight is best.
    • Adding cubed bell pepper and sometimes onions adds beauty to the skewers, besides charred bell pepper and onions tastes very good.
    • After grilling the tawook it is better to place it on a plate and cover with a tented foil to keep it from drying out.
    • Shish Taouk is better consumed in the same day but if you have leftovers place them in a container with a tight lid. When you are ready to use heat them up covered with foil briefly in your oven.
    • Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 356kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 50g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 148mg | Sodium: 858mg | Potassium: 977mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 183IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @AmirasPantry or tag #AmirasPantry!

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    First published Dec 3, 2014 . Last updated March 23, 2021 with important tips, clear step by step instructions and readability.

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    About Amira

    I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Srijanee

      May 17, 2022 at 1:38 am

      Love your recipes. Thank You. Sree.

      Reply
      • Amira

        May 17, 2022 at 5:10 pm

        Thanks a lot Sree, you are so kind.

        Reply
    2. Karen

      January 21, 2022 at 8:57 am

      Can you use Dijon mustard in place of the yellow?

      Reply
      • Amira

        January 24, 2022 at 12:30 pm

        I haven't tried that Karen, but I think it all depends on what you like.

        Reply
    3. Andrea Wilmer

      September 05, 2021 at 11:31 am

      5 stars
      I made this last night and it was delicious (as are all the recipes I have tried from Amira's Pantry)! I found a recipe for the 7 spice from the website Simply Lebanese and I added Aleppo pepper for a little heat.

      Reply
      • Amira

        September 09, 2021 at 7:29 pm

        Thank you so much Andrea, you are so sweet. Happy you liked it, I love Iman from Simply Lebanese, she is great.

        Reply
        • Martin

          January 25, 2022 at 5:46 pm

          Fantastic recipe. Our family has made this recipe 30 times at least. just wanted to say thank you!

          Reply
          • Amira

            January 31, 2022 at 2:48 pm

            Thanks Martin for your comment, so happy you like it.

            Reply
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    I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends. Read More…

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