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    Cooking Gorgeous » Recipes » Main Dishes

    Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab

    Published: Apr 6, 2021 · Modified: Aug 28, 2022 by Ayla Clulee · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab, also known as Tavuk Sis, is a popular Turkish dish made of chicken pieces marinated in olive oil, milk, tomato & pepper paste, and aromatic spices.

    If you want something unique and delicious for your summer BBQ parties, this recipe is perfect for you!

    Like Joojeh Kabab (Persian Chicken Kebab), these tender and juicy Chicken Shish Kebabs are ready in just 25 minutes plus the marinating time.

    chicken Shish Kebabs served with yogurt, onion salad, and red cabbage on the side
    Jump to:
    • What is Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab?
    • Why This Recipe Works?
    • What Part of the Chicken to Use?
    • Ingredients You'll Need
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Top Tips From the Chef
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage Instructions
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Related Recipes
    • Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab

    Turkish cuisine is renowned for its delicious and flavorful kebabs.

    I have shared many kebab recipes with you here on my blog, such as Patlican Kebabi - Eggplant Kebab, Lamb Shish Kebab, and Adana Kebab.

    Among the many varieties of kebabs, the Chicken Shish Kebab (Tavuk Sis) is one of the most popular dishes.

    This recipe features succulent pieces of marinated chicken skewered and grilled to perfection.

    What is Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab?

    Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab is a simple yet extremely delicious kebab dish made with marinated chicken breast or thigh pieces, threaded into skewers, and then cooked on fire along with some vegetables.

    The simple marinade for Tavuk Sis is typically made with milk or yogurt mixed with olive oil and a few spices.

    The same as Kuzu Tandir Kebab - Turkish Roasted Lamb, this authentic Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab dish is almost on every restaurant's menu in Turkey.

    It is also popular in Western countries as takeaway food and is usually wrapped in a flatbread with some garlicky yogurt sauce.

    I promise they taste just as good, if not much better! 

    shish tarok served on pita bread with side salads

    Why This Recipe Works?

    • They are absolutely delicious and very easy to make at home with my simple recipe.
    • These shish kabobs are perfect for entertaining your dinner guests, you can prep them a few days ahead and cook them on the day.
    • Turkish Chicken Kebab is a healthy and delicious dish with a minimum of prep time.
    • They are freezer-friendly, you can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
    • You can save money and enjoy better taste by making your own chicken shish kebabs instead of buying them from a takeaway.
    • There is only 173 kcal per portion of Turkish Chicken Kebabs.
    chicken Shish Kebab wrap

    What Part of the Chicken to Use?

    The best type of chicken for chicken shish kebabs is boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken thigh meat.

    You can also use a mixture of both if you want to enjoy two different textures at the same time.

    These cuts are tender and can be easily cubed or sliced to thread onto skewers.

    It's also important to choose fresh and high-quality chicken for the best flavor and texture in your chicken kebabs.

    Ingredients You'll Need

    Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, complete recipe method, recipe notes, and nutritional information.

    Labelled picture of ingredients for turkish chicken kebabs
    • Chicken - I prefer using skinless & boneless chicken thighs for kebabs but chicken breast works perfectly too. You can also use frozen chicken if that's what you have in hand. Make sure you defrost them overnight before marinating them.
    • Olive oil - I use cooking olive oil instead of extra virgin olive oil for the marinade. It adds flavor to the meat and keeps it moist.
    • Tomato paste - It is the staple of Turkish cooking. It adds an umami flavor to the dishes as well as a bright red color. You can find it in Turkish or Middle Eastern shops or buy it online from Amazon .
    • Red pepper paste - Turkish red pepper paste is a rich, delicious paste made with juicy, spicy red peppers and I use it quite often in my Turkish recipes. You can buy it from Turkish or Middle Eastern shops or online from Amazon.
    • Milk - I use semi-skimmed or full-fat milk. Milk helps the chicken get tender and melt in the mouth. Many recipes include yogurt for the marinade. I prefer milk instead as yogurt tends to burn quickly.
    • Vegetables - Onions, peppers, and tomatoes are typically used for kebabs but you can use any other vegetables you fancy, such as chilies, mushrooms, or aubergines.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Making Turkish Chicken Shish Kebabs (Tavuk Sis) at home is surprisingly easy.

    However, there are a few simple steps to follow for you to achieve the best results:

    Marinate the Chicken

    There are many recipes for chicken shish kebab marinade and most of them use yogurt.

