Shish Tawook is a traditional Middle Eastern chicken dish that is marinated with exotic spices before being baked. It's a simple and flavorful dish, ideal for a family dinner or a get-together. The unique combination of spices gives this dish its distinctive taste.
Some of the ingredients for this recipe, like allspice and paprika, might not be readily available in every kitchen. Allspice is a unique spice with a flavor profile that combines clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It's widely used in Middle Eastern and Caribbean cooking. Paprika is a ground spice made from red air-dried fruits of the larger and sweeter varieties of the plant Capsicum annuum, native to South America. Both can easily be found in the spice section of any well-stocked supermarket.
Ingredients for Shish Tawook Marinated Chicken
Vegetable oil: Acts as a medium for cooking and also helps in enhancing the flavor of the spices.
Low-fat yogurt: Used in the marinade to tenderize the chicken and give a tangy flavor.
Ketchup: Adds a sweet and tangy taste to the marinade.
Mustard: Gives a distinct pungent flavor to the recipe.
Garlic powder: Provides a mellow, sweet garlic flavor.
Paprika: Gives a sweet-spicy taste and a vibrant color to the dish.
Allspice: A unique spice that combines the flavors of several spices.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and sharp flavor to the dish.
Cinnamon: Adds a sweet and fragrant flavor.
Curry powder: A blend of spices that adds depth of flavor.
Chicken breast: The main protein in this recipe, which will be tenderized by the marinade.
Mayonnaise: Used in the dipping sauce for a creamy texture and rich taste.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
One reader, Jolene Altman says:
The shish tawook marinated chicken recipe is a game-changer! The blend of spices creates an explosion of flavors, and the chicken turns out incredibly tender. The dipping sauce is the perfect complement. It's a must-try for anyone who loves delicious, succulent chicken dishes.
Techniques for Perfect Shish Tawook
How to marinate the chicken: Mix together the oil, yogurt, ketchup, and mustard, then season with garlic powder, paprika, allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, and curry powder. Stir in the chicken pieces, coating all sides with the marinade, and refrigerate overnight.
How to make the dipping sauce: Mix together mayonnaise, yogurt, garlic, and salt, then cover and refrigerate.
How to bake the chicken: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, then transfer the marinated chicken pieces to a shallow baking dish and bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
How to serve: Serve the baked shish tawook chicken with the prepared dipping sauce on the side.
How To Make Shish Tawook Marinated Chicken
Sink your teeth into this filling Shish Tawook, a Middle-Eastern traditional dish of marinated chicken, coated with spices, and baked to savory perfection.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3tbspvegetable oil
- 2tbsplow-fat yogurt,plain
- 2tbspketchup
- 2tbspmustard,prepared
- 1½tspgarlic powder
- 2tsppaprika
- 1½tspground allspice
- ½tspblack pepper
- ¼tspground cinnamon
- ¼tspcurry powder
- 3lbschicken breast,halves, skinless boneless, cut into bite-size pieces
For Dipping Sauce:
- ½cupmayonnaise
- 1cuplow-fat yogurt,plain
- 3garlic cloves,minced
- ¼tspsalt
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, stir together the oil, yogurt, ketchup, and mustard. Season with garlic powder, paprika, allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, and curry powder.
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Stir in the chicken pieces, coating all sides with marinade. Cover the bowl, and refrigerate overnight.
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Mix together the mayonnaise, yogurt, garlic, and salt. Cover and refrigerate.
-
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
-
Transfer the chicken pieces to a shallow baking dish. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
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Serve with dipping sauce on the side and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 632.31kcal
- Fat: 43.87g
- Saturated Fat: 9.21g
- Trans Fat: 0.29g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 17.75g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 14.68g
- Carbohydrates: 7.19g
- Fiber: 0.86g
- Sugar: 4.61g
- Protein: 50.35g
- Cholesterol: 155.41mg
- Sodium: 493.38mg
- Calcium: 124.01mg
- Potassium: 672.63mg
- Iron: 2.13mg
- Vitamin A: 81.69µg
- Vitamin C: 1.29mg
Pro Tip for Achieving Juicy and Flavorful Shish Tawook
To ensure your chicken is tender and flavorful, it's crucial to let it marinate overnight. The marinade not only imparts a rich flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. If you're short on time, a minimum of 2 hours can work, but for the best results, always aim for an overnight soak. Also, remember to turn the chicken in the marinade a few times during this period to ensure every part of the chicken is well-coated.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Shish Tawook
Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before to allow the flavors to fully infuse, saving time on the day of cooking.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly blend the marinade ingredients, making the preparation process more efficient.
Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity of the marinade and freeze it in portions for future use, saving time on prep for future meals.
Grill in bulk: Cook extra marinated chicken and store it in the fridge for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
Invest in a meat thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly without overcooking, saving time and ensuring a juicy result.
Prep the dipping sauce: Make the dipping sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and saving time on the day of serving.
Organize your workspace: Before you start cooking, ensure all your ingredients and tools are organized and easily accessible to streamline the cooking process.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and dishes as you cook to minimize the cleanup time after the meal.
Label and store: If you have leftover marinade, label and store it in the freezer for future use, saving time on prep for the next meal.
Plan your menu: Plan your meals for the week in advance, allowing you to prep and marinate ingredients ahead of time, saving time and effort during the week.
Substitute Ingredients For Shish Tawook Marinated Chicken Recipe
Vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the marinade.
Low-fat yogurt - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt has a thicker consistency and tangy flavor that works well in marinades.
Ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste: Tomato paste can provide a concentrated tomato flavor without the added sweetness of ketchup.
Mustard - Substitute with honey mustard: Honey mustard can add a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the marinade.
Garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic can provide a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor.
Paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can add a deeper, smokier flavor to the marinade.
