Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8-10 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special Equipment Needed:
- Grill or grill pan
- Food processor or blender
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
4. Thread chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
5. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. While the chicken is cooking, make the tzatziki sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
7. Serve the shish taouk skewers with tzatziki sauce on the side.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Marinating time: 1-4 hours
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
- Grill or grill pan: medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 270
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 420mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
- Greek yogurt: You can use sour cream or plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
- Cucumber: You can use zucchini or yellow squash instead of cucumber.
Variations:
- Add vegetables to the skewers, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions.
- Serve the shish taouk skewers with pita bread and a side salad.
- Use the tzatziki sauce as a dip for vegetables or chips.
Tips and Tricks:
- Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Don't overcrowd the skewers. Leave a little space between each piece of chicken to ensure even cooking.
- If using a grill pan, make sure it's hot before adding the skewers to get a nice sear on the chicken.
Storage Instructions:
- Store leftover shish taouk skewers and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat the chicken skewers in the microwave or oven until heated through. Reheat the tzatziki sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the shish taouk skewers on a platter with the tzatziki sauce on the side.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of rice or quinoa.
- Pair with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Rice pilaf
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the chicken is sticking to the grill or grill pan, it may not be hot enough. Make sure the grill or grill pan is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the skewers.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it's safe to eat.
- Wash your hands and any surfaces that come into contact with raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.
Food History:
- Shish taouk is a popular Middle Eastern dish that originated in Turkey. It's typically made with marinated chicken skewers and served with a yogurt-based sauce.
Flavor Profiles:
- Shish taouk skewers are savory and slightly spicy, with a hint of smokiness from the grill. The tzatziki sauce is cool and refreshing, with a tangy flavor from the yogurt and lemon juice.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the shish taouk skewers with a side of rice or quinoa and a crisp salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.
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Region: Middle Eastern