Turkish Chicken Shishlik
These succulent, yogurt-marinated chicken skewers are a staple of Turkish cuisine, offering a perfect balance of smoky char and tender, aromatic meat.
Ingredients
- •2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- •1/2 cup plain soy-based yogurt or unsweetened coconut yogurt
- •3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- •3 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 tablespoon tomato paste
- •1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- •1 teaspoon dried oregano
- •1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- •1 teaspoon kosher salt
- •1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- •2 bell peppers, cut into 1.5-inch squares
- •1 large red onion, cut into wedges
Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- 2
Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss thoroughly until every piece is well-coated; cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- 3
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.
- 4
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with pieces of bell pepper and red onion.
- 5
Preheat your grill or a heavy-bottomed grill pan over medium-high heat.
- 6
Grill the skewers for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has developed a nice charred exterior.
- 7
Remove from the heat and let the skewers rest for 5 minutes before serving alongside warm pita or fluffy rice.
💡 Chef tips
- For the best texture, use chicken thighs instead of breasts, as they remain juicy under high heat.
- You can prepare the marinade and chicken up to 24 hours in advance; the longer it sits, the more tender the meat becomes.
- If you don't have a grill, these can be roasted in an oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished skewers should be beautifully charred on the outside with a vibrant, aromatic spice crust, while the inside remains incredibly tender, juicy, and infused with a savory, tangy flavor.