Ground allspice - Substitute with cinnamon and nutmeg: A combination of cinnamon and nutmeg can mimic the warm, aromatic flavor of allspice.
Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a milder, slightly different flavor to the marinade.
Ground cinnamon - Substitute with ground nutmeg: Ground nutmeg can add a warm, slightly sweet flavor similar to cinnamon.
Curry powder - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala can provide a complex blend of warm spices similar to curry powder.
Chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast can be a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breast in this recipe.
Mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a tangy and creamy base for the dipping sauce.
Low-fat yogurt - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness to the dipping sauce.
Garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic paste: Garlic paste can provide a concentrated garlic flavor and smooth texture to the dipping sauce.
Plating Ideas for Shish Tawook
Elevate the plating: Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in an artful and visually appealing manner on the plate, ensuring each piece is showcased beautifully.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce pops of color to the plate with a garnish of fresh herbs or a side of vibrant pickled vegetables to enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the main elements, such as the succulent chicken, to stand out and take center stage.
Create a harmonious balance: Ensure a harmonious balance of flavors and textures by pairing the marinated chicken with complementary sides, such as a refreshing cucumber salad or a delicate couscous.
Artful drizzling: Incorporate an artful drizzle of the creamy dipping sauce around the plate, adding a touch of elegance and flavor to the overall presentation.
Garnish with precision: Add a final touch of sophistication by garnishing the dish with meticulously placed microgreens or delicate edible flowers for a refined and polished appearance.
Essential Equipment for Making Shish Tawook Marinated Chicken
- Vegetable peeler: A tool used to remove the outer skin or peel of vegetables.
- Grill: A cooking appliance used to cook food over an open flame or heat source.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
- Skewers: Long, narrow metal or wooden sticks used to hold pieces of food together for grilling or roasting.
- Baking dish: A dish used for baking food in the oven.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking or roasting food.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing food.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for mixing ingredients together and incorporating air into the mixture.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing food.
- Knife: A tool used for cutting and slicing ingredients.
- Tongs: Kitchen utensils used for gripping and lifting food items.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle used for cooking sauces, soups, and other liquids.
Storing and Freezing Shish Tawook for Later
Once the chicken is marinated, you can store it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and makes it more tender.
If you want to freeze the marinated chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw the frozen marinated chicken, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Do not thaw the chicken at room temperature, as this can lead to bacterial growth.
Once thawed, cook the chicken within 24 hours. Do not refreeze the chicken once it has been thawed.
If you have leftover cooked shish tawook, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
To freeze cooked shish tawook, place it in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Leftover Shish Tawook
To reheat leftover shish tawook, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Brush the chicken with a little olive oil or melted butter to help keep it moist. Cover the baking sheet with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Another option is to reheat the shish tawook in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside, about 5-7 minutes.
For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the shish tawook in the microwave. Place the chicken pieces on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat the chicken, as it can quickly dry out in the microwave.
If you have any leftover dipping sauce, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Simply place the sauce in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30-60 seconds, stirring occasionally, or heat it in a small saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
To add some extra flavor and moisture to your reheated shish tawook, try brushing the chicken with a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and finely chopped garlic before reheating. This will help to brighten up the flavors and keep the chicken from drying out.
Interesting Trivia About Shish Tawook
The marinade for shish tawook typically includes yogurt, which helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
Shish Tawook: Budget-Friendly Home Cooking
This shish tawook marinated chicken recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the use of chicken breast makes it an affordable option. The marination process also helps to tenderize the meat, making it a great value for the cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. Overall Verdict: 9.
Is Shish Tawook a Healthy Choice?
The shish tawook marinated chicken recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it uses lean chicken breast as the main protein source, which is low in fat and high in essential nutrients. The marinade also includes yogurt, providing some beneficial probiotics. However, the recipe contains several ingredients that raise health concerns:
- The vegetable oil and mayonnaise are high in unhealthy fats
- Ketchup and mustard often contain added sugars and preservatives
- The sodium content from the salt and condiments may be excessive
While the spices used, such as garlic, paprika, and cinnamon, offer some antioxidant properties, the overall nutritional balance of the dish could be improved.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the vegetable oil with a healthier alternative like olive oil or avocado oil
- Use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt for higher protein and lower sugar content
- Opt for low-sugar or sugar-free ketchup and mustard varieties
- Reduce the amount of mayonnaise in the dipping sauce or substitute it with a healthier option like mashed avocado
- Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as grilled bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, to increase fiber and nutrient intake
- Serve the chicken with a side of whole grains, like quinoa or brown rice, to provide complex carbohydrates and additional fiber
By making these adjustments, you can enhance the nutritional value of the shish tawook marinated chicken while still maintaining its delicious flavor profile.
Editor's Take on This Delightful Middle Eastern Dish
The shish tawook marinated chicken recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and spices that create a tantalizing dish. The marinade infuses the chicken with a rich, aromatic taste, while the dipping sauce adds a creamy and tangy element. The use of yogurt in both the marinade and dipping sauce adds a pleasant tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken. The combination of spices such as allspice, paprika, and cinnamon provides a depth of flavor that is sure to impress. This recipe is a wonderful choice for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Enhance Your Shish Tawook Marinated Chicken Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Shish Tawook
Why trust this Shish Tawook Marinated Chicken Recipe:
This shish tawook recipe is a trusted classic, passed down through generations. The marinade, featuring yogurt, spices, and a touch of ketchup, infuses the chicken with rich, aromatic flavors. The accompanying dipping sauce adds a creamy, garlicky element that perfectly complements the grilled chicken. With a perfect balance of flavors and a tender, juicy texture, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust in the time-tested combination of ingredients and the expertise behind this dish for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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