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    Home / Dinner / Shish Tawook

    Shish Tawook

    Juicy chicken skewers marinated in garlic, lemon, and yogurt, charred at the edges — the kebab that rules Jordanian grill nights.

    ⏱ 25 minPrep time
    🔥 15 minCook time
    🍽 4Servings
    🏷 DinnerCategory
    ☆☆☆☆☆No ratings yet
    Shish Tawook - charred garlic lemon yogurt chicken skewers

    Shish tawook is the chicken kebab of the Levant, and in Jordan it is a grill-house institution served with garlic sauce, pickles, and fresh bread. The marinade is the whole story: yogurt, garlic, lemon, and a whisper of spices that tenderizes the chicken and gives it a golden, charred crust. Good shish tawook is juicy in the middle and blistered at the edges, and it disappears as fast as it comes off the grill.

    Charred edges, juicy centers, garlic in every bite

    The yogurt marinade keeps the chicken impossibly moist, while the high heat of the grill or broiler caramelizes the outside into smoky, golden patches. A swipe of garlic sauce and a bite of pickled turnip complete the classic flavor, and the whole thing is best wrapped in warm bread. The longer the chicken marinates, the better — overnight is ideal. Skewer it tight, do not crowd the grill, and serve the moment the edges char.

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    Step by stepInstructions

    1. Whisk the yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, tomato paste, paprika, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
    2. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator at least 4 hours or overnight.
    3. Thread the chicken onto skewers, packing the pieces snugly.
    4. Preheat a grill or broiler to high. Cook the skewers, turning every 3 to 4 minutes, until charred at the edges and cooked through, 12 to 15 minutes.
    5. Let rest 5 minutes, then slide the chicken off the skewers.
    6. Serve hot with pita, garlic sauce, and pickled turnips.

    💡 Chef tips & storage

    Marinate at least 4 hours or overnight — the yogurt is what keeps the chicken juicy. Use metal skewers, or soak wooden ones in water for 30 minutes before grilling.

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    Recipe details

    Prep25 min
    Cook15 min
    Servings4
    CategoryDinner
    PublishedAugust 17, 2026
    Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

    Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

    Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

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