If you’ve ever wandered into a Costco food court, chances are you’ve been tempted by their iconic Chicken Bake. With its golden crust, gooey cheese, savory chicken, and crispy bacon, it’s a flavor-packed bite of comfort that keeps fans coming back for more.
But what if I told you that you could skip the trip and make this beloved treat right in your own kitchen? That’s right—you can recreate the magic of Costco’s Chicken Bake with this easy, customizable recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend cooking project.
Let’s dive into how you can whip up this copycat masterpiece at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade version of the Costco Chicken Bake is everything you love about the original—but better! Here’s why:
- Customizable Fillings: Add your favorite ingredients like veggies, different cheeses, or even swap out the chicken for turkey or ham.
- Budget-Friendly: Making it at home is far cheaper than buying it at the food court.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Assemble these ahead of time and freeze them for a quick meal later.
- Fun to Make: Rolling the dough and stuffing it with delicious fillings is a great activity for kids or anyone who loves to cook.
What’s Inside a Chicken Bake?
The secret to a great chicken bake lies in the combination of simple, flavorful ingredients:
- Tender Chicken: Perfectly seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection.
- Crispy Bacon: Because everything’s better with bacon.
- Creamy Caesar Dressing: Adds richness and tangy flavor.
- Cheese Galore: A mix of shredded Italian cheeses (like mozzarella and provolone) and Parmesan for that irresistible gooey texture.
- Golden Crust: Made from pizza dough, it’s flaky, chewy, and the perfect vessel for all the delicious fillings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make 3 large chicken bakes:
- 1 pound prepared pizza dough
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ cup water (or more as needed)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for rolling out dough)
- ½ cup creamy Caesar dressing
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup shredded Italian cheeses (mozzarella and provolone), divided
- ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg (beaten for brushing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for foolproof chicken bakes that rival the original:
1. Prepare Your Pizza Dough
Let the pizza dough rest at room temperature for about an hour. This makes it easier to roll out later.
2. Cook the Bacon
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, lay the bacon strips in a single layer, and bake until crispy—about 15 minutes. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken seasoned-side down and cook until golden brown—about 5 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another minute.
Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the skillet, then transfer it to your preheated oven. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 17–20 minutes. Let it cool before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
4. Assemble the Chicken Bakes
Increase your oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Sprinkle flour on a clean work surface and divide your dough into 3 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 12–13 inches wide.
Spread Caesar dressing evenly over each circle of dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, then layer on the chicken, bacon, green onions, and shredded Italian cheeses.
Fold the edges slightly over the filling, then roll from bottom to top to form a log shape. Pinch the edges to seal and place seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the tops of your chicken bakes with beaten egg for that glossy finish. Sprinkle with reserved cheese and bake until golden brown—about 20 minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Let your chicken bakes cool slightly before slicing and serving. Pair them with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauce for a complete meal.
Tips & Tricks
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble your chicken bakes ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them before baking. If frozen, thaw them overnight in the fridge before cooking.
- Healthier Swaps: Use whole wheat dough or low-fat cheese for a lighter version. You can also add extra veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Reheating Leftovers: To keep that crispy texture intact, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes instead of using a microwave.
Customizations to Try
Don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are some fun ways to customize your chicken bake:
- Swap Proteins: Try turkey, ham, or even rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Experiment with Sauces: Ranch dressing, Alfredo sauce, or barbecue sauce can add a new twist.
- Add Veggies: Load up on spinach, caramelized onions, or roasted peppers for extra flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Mix in cheddar, gouda, or feta for unique flavor profiles.
Why Make It at Home?
Sure, grabbing a chicken bake at Costco is convenient—but making it yourself is so much more rewarding! You get complete control over the ingredients and portion sizes while enjoying that homemade touch that takes it to the next level.
Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make—no advanced cooking skills required! Whether you’re hosting friends for dinner or just indulging in some comfort food on a quiet night in, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
Final Thoughts
The Copycat Costco Chicken Bake is proof that some of life’s best moments happen in the kitchen. It combines simple ingredients into something truly special—a warm, cheesy treat that feels like a hug in every bite. Whether you’re recreating this food court favorite out of nostalgia or just looking for something new to try, this recipe will not disappoint.
So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to impress yourself (and everyone else) with this homemade masterpiece. Once you taste it fresh out of the oven, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start making these sooner!
Happy cooking—and even happier eating!
Print
Copycat Costco Chicken Bake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 3 large chicken bakes 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
This Copycat Costco Chicken Bake brings the iconic food court favorite right into your kitchen. Featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy Caesar dressing, and a blend of gooey cheeses, all wrapped in a golden, flaky crust, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Perfect for a quick meal or a fun cooking project, this chicken bake is easily customizable, allowing you to experiment with different fillings, sauces, and cheeses to make it truly your own.
Ingredients
- 1 pound prepared pizza dough
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ cup water, or more as needed
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, or as needed for surface
- ½ cup creamy Caesar dressing
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded Italian cheeses (such as mozzarella and provolone), divided
- ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions
- Prepare the Pizza Dough:
- Let the pizza dough rest at room temperature for about 1 hour before using.
- Cook the Bacon:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lay the bacon strips in a single layer.
- Bake until browned and crisp, about 15 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels, crumble when cool, and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Cook the chicken, seasoned side down, until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Flip and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add just enough water to fill the bottom of the pan, then transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 17-20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the Chicken Bakes:
- Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle flour onto a large work surface and divide the dough into 3 portions.
- Roll each portion into a large circle, about 12-13 inches wide.
- Spread Caesar dressing evenly over each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, then top with chicken, bacon, green onions, and shredded Italian cheese.
- Fold the outer edges slightly over the filling, then roll the dough from the bottom to the top to form a log shape.
- Pinch the edges to seal, then place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Chicken Bakes:
- Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with the reserved cheese.
- Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
- Serve:
- Let the chicken bakes cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- Enjoy with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the chicken bakes and refrigerate or freeze them before baking. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Customizations: Feel free to experiment with different meats, cheeses, and sauces. For a healthier version, use whole wheat dough, low-fat cheeses, and add extra vegetables.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken bake
- Calories: Approximately 650 kcal (varies based on ingredients used)
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
