Tavuk Sis - Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab

Tavuk Sis - Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab - Tavuk Sis (Shish Tawook/taouk/شيش طاووق) is a popular healthy protein packed Turkish Kebab recipe that is enjoyed all over the Middle East. Shish translates to Skewers. Tavuk translates to Chicken.
The recipe itself is thought to be a part of Ottoman cuisine which is the cuisine of the Ottoman Empire. It later became popular across the Middle East and similar recipes can be found in Persian cuisine (Joojeh Kebab) as well as in Syria, Palestine, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and beyond.

What is Tavuk Sis?

Tavuk Sis is a very easy Chicken Kebab recipe that requires very little hands on time or effort from you. This Kebab is made in homes and served in Restaurants, Middle Eastern Take Aways and Kebab houses all over the Middle East.

In this recipe, we dice the meat into cubes and then marinade it in Yoghurt, Garlic, grated Onion, Lemon and a few Spices. It is then left to marinade in the fridge overnight or for at least 2 hours.

The Meat is then threaded onto skewers and cooked until lightly charred and caramelised on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Whilst grilling/cooking, it is turned regularly and basted in the marinade to both enhance the flavour and to keep the meat juicy.

Recipes vary between Countries. In Lebanon they would be served with some Sumac sprinkled over the top (which I would highly recommend) as well as some ground Cinnamon and Cardamom in the marinade  and in Iran, Saffron is added.

Şiş tavuk is served with Red Onion Salad, Fries, grilled Vegetables like Peppers/Onions/Tomatoes and Rice. Although this again varies between Countries. Other sides that are more common in Syria, Palestine or Lebanon include Toum, Tabboule, Hummus and Pitta Bread.

Traditionally, these chicken skewers are meant to be grilled outdoors. However, this recipe can be cooked in the Oven, under the Grill or a BBQ or even in an Air Fryer.

If you love Kebabs, why not try Easy Homemade Turkish Chicken Doner Kebab, Lebanese Chicken Shawarma, Kebab Koobideh - Persian Ground Lamb Kebabs, Adana Kebab - Turkish Lamb Kebabs or Joojeh Kebab - Persian Grilled Chicken Kebabs.

Top Secret for Juicy Chicken Kebabs!

During marination, the Onion and Yoghurt both tenderise the Meat. The Onion in particular acts as a natural tenderiser. It also infuses the Chicken with flavour. Onions contain proteolytic enzymes, which break down protein meaning you get the most juicy, melt in the mouth and succulent meat.

Tavuk Sis - Chicken Kebab Marinade 

The marinade for this Chicken Shish recipe is what makes it so flavourful and tender. Here is what you need to make it -

Yoghurt - We use plain full-fat Yoghurt for this marinade. This tenderises the Chicken and it helps the marinade ingredients to cling to the Meat. Yoghurt also creates a crust on the outside of the Chicken. Don’t use Greek Yoghurt.

Onion - You can either use grated Onion or the Juice of Onions. This imparts flavour but it also ensures you get the juiciest Chicken Kebab recipe.

Olive Oil - Again this helps the marinade to cling to the Chicken. It also ensures that the marinade doesn’t burn.

Lemon Juice - This combined with Yoghurt, makes the Chicken pieces tender. As well as adding a zing.

Tomato paste - You can add Tomato Paste, Tomato Puree or Tatli Biber Salcasi (this is a mild Turkish Pepper Paste).

Garlic - We add 8 cloves of Garlic. If this feels like too much for you, it can be reduced. You can also use 1-2 tablespoon Garlic Paste.

Spices - We add Pul biber or Aleppo pepper - you can use Chilli Flakes instead), ground Cumin, ground Coriander, Paprika (sweet or smoked), dried Oregano (or thyme, salt and pepper. You can also add sumac, cinnamon and cayenne pepper.

Chicken - We use either boneless and skinless chicken thighs or boneless and skinless Chicken Breast cut into equal bite sized pieces. Chicken Breast is fine here because the Onions, Yoghurt and Lemon make the Chicken very tender so Thighs or not necessary

How To Make Turkish Chicken Shish

This recipe is as simple as it gets. Full measurements can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the page. Here is how you make it:

Step 1 - Cut the Chicken into bite sized pieces.

