Discover the ultimate Shish Taouk recipe featuring marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection. This Middle Eastern classic is served with a delicious garlic sauce that complements the tender, flavorful chicken. Ideal for a delicious weeknight dinner or a special occasion, learn how to make these succulent skewers and bring a taste of the Middle East to your table.

Ingredients:

- For the Marinade:

 - 1 cup plain yogurt

 - 3 tablespoons olive oil

 - 3 tablespoons lemon juice

 - 4 cloves garlic, minced

 - 1 tablespoon ground cumin

 - 1 tablespoon ground paprika

 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander

 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

 - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

 - 1 teaspoon salt

- For the Chicken:

 - 1.5 lbs (700g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes

 - Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)

- For the Garlic Sauce:

 - 1 cup plain yogurt

 - 3 tablespoons mayonnaise

 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

 - Salt to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Marinade:

  - In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, and salt.

Marinate the Chicken:

  - Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and mix well to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.

Prepare the Garlic Sauce:

  - In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Preheat the Grill:

  - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat.

Skewer the Chicken:

  - Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.

Grill the Chicken:

  - Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.

Serve:

  - Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the Shish Taouk hot with the garlic sauce on the side, and enjoy with pita bread or a side salad.

Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or additional spices for a personalized touch!

Nutritional Values:

Plain Yogurt:

 - Calories: 150

 - Protein: 8g

 - Carbohydrates: 12g

 - Fat: 8g

 - Calcium: 300mg

 - Vitamin B12: 1.4mcg

Benefits:

 - Probiotics: Supports gut health and digestion.

 - Calcium: Essential for bone health.

 - Protein: Aids in muscle repair and growth.

Olive Oil:

 - Calories: 120

 - Fat: 14g

 - Saturated Fat: 2g

 - Monounsaturated Fat: 10g

 - Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.5g

Benefits:

 - Heart Health: Rich in monounsaturated fats which can reduce the risk of heart disease.

 - Antioxidants: Contains vitamin E and polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory properties.

 - Skin Health: Helps maintain skin elasticity and hydration.

Lemon Juice:

 - Calories: 4

 - Vitamin C: 8mg

Benefits:

 - Vitamin C: Boosts immune function and promotes healthy skin.

 - Digestive Health: Can aid in digestion and detoxification.

Garlic:

 - Calories: 4

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

 - Vitamin C: 1mg

Benefits:

 - Immune Support: Contains allicin, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

 - Heart Health: May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Ground Cumin:

 - Calories: 8

 - Protein: 0.4g

 - Carbohydrates: 0.9g

 - Fat: 0.5g

Benefits:

 - Digestion: Aids in digestion and can relieve bloating and gas.

 - Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.

Ground Paprika:

 - Calories: 6

 - Protein: 0.3g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Fat: 0.3g

Benefits:

 - Antioxidants: Rich in vitamins A and C, which support vision and skin health.

 - Anti-inflammatory: Contains compounds that may reduce inflammation.

Ground Coriander:

 - Calories: 5

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Fat: 0.3g

Benefits:

 - Digestive Health: Can aid in digestion and reduce bloating.

 - Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants that may support overall health.

Ground Turmeric:

 - Calories: 8

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Carbohydrates: 1.7g

 - Fat: 0.2g

Benefits:

 - Anti-inflammatory: Contains curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

 - Antioxidants: Helps fight oxidative stress and may support brain health.

Ground Black Pepper:

 - Calories: 6

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Carbohydrates: 1.5g

 - Fat: 0.1g

Benefits:

 - Digestive Health: Can aid digestion and stimulate appetite.

 - Absorption: Enhances the absorption of nutrients like curcumin from turmeric.

Salt:

 - Sodium: 2,300mg

Benefits:

 - Electrolyte Balance: Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

Mayonnaise:

 - Calories: 94

 - Fat: 10g

 - Saturated Fat: 1g

 - Carbohydrates: 0.1g

 - Protein: 0.1g

Benefits:

 - Texture: Adds creaminess and flavor to the garlic sauce.

 - Fat Content: Provides a source of fats necessary for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins.

These ingredients not only contribute to the flavor and texture of the Shish Taouk but also provide various health benefits.