Shish Taouk (Yogurt Marinated Chicken Skewers)

Yogurt: A creamy base for the marinade that tenderizes 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 sweetness to the marinade.

Paprika: Gives a smoky, slightly sweet flavor and a vibrant color.

Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.

Ground coriander: Offers a citrusy, slightly sweet taste.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the marinade.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

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

To ensure the chicken absorbs maximum flavor, make small cuts or slits in the chicken cubes before marinating. This allows the yogurt marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in juicier and more flavorful skewers.

• yogurt - Substitute with coconut milk yogurt: Coconut milk yogurt provides a similar creamy texture and tanginess, making it a good dairy-free alternative.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in marinades.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though you may need to adjust the quantity to achieve the desired flavor.

• tomato paste - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup can be used as a substitute for tomato paste, though it is sweeter, so you may need to reduce any additional sweeteners in the recipe.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a slightly different flavor profile but can still provide a warm, earthy note to the marinade.

• ground coriander - Substitute with ground caraway seeds: Ground caraway seeds offer a similar earthy and slightly citrusy flavor, making them a good alternative to ground coriander.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add both saltiness and umami, enhancing the overall flavor of the marinade.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat level but a slightly different flavor, making it a suitable substitute for black pepper.

• chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast is a lean protein that can be used in place of chicken breast, offering a similar texture and flavor.

• Allow the chicken skewers to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.
• Place the cooled chicken skewers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. This will help maintain their flavor and moisture.
• Store the chicken skewers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.
• To freeze, arrange the chicken skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once the chicken skewers are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the chicken skewers in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture.
• Reheat the chicken skewers on a grill or in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until they are heated through, about 10-15 minutes. This helps retain their original grilled flavor.
• For a quick reheat, you can also use a microwave. Place the chicken skewers on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to the pan. Place the chicken skewers in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is hot.

• Microwave Method: Place the chicken skewers on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and turning halfway through, until the chicken is heated evenly.

• Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the chicken skewers back on the grill for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and have a slight char.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is hot and slightly crispy.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the yogurt, olive oil, garlic, tomato paste, and spices to create the marinade.

• Whisk: A utensil used to thoroughly mix the marinade ingredients together until smooth.

• Cutting board: A flat surface used to cut the chicken breast into cubes.

• Chef's knife: A sharp knife used to cut the chicken breast into evenly sized cubes.

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

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure out the garlic, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper accurately.

• Plastic wrap: Used to cover the mixing bowl while the chicken marinates in the refrigerator.

• Refrigerator: An appliance used to keep the marinated chicken cool for at least 2 hours or overnight.

• Skewers: Sticks used to thread the marinated chicken cubes for grilling.

• Grill: An outdoor cooking appliance used to cook the chicken skewers to perfection.

• Tongs: A tool used to turn the chicken skewers on the grill to ensure even cooking.

• Serving platter: A dish used to serve the hot, grilled chicken skewers with your choice of sides.

Prepare the marinade in advance: Mix the yogurt, olive oil, and spices the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-cut chicken: Purchase pre-cut chicken breast cubes to skip the cutting step.

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

Preheat the grill early: Start preheating the grill while threading the chicken onto skewers to save time.

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