Baked Chicken Shish Kabobs (Juicy Shish Tawook)

These Baked Chicken Shish Kabobs also known as Shish Tawook are delightfully simple and delicious, all cooked in one pan – no grill required! And I guarantee you will get that smokey smell and flavor. 

So whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine, looking for a quick and healthy meal option, or love trying new recipes, these best Chicken Kabobs Skewers will surely win you over!

Let’s face it; summer is all about outdoor grilling and enjoying the warm weather with friends and family. But what if you don’t have a grill like me or don’t want to worry about dealing with a hot grill? Well, put those worries aside and try these delicious Mediterranean Shish Kabobs cooked in the oven!

My chicken kabob recipe boasts juicy marinated chicken cubes and colorful vegetables that are a great option for an easy dinner. After just 20 minutes in the oven, your nutritious and flavorful meal will be ready to serve! So gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

What is Chicken Shish Kabob?

Chicken Shish Kabobs, also known as Chicken Shish Kebabs or Shish Tawook, are a popular dish originating from the Middle East. The word “shish” comes from the Turkish word for skewer, while “kebab” refers to grilled or roasted meat.

In its traditional form, Chicken Shish Kabobs involve chunks of marinated chicken threaded onto skewers, often with various vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. These chicken skewers are grilled or roasted until fully cooked, and the vegetables are tender.

The marinade for the chicken often includes ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and various spices, giving the dish its characteristic savory and slightly tangy flavor. This dish can be served on its own or with a side of rice, salad, or pita bread.

Though traditionally cooked on a grill, many variations now exist, including oven-baked versions, providing the same delicious flavors with a method that’s accessible to those without grilling equipment.

Reasons to love this recipe? 

There are countless reasons to fall in love with Oven Baked Mediterranean Chicken Shish Kabobs, and here are just a few reasons:

1. Succulent and Juicy: The marinating process ensures the chicken is tender, juicy, and flavorful.
2. Versatile and Colorful: The kabobs can be customized with a rainbow of vegetables, making them visually appealing and nutritionally balanced.
3. Easy Clean up: Baking these kabobs in the oven means less mess and easier clean-up than grilling.
4. Quick and Convenient: These kabobs are ready in 30 minutes, making them perfect for a quick weeknight meal and meal prep. 
5. Fire-Free Cooking: Oven baking offers a great alternative for those who don’t have access to a grill or prefer to avoid open flame cooking.
6. Bursting with Flavor: The Mediterranean-inspired marinade infuses the chicken and vegetables with a delightful mix of zesty, aromatic, and savory flavors.

Are Baked Shish Kabobs healthy?

Chicken Shish Kebabs can be a healthy meal option, depending on the ingredients used and the preparation method. Here’s why:

1. Lean Protein: Chicken, especially skinless chicken breast, is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair.
2. Low in Fat: Compared to red meat, chicken is generally lower in fat, particularly saturated fats linked with heart disease.
3. Vegetables: The skewered vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the meal.
4. Cooking Method: Grilling or baking kebabs can be healthier than frying, as less oil is used.
5. Controlled Portions: Because the kebabs are in skewers, they can help with portion control. Each skewer can be a single serving size.

However, remember that the healthiness of your kebabs can be influenced by factors such as the marinade used, the choice and quantity of vegetables, and any accompanying sides or sauces. Always consider these factors if you’re trying to maintain a balanced and healthy diet.

Baked Shish Kabobs Ingredients

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, you might use chicken thighs; they are generally juicier and have a higher fat content. 
• Vegetables: I used bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. 
• Plain yogurt: helps tenderize the meat and keeps it moist during cooking. 
• Spices: I added paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, ground cumin and coriander. A sprinkle of ground cardamom (which gives a unique taste). Also, if you want a kick of spicy, add chili flakes. 
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil, any flavor you prefer.
• Lemon juice: Adds a tangy flavor that balances the spices.
• Garlic: Gives a nice aromatic flavor! I always use fresh minced garlic for this recipe, but you can use garlic powder instead. 

How To Make Chicken Kabobs. Step by Step

Prepare the chicken and vegetables:

Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes, the onions into thick slices and the bell peppers into squares.

Chicken Marinade:

In a large bowl, add all the ingredients and mix. Add the chicken cubes, cover with plastic wrap. Allow it to marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight. 

Thread the chicken and vegetables onto skewers: After marination, thread them onto metal skewers or bamboo skewers. (If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for 20 minutes to avoid burning).

Bake: Preheat the oven to 415°F. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil and add a wire rack. Place the skewers on top and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through, or use a meat thermometer until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Turn them over halfway through (check the notes if using chicken thighs; the baking time will vary). Broil over high heat for 1-2 minutes to get a nice brown color. 

Serve: Place the chicken skewers into a serving dish.

How to get that Charcoal/grill flavor and smell?

1. Take a piece of charcoal, about 2-3 inches big.
2. Hold the charcoal over a flame or stove top using tongs until it’s fully ignited and a layer of white ash appears on the surface. 
3. Once the charcoal is ready, place it in a small metal bowl on the chicken kabobs serving dish; to prevent it from directly touching the chicken kabobs. 
4. Pour a spoonful of ghee, clarified butter or oil onto the hot charcoal. The ghee or oil will immediately start to smoke.
5.  As soon as the smoke rises, cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap the smoke inside. Leave it covered for about 5-15 minutes. Then carefully remove the bowl with the charcoal.

Serve: Finally, garnish with some fresh herbs like parsley and serve hot with some yellow rice, pita bread, fattoush salad, and garlic sauce. Enjoy!

Important Notes

• It’s important to Marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes, or ideally overnight if possible, is the secret to succulent chicken. The more extended the marination period, the more intense the flavors will develop.
• You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead, but keep in mind that they will take longer baking time (20-30 minutes). 
• Also, if you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for 30 minutes before assembling the kabobs to prevent them from burning in the oven.
• Add vegetables like zucchini, squash, mushrooms, or tomatoes.

What to serve with this Baked Shish kabobs?

Chicken Shish kabobs are a meal on their own because of the protein and vegetables.

Make it a complete meal with yellow rice, vermicelli rice, pita bread, or salad.

Also, pair it with Classic Hummus, Baba Ganoush, or Garlic sauce.

Try to make a healthy meal with Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad and brown rice.

Storage

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

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