Middle Eastern Grilled Chicken, often referred to as "Shish Tawook" or "Shish Taouk," is a popular and flavorful dish made from marinated chunks of chicken skewered and grilled to perfection. It's a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is known for its delicious combination of spices and tender, juicy chicken. Here's how it's typically prepared:
**Ingredients**:
1. Boneless chicken breast or thigh meat, cut into chunks
2. Yogurt: It serves as a tenderizing agent and adds creaminess to the marinade.
3. Garlic: Minced garlic cloves for flavor.
4. Lemon juice: Adds a tangy kick.
5. Olive oil: For moisture and flavor.
6. Spices: Common spices include paprika, cumin, turmeric, and sometimes cinnamon, sumac, or allspice. These spices give the chicken its distinctive Middle Eastern flavor.
7. Salt and pepper: For seasoning.
**Instructions**:
1. **Prepare the Marinade**: In a bowl, mix yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, spices, salt, and pepper. Adjust the spice levels to your preference.
2. **Marinate the Chicken**: Add the chicken chunks to the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least a few hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse and the chicken to tenderize.
3. **Skewer the Chicken**: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
4. **Grill**: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and have a nice char on the outside. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces but typically takes around 10-15 minutes.
5. **Serve**: Middle Eastern Grilled Chicken is often served with pita bread, tahini sauce, a fresh salad, and sometimes pickles. It can also be served with rice or in a sandwich.
The result is tender, aromatic, and flavorful chicken with a delightful Middle Eastern twist. It's a favorite at barbecues, gatherings, and restaurants throughout the Middle East and beyond.