Juicy, garlicky chicken with a little tang from lemon and yoghurt and just enough spice to keep things interesting. Shish Taouk is one of those meals that’s easy to throw together ahead of time and even better when everyone gets to build their own plate with warm pita, garlic sauce, pickles and fresh veggies.
2lbboneless, skinless chicken breastscut into medium-sized chunks
½cupplain yoghurt
¼cuplemon juice
¼cupolive oil
6garlic clovescrushed
1tbsptomato paste
1tsppaprika
½tspdried oregano
1tspsalt
¼tspblack pepper
For Serving
pita
garlic sauce
lettuce
tomatoes
onions
pickled turnips
any other of your favourite toppings.
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, salt and black pepper.
Add the chicken and toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, placing pieces of onion between the chicken pieces.
Preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill the skewers for 5–8 minutes per side, turning as needed, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
Serve hot with warm pita, garlic sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, pickled turnips and any other toppings you like.
Notes
Variations
Chicken thighs: Swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier result.
Vegetable skewers: Add chunks of bell pepper, onion or zucchini to separate skewers and grill alongside the chicken.
Make it a platter: Skip the skewers when serving and pile the chicken onto a platter with pita, hummus, tabbouleh or fattoush, pickles and garlic sauce.
Storage
Leftovers: Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
Oven: Heat at 350°F (175°C), loosely covered with foil, for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of olive oil. Cook for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally.
Microwave: Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.