Oven Baked Shish Tawook: The Juiciest Middle Eastern Skewers
By The Editors | Updated: December 26, 2025
There is a misconception that to get juicy, charred chicken skewers, you need a charcoal grill and a backyard. This Oven Baked Shish Tawook recipe proves that wrong. Originating from the Middle East (“Shish” means skewer, “Tawook” means chicken), this dish is famous for its vibrant red color and incredible tenderness.
The secret lies in the marinade. Unlike Western marinades that rely on oil, Shish Tawook relies on Yogurt. The lactic acid in the yogurt gently breaks down the protein fibers in the chicken breast, ensuring that even under the high heat of an oven broiler, the meat stays moist and velvety. Combined with a surprise ingredient—Soy Sauce—for an umami kick, this recipe will become your go-to for healthy weeknight dinners.
Serve these skewers alongside our Spicy Preserved Lemons and fluffy garlic paste (Toumt) for a complete feast.
Why You’ll Love This Oven Baked Shish Tawook
This recipe is designed for modern kitchens but keeps the authentic flavor profile.
- No Smoke, No Mess: By using the oven’s broiler function, we mimic the “char” of a grill without the hassle of charcoal.
- The “Soy” Secret: Traditional recipes use just salt, but our addition of Soy Sauce adds a depth of savory flavor that elevates the spices.
- Healthy & High Protein: At only 127 calories per 100g, this is a guilt-free meal packed with lean protein and healthy fats from olive oil.
Ingredients for Shish Tawook
The ingredient list might look long due to the spices, but the method is as simple as “mix and marinate.”
The Meat & Base
- Chicken: 1.1 lbs (500g) Chicken Breasts, cut into medium cubes.
- The Tenderizer: 1 cup Plain Yogurt (Full fat is best).
- Liquids: 1/2 cup Olive Oil, 1/4 cup Lemon Juice, 1/4 cup White Vinegar.
- Umami Boosters: 2 tbsp Soy Sauce, 2 tbsp Tomato Paste.
The Spice Blend
- Aromatics: 1 tsp Garlic Powder, 1 tsp Onion Powder.
- Warm Spices: 1 tsp Cardamom (essential for authentic taste), 1 tsp Turmeric, 1 tsp Coriander.
- Heat & Color: 1 tbsp Paprika, 1 tsp Chili Powder (or Cayenne), 1 tsp Black Pepper.
- Seasoning: 2 tsp Salt.
The Skewers
- Bamboo Skewers (soaked in water for 30 mins) or Metal Skewers.
- Cubed Bell Peppers (Colors of your choice) and Onions.
How to Make Oven Baked Shish Tawook
Follow these steps for the perfect golden crust.
Step 1: Create the Marinade
In a deep bowl, whisk together the yogurt, tomato paste, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, and soy sauce. Add all the spices (salt, pepper, cardamom, onion/garlic powder, chili, paprika, turmeric, coriander). Whisk until you have a smooth, orange-hued cream.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken to the bowl. Massage the marinade into the meat ensuring every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Tip: For the best flavor, leave it overnight. The longer it sits, the more tender it becomes.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Preheat your oven’s broiler (grill setting). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Thread the chicken onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of onion and colored peppers. Do not pack them too tightly; leave a tiny bit of space for heat to circulate.
Step 4: Broil to Perfection
Brush the assembled skewers with a little extra olive oil. Place the tray on the upper rack of the oven. Cook for roughly 20 minutes. Important: Flip the skewers halfway through to ensure they brown evenly on both sides.
Step 5: Serve
The chicken is done when it has nice charred edges and is cooked through. Serve hot with pita bread, garlic sauce, and rice.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 320 kcal | 28g | 8g | 18g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my chicken breast dry?
This happens if you skip the yogurt or overcook it. The yogurt marinade is non-negotiable for Oven Baked Shish Tawook as it protects the meat from drying out.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are naturally juicier and more forgiving than breasts. If using thighs, you might need to grill them for an extra 2-3 minutes.
What goes well with Shish Tawook?
The classic pairing is “Toumt” (Lebanese Garlic Dip), pickles, and fries or vermicelli rice.