    I prefer using milk instead as it gives a softer texture and better taste to the meat.

    To prepare the marinade, mix milk, tomato paste, olive oil, salt, and spices in a bowl.

    place all the ingredients for the marinade in a bowl

    Add the chicken pieces into the marinade and nicely combine until all chicken pieces are covered, and then cover the bowl.

    add the chicken pieces into the bowl with the Marinade

    Let the chicken marinate overnight or for a minimum of 2 hours.

    Don't let them marinate for more than 24 hours as the acid in the marinade will destroy the texture of the meat.

    stir until all chicken pieces are covered with marinade

    Thread the Chicken Pieces and Veggies Onto Skewers 

    When the chicken is marinated and you are ready to cook, start preparing the vegetables.

    Firstly, peel the onion and then cut it into chunky cubes a similar size to the chicken.

    Secondly, wash the tomatoes and cut them into wedges, or use whole cherry tomatoes.

    And then cut the Turkish chili peppers into 4 pieces. If you are using bell peppers, cut them into chunky cubes similar size to chicken.

    prepare the vegetables

    Thread the chicken and vegetables onto metal kebab skewers.

    If you want to use bamboo skewers, soak them in the water beforehand for 30 minutes so that they don't burn.

    chicken Shish Kebabs threaded on skewers

    Cook the Chicken Shish Kebabs

    The best way to cook chicken shish is by grilling them on the BBQ.

    Alternatively, you can use your oven grill to cook them.

    When cooking on the BBQ, make sure the grill is properly hot before you place the chicken shish kebabs on them.

    Cook for 12-14 minutes or the core temperature reaches 74 °C (165 °F).

    If you want to use the oven, preheat the oven grill to 210 °C (410 °F).

    Place them on a tin foil-lined tray and then cook for 15 minutes or until the core temperature reaches 74 °C (165 °F).

    The cooking time may vary on the size of the chicken cubes and the heat of your BBQ/oven.

    Make sure you keep a good eye on them to prevent burning.

    4 pieces chicken shish kebabs

    Top Tips From the Chef

    • To ensure that your chicken shish kebab cooks evenly, make sure that the chicken cubes are similar in size.
    • I prefer using milk instead of yogurt for the marinade as it gives a softer texture and better taste to the meat.
    • You can use the same marinade for marinating chicken wings or whole chicken. This marinade is perfect for any part of the chicken!
    • Don't marinate the chicken for more than 24 hours as the acid in the marinade will destroy the texture of the meat.
    • If you want to use bamboo skewers, soak them in the water beforehand for 30 minutes so that they don't burn.
    • The cooking time for tavuk sis may vary on the size of the chicken cubes and the heat of your BBQ/oven.

    Serving Suggestions

    The best way to enjoy these homemade Turkish Chicken Kebabs is to serve them with Greek Pita Bread, our classic Turkish Rice Pilaf (Sehriyeli Pilav), Turkish Pickled Red Cabbage, and Toum - Lebanese Garlic Sauce.

    You can also serve these delicious and juicy kabobs with some Bulgur Pilavi (Turkish Bulgur Pilaf), Mujadara - Lebanese Lentils and Rice Recipe, Bazlama (Turkish Flatbread), Tomato and Walnut Salad (Gavurdagi Salatasi), Tirokafteri (Spicy Whipped Feta Dip), Lebanese Fattoush Salad, Batata Harra (Lebanese Potatoes), or Authentic Hummus on the side.

    Storage Instructions

    Allow the cooked chicken to cool down to room temperature before storing it.

    Remove the chicken from the skewers and place it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.

    You can keep them refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    When reheating the Chicken Shish Kebab, preheat your oven or grill to 175° C (350°F).

    Place the chicken on a baking sheet or grill, and cook until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

    Do not leave the chicken shish kebab at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as it can lead to bacterial growth and spoilage.

    Recipe FAQs

    Why marinate the chicken?

    Marinating the chicken prevents the meat from drying out and making it chewy. It also helps to tenderize the chicken, makes it juicier, and reduces the time of cooking.

    Is Tawook Shish Kebab healthy?

    Yes, tawook shish kebab is a healthy dish as they are grilled meat and usually served with some salad and pita bread.