Cut the Chicken into 1 ½ inch chunks.

Step 2 - Make the Marinade.

Add all the marinade ingredients (grated Onion, Yoghurt, Coarse Black Pepper, Salt, Ground Cumin, Ground Coriander, Dry Oregano, Paprika, Pul Biber, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil and Tomato or Pepper Paste to a large bowl and whisk together.

 

Step 3 - Add the Chicken to the Marinade

Add the Chicken to the bowl with the marinade and mix to ensure all the Chicken is fully coated.
Cover the bowl with cling film or similar and place in the fridge over night or for at least 4 hours.

Step 4 - Skewer the Chicken

Remove the Chicken from the Fridge for 30 minutes before cooking. Thread the Chicken onto metal skewers (or use pre soaked wooden skewers).

Step 5 - Cook

Heat the oven to 210 C/190 Fan/Gas Mark .

Place the Chicken on a oven proof wire rack over a baking tray.

Bake in the Oven for 15 - 20 minutes turning midway. You can also BBQ or grill them for 12 - 15 minutes. In that case, you will need to turn them more regularly.

You can also Air Fry them for 6-7 minutes per side.

In all cases, baste the Chicken every time you turn it.

Top Secret for Juicy Chicken Kebabs!

During marination, the Onion and Yoghurt both tenderise the Meat. The Onion in particular acts as a natural tenderiser. It also infuses the Chicken with flavour. Onions contain proteolytic enzymes, which break down protein meaning you get the most juicy, melt in the mouth and succulent meat.

Expert Tips

Marination Time

For the most flavourful Chicken, I would recommend marinating the Chicken overnight. If you are short on time, marinade for 2 hours. If you can manage it, I would suggest 4 hours as a good in between.

Skewers

If you don’t have metal skewers, use wooden skewers. Always soak wooden skewers for 1 hour before using. If you have neither, cook the meal on a wire rack over a tray to get the same effect. Make sure to line the tray with baking or parchment paper

Basting

Baste the meat at least once whilst cooking. If you are cooking them under the Grill or on a BBQ, baste them a few extra times.

Place Flatbread on top

Chicken Shish is often covered in flatbread like Lavash or Pitta immediately after it is cooked. This soaks up the juices but is also used to pull the Meat off the skewers.

What to serve with Kebabs

Vegetables

Add Peppers (Sivri), Tomatoes and Onions to the tray along with the Kebabs so they roast too whilst the Kebabs are cooking.

Red Onion Salad

Serve with Turkish Red Onion Salad. To make this, simply combine 1 finely sliced Red Onions with 2 teaspoon Sumac, 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice, a pinch Salt, some chopped Parsley and a drizzle of Olive Oil.

Other

You can also serve it with Pickles, Salad such as Taboule, Persian Shirazi Salad, Turkish Shepherd Salad, Rice, Bulgur Salad, Ezme, Cacik, Haydari, Fries or Chips, Yoghurt and Garlic Sauce or Toum. Many of these sides recipes will be added to the site soon.

You could also add the pieces to a Salad bowl or serve it in a flatbread like Lavash, Garlic Naan or Pitta Bread.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

How to Reheat

Simply remove from the Chicken from the skewers and reheat the pieces in a pan on the hob/cooker. You can also microwave them with a splash of Water.

How to make ahead

The marinade can be made up to 3 days ahead and the Chicken can be marinaded up to 24 hours in advance.

More Chicken Recipes

Chicken Tikka Biryani (Restaurant Style)

Easy Cheesy Indian Ground Chicken Kebabs

Easy Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe

More Turkish Recipes

Trilece

Turkish Chocolate Pistachio Baklava

Adana Kebab - Turkish Lamb Kebabs

Kumpir - Turkish Street Food Style Jacket Potato

Rate and Leave a Comment

did you make this recipe? i'd love to hear about it! did you try any variations? if you loved this recipe/tried any variations/have some top tips, please comment below. Your reviews make our day and your tips help others to find our recipes and enjoy them too!
 you can also follow us on instagram and subscribe to our newsletter to get our latest recipes.