If you’ve ever wandered into a Costco food court, you know the allure of their famous Chicken Bake. With its crispy, golden exterior and warm, cheesy filling, this savory treat is a fan favorite. The good news? You don’t have to wait for your next Costco trip to enjoy it. This Copycat Costco Chicken Bake recipe lets you recreate the magic at home with simple ingredients and a few easy steps.
Why You’ll Love Copycat Costco Chicken Bake
This recipe is more than just a replica; it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or even a snack. The combination of shredded chicken, crispy bacon, creamy Caesar dressing, and gooey melted cheese wrapped in golden pizza dough will make it a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
Chicken breasts (cooked and shredded) | 2 large |
Bacon (cooked and crumbled) | 6 slices |
Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
Shredded Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
Caesar dressing | 1/2 cup |
Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) | 1 package |
Seasonings and Extras
Ingredient | Quantity |
Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken and Bacon
- Cook the Chicken: Grill, bake, or sauté the chicken breasts until fully cooked. Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks.
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Allow it to cool before crumbling it into small pieces.
2. Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Assemble the Chicken Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 12×8 inches.
- Spread the chicken and bacon mixture evenly down the center of the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
4. Fold and Seal the Dough
- Carefully fold the sides of the dough over the filling.
- Fold the ends to seal the dough into a rectangle or log shape. Ensure all edges are sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the chicken bake seam-side down on it.
- Brush the top of the dough with olive oil for a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
6. Cool and Serve
- Let the chicken bake cool for a few minutes before slicing it into portions.
- Serve as a main dish or pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Layers of Flavor
The combination of savory chicken, smoky bacon, creamy Caesar dressing, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering filling.
2. Easy and Convenient
Using store-bought pizza dough cuts down on prep time, making this recipe accessible even on busy days.
3. Versatile and Customizable
You can tweak the filling to suit your taste by adding spinach, mushrooms, or your favorite cheese.
Serving Suggestions
While the chicken bake is delicious on its own, you can pair it with these sides to elevate your meal:
- Caesar Salad: A crisp, tangy salad complements the rich flavors of the chicken bake.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Double down on the carbs for a hearty, satisfying meal.
- Vegetable Medley: Roasted or steamed vegetables add a fresh, healthy balance.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 420 |
Protein | 30g |
Total Fat | 22g |
Saturated Fat | 10g |
Cholesterol | 85mg |
Sodium | 720mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 25g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sugars | 2g |
Tips for Perfect Copycat Costco Chicken Bake
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly cooked chicken and bacon elevate the flavor of the dish.
- Roll the Dough Evenly: Ensure the dough is rolled out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Seal the Edges Well: Prevent leaks by pressing the edges of the dough firmly together.
- Brush with Olive Oil: This step ensures a crispy, golden-brown crust.
- Experiment with Fillings: Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a new twist.
FAQs About Copycat Costco Chicken Bake
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds a smoky, rich flavor to the filling.
2. Can I freeze the chicken bake?
Absolutely. Assemble the chicken bake but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. What other cheeses can I use?
You can substitute mozzarella and Parmesan with Monterey Jack, provolone, or a Mexican blend.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and spinach, and omit the bacon. Add extra cheese for a hearty vegetarian version.
6. Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Definitely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully and allows you to control the thickness and flavor of the crust.
Conclusion
With its cheesy filling, crispy crust, and savory bacon, the Copycat Costco Chicken Bake is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry family, meal prepping, or enjoying as a quick and satisfying snack.
So, roll out that pizza dough, grab your favorite ingredients, and whip up this delicious chicken bake today. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Copycat Costco Chicken Bake: The Ultimate Homemade Version
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Recreate the magic of Costco’s famous Chicken Bake at home with this easy and delicious recipe. Filled with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing, all wrapped in golden pizza dough, this is the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Seasonings and Extras
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon:
Cook the chicken by grilling, baking, or sautéing until fully cooked. Shred the chicken using two forks. In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it into small pieces. - Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined. - Assemble the Chicken Bake:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12×8-inch rectangle. Spread the chicken and bacon mixture evenly down the center of the dough, leaving a border around the edges. - Fold and Seal the Dough:
Carefully fold the sides of the dough over the filling and fold the ends to seal the dough into a rectangle or log shape. Ensure all edges are sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during baking. - Bake to Perfection:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the chicken bake seam-side down on it. Brush the top of the dough with olive oil for a golden, crispy finish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly. - Cool and Serve:
Let the chicken bake cool for a few minutes before slicing it into portions. Serve as a main dish or pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, particularly freshly cooked chicken and bacon.
- Roll the dough evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Seal the dough well to prevent any leaks during baking.
- If you like, experiment with different fillings like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American