    Related Recipes

    For more delicious chicken recipes why not try:

    • Circassian chicken served as a meze
      Çerkez Tavuğu - Circassian Chicken
    • Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs
      Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
    • Tavuk Sote (Turkish Chicken Sauté)
    • Perde Pilavi sliced and served
      Perde Pilavi

    Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @cookingorgeous on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingorgeous.

    I hope you enjoy the process of making these better than takeaway Turkish Chicken Shish Kebabs as much as you enjoy eating them! 🙂

    Bon appétit! / Afiyet Olsun! 

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    Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab

    Ayla Clulee
    These delicious, juicy, and tender Turkish Chicken Shish Kebabs (Tavuk Sis) are very easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining dinner guests.
    5 from 22 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Turkish
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 173 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 kebab skewers
    • 1 kitchen scale
    • 1 Sharp knife
    • 1 Measuring cups
    • 1 measuring spoons

    Ingredients
     
     

    Marinade for the Chicken

    • ¼ cup olive oil (60 ml)
    • ¼ cup milk (full fat or semi-skimmed)
    • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
    • 1 tablespoon red pepper paste (optional, could be replaced with tomato paste)
    • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to your taste)
    • ½ teaspoon paprika
    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon salt

    Chicken Shish

    • 4 pieces boneless and skinless chicken breast (approximately 800 grams) (or equivalent amount of chicken thigh)
    • 1 onion (red or white)
    • 2-3 green Turkish chilies (or 1 large green bell pepper)
    • 2 medium tomatoes (or 6 cherry tomatoes)

    Instructions
     

    • Cut the chicken into chunky cubes size of 4-5 cm.
    • Place the olive oil, milk, tomato paste, red pepper paste (if using), chili flakes, paprika, freshly ground black pepper, and salt in a bowl and whisk until combined.
    • Add the chicken pieces into the bowl and give it a toss until all the chicken pieces are covered with the marinade.
    • Cover the bowl, place in the fridge, and let the chicken marinate for a minimum of 2 hours or preferably overnight.
    • Peel the onion and cut into chunky cubes similar size to chicken.
    • Wash the tomatoes and cut them into wedges.
    • Cut the Turkish chili peppers into 4 or if using bell peppers, cut them into chunky cubes similar size to chicken.
    • Thread the chicken and vegetables onto metal or soaked bamboo kebab skewers.
    • Cook the kebabs on the BBQ for 12-14 minutes or in the 210 °C preheated oven grill for 15 minutes, until the core temperature reaches 74 °C (165 °F).

    Video

    Notes

    • If you want to use bamboo skewers, soak them in the water beforehand for 30 minutes so that they don't burn.
    • The best way to cook shish tawook is by grilling them on the BBQ.
    • Marinating the chicken prevents the meat from drying out and making it chewy. It also helps to tenderize the chicken, makes it juicier, and reduces the time of cooking.
    • They cost less money and taste much better than the takeaway chicken shish kebabs.
    • The cooking time may vary on the size of the chicken cubes and the heat of your BBQ/oven.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 173kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 2gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 632mgPotassium: 379mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 922IUVitamin C: 61mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @cookingorgeous or tag #cookingorgeous!

    This post uses affiliate links. This means that if you click on them and then buy something, we get a small amount of commission to keep the site running, but it doesn’t cost you anything more.

    « Turkish Rice Pilaf (Sehriyeli Pilav)
    Turkish Red Lentil Soup - Kirmizi Mercimek Corbasi »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ayla

      August 03, 2021 at 3:21 pm

      5 stars
      I wanted to try something different, and yes this was exactly that. Spicy and delicious. I will definitely be making it again!

      Reply
    2. Brian

      March 19, 2022 at 3:02 pm

      5 stars
      They tasted better than restaurant kebabs! Such a great recipe 👍🏻

      Reply
      • Ayla Clulee

        March 21, 2022 at 6:09 am

        Thank you Brian, I am so glad you liked them.
        Best wishes
        Ayla

        Reply
    3. Jo

      March 23, 2022 at 5:22 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is so simple and so tasty. Perfect for the upcoming BBQ season.

      Reply
    4. Moustapha

      March 24, 2022 at 6:24 am

      5 stars
      This was delicious, and had excellent instructions.

      Reply
    5. Cathy

      March 25, 2022 at 5:34 am

      5 stars
      Wonderful flavours. I’ll definitely be able to make the same recipe for for my family at the next opportunity!

