Grilled Chicken Shish Tawook with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy marinated chicken cubes grilled to perfection, served with a tangy garlic yogurt sauce that complements the smoky flavors. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends plain yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb chicken thigh cubes and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  2. Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce by mixing 1 cup Greek yogurt, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char on the edges. Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken skewers with the chilled garlic yogurt sauce alongside warm pita bread or a fresh salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Chicken Shish Tawook with Garlic Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Chicken Shish Tawook with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chicken Shish Tawook with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Chicken Shish Tawook with Garlic Yogurt Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Chicken Shish Tawook with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

Middle Eastern chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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