Shish Tawook (Grilled Chicken Skewers) with Roasted Garlic Avocado Mayo

Try this Shish Tawook (Grilled Chicken Skewers) with Roasted Garlic Avocado Mayo recipe, or contribute your own.

Shish Tawook (Grilled Chicken Skewers) with Roasted Garlic Avocado Mayo
Shish Tawook (Grilled Chicken Skewers) with Roasted Garlic Avocado Mayo

Step-by-step

  • In a bowl combine the lemon juice, olive oil, greek yogurt, garlic, ginger, tomato paste, salt, oregano, paprika, pepper and cinnamon. Add the chicken to a ziplock bag and pour the sauce over the chicken. Seal the bag and place in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight.
  • Preheat the grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Thread the chicken, and peppers onto metal skewers (or wood skewers that have been soaked in water). Place the chicken on the grill until the chicken is golden and no longer pink in the center, about 5 minutes each side. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the skewers. You may also cook the chicken in a skillet if needed.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Chop off the top portion of the garlic head to reveal cloves. Peel any excess paper/skin off from the bulb of garlic. Pour about a teaspoon of olive oil on top the garlic cloves and cover with foil. Roast in a baking dish for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and soft. Allow to cool and then squeeze 4-8 (I used 8, but feel free to use more or less if you wish) of the garlic cloves out into a food processor or blender, reserve any remaining garlic for another use. Add the avocados, greek yogurt, olive oil, chili powder, cumin and a pinch of salt and pepper. Process until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
  • Remove the chicken from the skewers and place on the warmed pitas. Sprinkle with parsley and goat cheese. Serve the roasted garlic mayo on the side for dipping. Don't forget the fries!

My Delicious Shish Tawook Adventure: A Culinary Journey

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. But I firmly believe that nourishing myself and my family shouldn't be a chore; it should be a joy. That's why I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both flavorful and easy to prepare. This Shish Tawook recipe has become a new favorite, a true lifesaver on those hectic weeknights. The vibrant flavors and the satisfying aroma that fills my kitchen as the chicken grills are worth every moment spent preparing it.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. The marinade is incredibly easy to whip up – a quick blend of lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, and a medley of aromatic spices. The yogurt adds a lovely tanginess, beautifully complementing the savory chicken. I usually marinate the chicken the night before, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. This also frees up valuable time in the evenings. Grilling the chicken is quick and straightforward, resulting in perfectly charred, juicy pieces. The smoky aroma and the tender texture are irresistible. I sometimes grill vegetables alongside the chicken, adding color and extra nutrition to the dish. Bell peppers are a personal favorite; their sweetness perfectly complements the savory chicken.

But the real star of the show, in my opinion, is the roasted garlic avocado mayo. The creamy, garlicky goodness is simply divine! Roasting the garlic mellows its pungency, creating a rich and subtly sweet flavor that is simply addictive. The avocado adds a beautiful creaminess, and a touch of chili powder and cumin gives it a delightful warmth. This mayo is so versatile; I often use it as a dip for vegetables, a spread for sandwiches, or even as a salad dressing. It's the perfect accompaniment to the grilled chicken. The entire dish is a fantastic balance of flavors and textures – juicy, tender chicken, slightly sweet peppers, creamy mayo, and a hint of fresh parsley. It's a recipe that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Serving this Shish Tawook is always a fun experience. I usually serve it with warm pita bread, allowing everyone to customize their wraps. A sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese adds a lovely salty tang, and the fries are a fun and familiar addition. The vibrant colors and aromas make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. This dish is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there's always time for a delicious and satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Beyond the deliciousness, I love how adaptable this recipe is. Sometimes I swap out the chicken for shrimp or even halloumi cheese. The marinade works wonderfully with various proteins. You can also customize the vegetables to your liking. Onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes all grill beautifully. Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. The possibilities are endless!

Tips for Success:

  • Marinate thoroughly: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, for the best flavor.
  • Don't overcrowd the grill: Give the chicken enough space to cook evenly. If necessary, grill in batches.
  • Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you prefer a spicier mayo, add more chili powder.
  • Make it ahead: You can prepare the marinade and the mayo ahead of time, making weeknight cooking a breeze.

This Shish Tawook recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients combined with a little bit of love. It's a recipe that brings joy to my kitchen and satisfaction to my family's table. It's a recipe I'm happy to share with you, hoping it brings a touch of sunshine and deliciousness to your own culinary adventures.