      Reply
    6. Diya

      March 26, 2022 at 3:47 am

      5 stars
      I really enjoyed this kebabs! The chicken was so juicy and tender. Thanks for the awesome recipe!

      Reply
    7. Liam

      March 27, 2022 at 4:13 am

      5 stars
      Perfect recipe for BBQ season coming up! I made this a couple of times in the oven, still delicious. Can't wait to try them on the BBQ.

      Reply
    8. Hanna

      April 02, 2022 at 4:43 am

      5 stars
      They tasted so good, these kebabs will be on our menu often!

      Reply
    9. Dani

      April 18, 2022 at 6:02 am

      5 stars
      Delicious!! I made this recipe and oh man, perfectly moist chicken skewers. Thank you for sharing!!

      Reply
    10. Rana

      April 23, 2022 at 5:20 am

      5 stars
      Thanks so much for your lovely easy recipe. I doubled up on the ingredients for my family. Cooked it in the oven and served it up with a platter of cuscus and salad. Devoured in minutes requesting same for tomorrows dinner. Thank you.

      Reply
    11. Cara

      April 24, 2022 at 5:18 am

      5 stars
      Made this for the first time and it was fantastic. I had 10 skinless, boneless chicken thighs so I doubled the recipe. This was straight up delicious, and had excellent instructions.

      Reply
    12. Gail

      April 29, 2022 at 4:44 am

      5 stars
      The marinade on this chicken is perfect. Spicy and delicious!

      Reply
    13. Chris

      May 02, 2022 at 5:12 am

      5 stars
      Delicious!!! Even my wife and kids loved it! Very easy to make!!

      Reply
    14. Rick

      May 21, 2022 at 4:12 am

      5 stars
      Super recipe, went down a treat with everyone. This is honestly the best chicken I've ever made, and I make quite a few different recipes.

      Reply
    15. Paula

      June 11, 2022 at 4:11 am

      5 stars
      I made this last weekend and it was delicious, like SERIOUSLY good!! very good recipe and I thank you for it.

      Reply
    16. Lisa Lapthorn

      July 08, 2022 at 10:24 am

      5 stars
      Amazing! The best marinade I've found so far to try, my son (little chef connoisseur) was super impressed. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Ayla Clulee

        July 08, 2022 at 10:39 am

        I am so glad you and your lovely little chef like it, Lisa! That truly made my day, kids are always the best critics!
        Best wishes
        Ayla x

        Reply
    17. Stephen

      February 18, 2023 at 11:00 am

      5 stars
      Few Ingredients and ones not already in your cupboard easily found
      And truly after following a lot of different shish recipes the easiest and tastiest chicken shish bar none, restaurants included thanks for
      Sharing

      Reply
      • Ayla Clulee

        February 18, 2023 at 12:36 pm

        Thank you for your lovely comment and for sharing your experience with us! I am so glad you liked it.
        Best wishes
        Ayla

        Reply
    18. Stephen hall

      April 26, 2023 at 9:47 am

      5 stars
      Without doubt the best chicken shish recipe I’ve ever made
      And tasted, and that includes Turkish restaurants, the
      Kicker is it’s so easy to make, made several times now and
      Always turns out perfect, I personally add 2/3 peeled garlic
      Cloves to marinade but that’s just a personal choice, so
      Impressed it’s the first I’ve ever taken the time to leave
      A review thanks for posting the recipe.

      Reply
      • Ayla Clulee

        April 26, 2023 at 11:26 am

        Dear Stephen, I am so pleased to hear that you enjoyed it.
        Thank you for your lovely comment, it truly made my day!
        Best wishes
        Ayla x

        Reply
    19. Paul

      November 06, 2024 at 3:26 pm

      Can the pepper paste be replaced by Harissa? Is it similar?

      Reply
      • Ayla Clulee

        November 06, 2024 at 3:46 pm

        Hi Paul
        You can use extra tomato paste if you don't have pepper paste. Harissa tastes different than red pepper paste so it would change the taste of the dish.
        Hope this helps!
        Ayla

        Reply
    5 from 22 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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    Welcome to Cooking Gorgeous, where delicious easy-to-follow recipes and culinary inspiration await you! My name is Ayla Clulee, a passionate and professional Cordon Bleu-trained chef, recipe developer, and food content creator with decades of experience. I am based in the UK, and I'm thrilled to have you here.

    The kitchen is my happy place and cooking is my therapy.

    More about me →

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