Grilled

Grilled Chicken Chivito

Name: Grilled Chicken Chivito
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds (680g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 6 slices of bacon, thick-cut; 1 cup (115g) shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup (60g) mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

By Theo Calloway · June 19, 2026 · Grilled

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I tried Grilled Chicken Chivito at a family gathering. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese was love at first bite. As a home cook, I was determined to recreate this dish in my own kitchen. After some trial and error, I finally perfected the recipe, and now I'm excited to share it with you.

Grilled Chicken Chivito is a classic Uruguayan dish that's easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The recipe consists of marinated chicken breasts, grilled to perfection and served with a variety of toppings, including bacon, cheese, and eggs. It's a hearty and flavorful dish that's sure to become a family favorite.

One of the things I love about Grilled Chicken Chivito is its versatility. You can customize the toppings to your liking, and it's also a great way to use up leftover ingredients. For example, you can add some diced ham or grilled vegetables to the dish for extra flavor and texture.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the steps to make Grilled Chicken Chivito from scratch. From marinating the chicken to grilling it to perfection, I'll share my tips and tricks to ensure that your dish turns out delicious and memorable. So, let's get started and make some Grilled Chicken Chivito!

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to try something new and exciting. The ingredients are simple, and the steps are easy to follow. With a little practice, you'll be making Grilled Chicken Chivito like a pro in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled Chicken Chivito is a family-friendly recipe that's easy to make and fun to eat.
The dish is customizable, so you can add your favorite toppings and ingredients.
It's a great way to use up leftover ingredients and reduce food waste.
The recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Grilled Chicken Chivito is a hearty and flavorful dish that's sure to become a favorite.
The recipe is easy to follow, and the ingredients are simple and accessible.

Why This Recipe Works

So, what makes Grilled Chicken Chivito so special? The key to this dish is the combination of flavors and textures. The marinade, made with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, adds a rich and savory flavor to the chicken. The bacon and cheese add a smoky and creamy element, while the eggs provide a nice protein boost.

The grilling process is also important, as it helps to lock in the juices and flavors of the chicken. By cooking the chicken over medium-high heat, we can achieve a nice char on the outside, while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the resting time. After grilling the chicken, it's essential to let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This helps to keep the chicken moist and flavorful, making it perfect for serving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Grilled Chicken Chivito, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most important component is the chicken, which should be boneless and skinless. You'll also need some bacon, cheese, eggs, and a variety of toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality items that are fresh and flavorful. For example, look for thick-cut bacon and fresh lettuce, and choose a good-quality cheese that melts well.

1 1/2 pounds (680g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinlessLook for fresh and high-quality chicken breasts that are free of added hormones and preservatives. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
6 slices of bacon, thick-cutChoose a good-quality bacon that's smoked and flavorful. You can also use prosciutto or pancetta if you prefer.
1 cup (115g) shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarellaSelect a cheese that melts well and has a mild flavor. You can also use a combination of cheeses for extra flavor.
2 large eggsFresh eggs are essential for this recipe, so be sure to choose eggs that are less than a week old.
1/4 cup (60g) mayonnaiseLook for a high-quality mayonnaise that's made with fresh ingredients and has a rich flavor.
2 tablespoons olive oilChoose a good-quality olive oil that's extra-virgin and has a fruity flavor.
2 cloves garlic, mincedFresh garlic is essential for this recipe, so be sure to choose garlic that's firm and has no signs of sprouting.
1 teaspoon dried oreganoSelect a high-quality oregano that's fresh and has a pungent flavor.
1/2 teaspoon saltUse a high-quality salt that's free of additives and has a mild flavor.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperChoose a freshly ground pepper that's aromatic and has a sharp flavor.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley is essential for this recipe, so be sure to choose parsley that's fresh and has a bright flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or grill panInstant-read thermometerSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskSpatula

How to Make Grilled Chicken Chivito

1
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
2
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 F (74 C).
4
While the chicken is cooking, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
5
In the same skillet, crack in the eggs and scramble them until they're cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly.
7
To assemble the Grilled Chicken Chivito, place a sliced chicken breast on a plate or bun. Top with a few slices of bacon, a spoonful of scrambled eggs, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
8
Drizzle the mayonnaise over the top of the chicken and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
9
Serve the Grilled Chicken Chivito immediately and enjoy!
10
Check the internal temperature of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the breast to ensure it reaches 165 F (74 C).
11
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips

Make sure to not overcrowd the grill or skillet, as this can lower the temperature and affect the cooking time.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Don't press down on the chicken with your spatula while it's cooking, as this can squeeze out juices and make the chicken dry.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving, as this allows the juices to redistribute and the chicken to stay moist.
Experiment with different toppings and ingredients to make the Grilled Chicken Chivito your own.
Consider making the marinade ahead of time and storing it in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, for a richer flavor.
Add some diced ham or grilled vegetables to the dish for extra flavor and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not letting the chicken rest before slicing and serving, which can make it dry and tough.
Overcrowding the grill or skillet, which can lower the temperature and affect the cooking time.
Not using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Pressing down on the chicken with your spatula while it's cooking, which can squeeze out juices and make the chicken dry.
Not experimenting with different toppings and ingredients, which can make the dish boring and uninteresting.
Not making the marinade ahead of time, which can save time and effort in the long run.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced ham or grilled vegetables to the dish for extra flavor and texture.
Use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, for a richer flavor.
Experiment with different types of bacon, such as prosciutto or pancetta, for a unique flavor.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or oregano, to the marinade for extra flavor.
Use a different type of protein, such as steak or chicken thighs, for a different twist on the dish.
Add some spicy ingredients, such as hot sauce or red pepper flakes, to the marinade for an extra kick.
Serve the Grilled Chicken Chivito with a side of fries or a salad for a more filling meal.

What to Serve With Grilled Chicken Chivito

Grilled Chicken Chivito is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it on a plate or bun, with a side of fries or a salad. You can also customize the toppings to your liking, with options such as lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.

Some other ideas for serving Grilled Chicken Chivito include serving it with a side of grilled vegetables, such as asparagus or bell peppers, or with a side of roasted potatoes. You can also serve it with a side of soup or a salad for a more filling meal.

Serve with a side of fries or a saladAdd some diced ham or grilled vegetables to the dishUse a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesanExperiment with different types of bacon, such as prosciutto or pancettaAdd some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or oregano, to the marinadeServe with a side of soup or a salad for a more filling meal

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Grilled Chicken Chivito can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store, let the chicken cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate or freeze.

When reheating, make sure to heat the chicken to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) to ensure food safety. You can reheat the chicken in the microwave or oven, or on the stovetop in a skillet with a little oil.

It's also a good idea to make the marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. This can save time and effort in the long run, and ensure that the chicken is always flavorful and delicious.

In addition to storing the chicken, you can also store the bacon and eggs in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the internal temperature of cooked chicken?

The internal temperature of cooked chicken should be at least 165 F (74 C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

How long can I store Grilled Chicken Chivito in the refrigerator?

Grilled Chicken Chivito can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the chicken cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate.

Can I freeze Grilled Chicken Chivito?

Yes, Grilled Chicken Chivito can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let the chicken cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making Grilled Chicken Chivito?

Some common mistakes to avoid when making Grilled Chicken Chivito include not letting the chicken rest before slicing and serving, overcrowding the grill or skillet, and not using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Can I customize the toppings and ingredients in Grilled Chicken Chivito?

Yes, Grilled Chicken Chivito is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Some ideas for toppings and ingredients include lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, bacon, and cheese.

What are some variations on the Grilled Chicken Chivito recipe?

Some variations on the Grilled Chicken Chivito recipe include adding diced ham or grilled vegetables, using different types of bacon or cheese, and adding chopped fresh herbs to the marinade.

Can I make Grilled Chicken Chivito ahead of time?

Yes, Grilled Chicken Chivito can be made ahead of time. Simply cook the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

What is the best way to reheat Grilled Chicken Chivito?

The best way to reheat Grilled Chicken Chivito is to heat it to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) in the microwave or oven, or on the stovetop in a skillet with a little oil.

The Full Recipe

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