Shish Tawook Grilled Chicken Recipe

Yogurt: A creamy base for the marinade that helps tenderize the chicken.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade adhere to the chicken.

Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic flavor.

Tomato paste: Adds depth and a slight tanginess to the marinade.

Paprika: Gives a mild, sweet pepper flavor and a vibrant color.

Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the marinade.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the marinade.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity.

Chicken breast: The main protein, cut into cubes for even grilling.

When marinating the chicken, make sure to massage the marinade into the meat thoroughly. This ensures that the flavors penetrate deeply, resulting in a more flavorful and tender grilled chicken. Additionally, using metal skewers can help the chicken cook more evenly, as they conduct heat through the center of the meat.

• yogurt - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk provides a similar tangy flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.

• olive oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil has a neutral flavor and can be used in the same quantity.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Use ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic to maintain the garlic flavor.

• tomato paste - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup adds a similar tomato flavor and slight sweetness.

• paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder adds a bit of heat along with the smoky flavor.

• ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander provides a different but complementary earthy flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness and a bit of umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat without the black specks.

• chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast is lean and can be used similarly to chicken breast.

• Allow the grilled chicken to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the chicken skewers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• If you plan to freeze the shish tawook, remove the chicken from the skewers and place the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. This prevents the pieces from sticking together.

• Once frozen, transfer the chicken pieces to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• To reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. For a quicker option, use the defrost setting on your microwave.

• Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.

• For a fresh-off-the-grill taste, briefly reheat the chicken on the grill for a few minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.

• Serve with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or your favorite sides to complete the meal.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken skewers on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover the skewers with another piece of foil to keep them moist. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. This method helps retain the juiciness and flavor of the shish tawook.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan. Place the chicken cubes in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are warmed through. This method is quick and ensures the chicken remains tender.

• Microwave Method: Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to trap moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken.

• Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the chicken skewers back on the grill and heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. This method helps to regain that freshly grilled flavor and slight char.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method keeps the chicken crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the yogurt, olive oil, garlic, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper for the marinade.

• Whisk: This will help you mix the marinade ingredients thoroughly.

• Cutting board: Essential for cutting the chicken breast into cubes.

• Chef's knife: Use this to mince the garlic and cut the chicken into cubes.

• Measuring cups: Needed to measure out the yogurt and olive oil accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Use these to measure the tomato paste, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.

• Plastic wrap: Cover the mixing bowl with this to refrigerate the marinated chicken.

• Refrigerator: Store the marinated chicken here for at least 2 hours or overnight.

• Grill: Preheat this to medium-high heat for cooking the chicken skewers.

• Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto these for grilling.

• Tongs: Use these to turn the chicken skewers occasionally while grilling.

• Serving platter: Place the grilled chicken skewers on this for serving.

Prepare the marinade in advance: Mix the yogurt, olive oil, garlic, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper the night before to save time.

Use pre-cut chicken: Buy chicken breast already cut into cubes to skip the cutting step.

Marinate in a ziplock bag: Place the chicken cubes and marinade in a ziplock bag for easy mixing and cleanup.

Preheat the grill while prepping: Start preheating the grill as you thread the chicken onto skewers to save time.

Use metal skewers: Metal skewers heat up and cook the chicken faster than wooden ones.