Ah, the famous Costco Chicken Bake—that crispy, cheesy, chicken-filled goodness that you can’t resist. It’s a beloved treat that’s become a food court staple. But what if I told you that you can make it right at home, without the long lines and the food court hustle? Trust me, this copycat recipe is about to become your new favorite way to enjoy this cheesy, hearty, and oh-so-delicious dish. It’s simple, satisfying, and honestly, a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Costco Chicken Bake
Homemade Comfort Food
Let’s face it, there’s something about a warm, cheesy bake wrapped in a golden crust that just hits the spot every time. This homemade version brings the same comfort, with a few extra touches that make it even better. It’s perfect for a lunch, dinner, or a snack that feels indulgent but isn’t too complicated.
Customizable Ingredients
While the Costco version has its magic, this recipe lets you tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes. Want more cheese? Go ahead! Feel like adding a little extra chicken? You’ve got it. It’s your creation, and you can make it just the way you like it.
Quick and Easy to Make
You don’t have to be a professional chef to whip up these chicken bakes. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious, homemade chicken bake ready in no time. Plus, it’s all done in one baking pan, so cleanup is a breeze.
Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved
Kids and adults alike will love these tasty chicken bakes. Whether you’re looking for a meal the whole family will enjoy or something to serve up at a gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Chicken Breast
The star of the show! Tender, juicy chicken breast is the perfect filling. You’ll want to cook and shred it to create that comforting, bite-sized filling that’s the heart of this dish.
Bacon
What’s better than chicken? Chicken and bacon together! The crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
Mozzarella Cheese
A must for that melty, cheesy goodness that pulls everything together. Mozzarella adds that stretchy, gooey texture we all crave in a chicken bake.
Caesar Dressing
This is the secret ingredient that takes your chicken bake to the next level. It’s creamy, tangy, and adds a pop of flavor that makes every bite irresistible.
Pizza Dough
The base of your chicken bake is pizza dough, which becomes perfectly golden and crispy when baked. It’s easy to roll out, and it holds everything together in the best way possible.
Parmesan Cheese
A sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty finish and enhances the cheesy factor. You’ll want to add this to the top of your bake before it goes into the oven.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~540 kcal
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by cooking the chicken breast. You can either bake it, sauté it, or cook it in the instant pot. Once it’s cooked, shred it into bite-sized pieces. You can even use leftover chicken to save time!
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While the chicken is cooking, fry the bacon until it’s crispy. Once it’s done, chop it into small pieces and set aside. This crispy bacon will bring an amazing crunch and flavor to your chicken bake.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, mozzarella cheese, and Caesar dressing. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. The Caesar dressing should give everything a creamy, tangy base that binds all the ingredients together.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a large rectangle. You want it big enough to fold over the filling, so make sure you have enough space.
Step 5: Assemble the Chicken Bake
Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of the dough. Fold the dough over the filling to create a closed pocket, then press the edges to seal everything inside. You can shape it into a rectangular or oval shape, depending on your preference.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the filled dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top with a little olive oil for a golden finish, then sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until the dough is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let your copycat Costco chicken bake cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. Serve it up with a side of fresh salad or some crispy fries, and enjoy the comfort of a classic, homemade favorite.
How to Serve Copycat Costco Chicken Bake
With a Side Salad
A fresh, crisp salad with a simple vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the rich, cheesy chicken bake. The lightness of the salad balances out the hearty meal.
Crispy Fries or Sweet Potato Fries
Fries are always a great pairing with a savory dish like this. Go for classic crispy fries or try sweet potato fries for a fun twist.
Roasted Vegetables
A side of roasted vegetables—think carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers—adds color and nutrients to the meal, while still keeping it comforting and satisfying.
Additional Tips
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the chicken bake ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat!
- Freeze for Later: You can also freeze the assembled chicken bake before cooking. When you’re ready, bake it directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes into the filling for a little extra flavor and texture.
- Use Pre-cooked Chicken: To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breasts instead of cooking fresh chicken.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of dressing?
A1: If you’re not a fan of Caesar dressing, you can swap it for ranch, blue cheese, or even a tangy vinaigrette.
Q2: Can I make this chicken bake vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and bacon and fill the dough with a mixture of sautéed vegetables, cheese, and a creamy sauce of your choice.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover chicken bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Q4: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A4: Yes! You can use gluten-free pizza dough to make this chicken bake gluten-free. Just make sure to check the dough for quality and texture.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Definitely! If you’re feeding a larger crowd, feel free to double the recipe. You may need to bake it a little longer, so keep an eye on the golden crust.
Conclusion
Making this copycat Costco chicken bake at home is a surefire way to bring the comfort of the food court to your own kitchen. With crispy dough, gooey cheese, and a rich, flavorful filling, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. Once you try this homemade version, you might just skip the food court forever! Enjoy!
PrintCopycat Costco Chicken Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Craving the iconic Costco Chicken Bake? Now you can recreate this fan-favorite at home! Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy Caesar dressing, and melted cheese wrapped in pizza dough—this recipe is a deliciously easy copycat that’s perfect for lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped (about 4–5 slices)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, enough for 2–3 medium-sized pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. Stir everything together until well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to form a rectangle (about 12×8 inches). You want the dough to be thin enough to roll but thick enough to hold the filling.
- Assemble the Chicken Bakes:
- Spoon the chicken and bacon filling evenly down the center of the rolled-out dough. Be sure not to overfill, as it might spill out when baking.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to create a sealed pocket, similar to a calzone. Pinch the edges of the dough to ensure the filling is completely enclosed.
- Place the chicken bakes seam-side down on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Brush the tops of the chicken bakes with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and black pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy, and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Once the chicken bakes are done, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve with extra Caesar dressing for dipping, if you like.
Notes
- For a healthier twist, you can use whole wheat pizza dough or reduce the amount of cheese and bacon.
- You can substitute the Caesar dressing with ranch dressing or a different creamy dressing if preferred.
- Freezing tip: If you want to make these ahead of time, freeze the unbaked chicken bakes. Simply wrap them in plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the dish (1 chicken bake)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 860
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg