Tavuk Şiş Recipe

Prep garlic and chicken

Peel and finely mince or grate the garlic. Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut into 1 to 1 1/4-inch (2.5–3 cm) cubes. Place the chicken pieces in a medium mixing bowl.

Make marinade

In a separate bowl combine the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, sweet paprika, smoked paprika (if using), ground cumin, ground coriander, red pepper flakes (pul biber), salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.

Pour the marinade over the cubed chicken and mix thoroughly so every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4–6 hours. For best flavor, marinate overnight (up to 24 hours).

Soak wooden skewers (if using)

If using wooden skewers, submerge them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to reduce burning.

Prep vegetables

Core and cut the red and green bell peppers into 1 1/4-inch (3 cm) squares. Peel the red onion and cut into wedges roughly the same size as the pepper pieces. This ensures even cooking with the chicken.

Assemble skewers

Thread the marinated chicken, bell pepper pieces, and onion wedges alternately onto the skewers, leaving a little space between pieces so heat circulates. Aim for 3–4 chicken pieces per skewer with vegetable pieces in between.

Prepare grill

Preheat a charcoal grill to medium-high heat (about 400–450°F / 200–230°C) with an even layer of glowing coals. If using a gas grill, preheat to medium-high and oil the grates lightly.

Grill skewers

Brush the assembled skewers lightly with the extra olive oil. Place skewers over direct heat and cook for 10–14 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes so all sides brown evenly. Look for a nice char on the vegetables and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for the chicken. If pieces char too quickly, move skewers to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking through.

Rest & finish

Remove skewers from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with sumac if using and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over the chicken.