The Recipe · No.1029 · Shish Tawook

Shish Tawook, and where to source it

Shish Tawook — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Shish Tawook Middle Eastern 5best2buy.com

The marinade needs both yogurt and acid working overnight. Yogurt's mild enzymes and lactic acid tenderize the breast so it stays juicy over high heat, while lemon and garlic drive the flavor in. A one-hour marinade tastes like plain grilled chicken; give it 8-24 hours.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook15 min
Makesserves 4
CuisineMiddle Eastern
Cost$$
Gluten-free
Contains  dairy
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Chicken breast or thigh
Cut in even 1.5-inch cubes so they cook at the same rate.
2 lb
Source it →
Plain yogurt
Whole-milk; the tenderizing base of the marinade.
1/2 cup
Local / market
Garlic
Crushed to a paste — the dominant flavor.
5 cloves
Source it →
Lemon juice
Fresh; balances the garlic and helps tenderize.
1/4 cup
Local / market
Tomato paste
A spoonful for color and a subtle depth.
1 tbsp
Local / market
Paprika and allspice
Warm spices that mark it as Levantine.
1 tsp each
Local / market
Olive oil
Helps the marinade cling and keeps the meat from drying.
3 tbsp
Source it →
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerGrill
The Method
  1. Make the marinadeWhisk yogurt, garlic, lemon, tomato paste, spices, oil and salt into a smooth coat.
  2. MarinateFold in the chicken and refrigerate 8-24 hours.
  3. SkewerThread onto skewers, leaving a little space between cubes for the char.
  4. GrillCook over high direct heat, turning, until charred outside and just cooked through.
  5. Rest and serveRest a few minutes, then serve with garlic sauce, pickles and flatbread.
The Toolkit

Skewers · Grill · Mixing bowl

Straight Answers
Can you make Shish Tawook in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Shish Tawook? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Shish Tawook ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Shish Tawook gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Shish Tawook vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.

Loading notes…

Notes are public and posted as written. Be kind, no links. Spam and abuse get removed.

More Middle Eastern recipes
HummusFalafelTabboulehBaba GanoushChicken ShawarmaKofta Kebabs
All Middle Eastern recipes →  ·  Browse all 1039 →

Some ingredient and tool links are affiliate links — if you buy through one, 5best2buy may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never costs the maker anything, and it never decides who we recommend. The list is the list.
© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1029