Tavuk Sis Chicken Skewers

Cut the chicken breast or thigh into uniform 1.5-inch cubes. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the marinade adheres well.

In a large bowl, combine the plain yogurt, olive oil, tomato paste, minced garlic, grated onion, dried oregano, sweet paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and optional lemon juice. Whisk until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and form a smooth paste.

Add the chicken cubes to the marinade bowl. Toss the chicken thoroughly, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates. Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, golden brown, and slightly charred in spots. The internal temperature should reach 165F (74C).

Once cooked, remove the Tavuk Sis from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve immediately with fresh pita bread, rice, a simple salad, or cacik (yogurt dip).