Few food court items inspire the kind of devoted following that Costco’s Chicken Bake has cultivated over the years. This hearty handheld meal represents the perfect fusion of comfort food elements: tender chicken, crispy, smoky bacon, a trio of melted cheeses, and creamy Caesar dressing, all wrapped in golden pizza dough brushed with more Caesar goodness. It’s a calzone that decided to get serious about flavor, creating a satisfying meal and indulgent snack. Don’t miss out on the genius of Costco’s food court, satisfy your craving with our homemade version.
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Why This Recipe Works
The genius of the Costco Chicken Bake lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Using pizza dough as the wrapper creates a substantial yet tender casing that holds up to the generous filling without becoming soggy. The Caesar dressing isn’t just a flavor component, it acts as a moisture barrier and helps create that distinctive golden brown exterior.
The key to success is proper assembly technique. Rolling the dough tightly prevents filling from leaking during baking, while the Caesar dressing brushed on top ensures the signature flavor and appearance that makes these so recognizable and delicious.
Why you should try this recipe
Who’s gonna say no to a Chicken Bake from Costco? While you can get them at the store for a fair price, driving all the way to the warehouse isn’t something you always want to do, and besides, there’s that whole membership thing. Skip the hassle and try this easy copycat Chicken Bake Costco recipe at home. Besides being more convenient, making them yourself allows you to use better ingredients for a healthier version.
Costco Chicken Bake ingredients
For this Chicken Bake Costco recipe, you’ll need:
- Boneless chicken breasts – Provides lean, tender protein that shreds beautifully (cooked and diced)
- Bacon – Adds smoky, salty crunch and rich flavor throughout (cooked and chopped)
- Store-bought Pizza dough – Forms the golden, chewy wrapper that holds everything together
- Caesar dressing – Creates signature flavor and helps achieve the golden exterior
- Mozzarella and provolone cheese blend – Provides creamy, stretchy melted cheese layers
- Parmesan cheese – Adds sharp, nutty flavor and contributes to the golden top
Ingredient notes
Baking the bacon in the oven is easy and lets a lot of the grease drip away.
You can purchase refrigerated dough or make your own with this simple pizza dough recipe.
You can use rotisserie chicken instead of the cooked chicken breasts.
Homemade Caesar dressing gives these Chicken Bakes extra zip, but you can use your favorite brand as well.
How to make Chicken Bakes
To prepare the Chicken Bake Costco recipe at home:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the pizza dough on the counter to come to room temperature.
- Dice the cooked chicken into medium pieces and reserve.
- Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces and save for later.
- Cut the pizza dough into four equal portions. Place three under plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
- Roll one portion of the pizza dough into about a 10 X 6-inch rectangle.
- With the longer end closest to you, brush two tablespoons of Caesar dressing on the dough, leaving a half-inch dressing-free border.
- Spread a quarter of the chicken on the bottom third of the dough with the dressing.
- Top the chicken with a quarter-cup of the shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese blend over the dough with the dressing.
- Sprinkle a quarter of the cooked chopped bacon over the filling.
- Bring the long edge closest to you over the filling and roll tightly to the top. Pinch the seams closed.
- Place the assembled Chicken Bake on the prepared baking sheet with the seam on the long side down.
- Brush the top with Caesar dressing and sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top.
- Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the baking tray from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool for five minutes before serving.
What to serve it with
Chicken Bakes are quick and delicious handheld meals on the go, but if you are sitting down to enjoy them, why not add a side or two? In addition to potato chips or fries, why not try these other pairings?
- Quinoa Salad. Light and tangy, Quinoa Salad is not just tasty; it’s packed with protein. Check out this colorful and delicious copycat recipe for Costco Quinoa Salad.
- Coleslaw. Old-fashioned coleslaw is rich and creamy, but for a change of pace that has more zip and a bit of a crunch, whip up some Asian Slaw.
- Air Fryer Broccoli. Don’t stick up your nose at this super simple and healthy side. A few minutes in the air fryer transforms broccoli into crispy bites that you can season in so many ways.
How to store Chicken Bakes
To reduce condensation and help prevent Chicken Bakes from getting soggy, allow the leftovers to cool to room temperature before storing. If you want to keep them in the fridge, it’s OK to store them all together in an airtight container.
However, it is best to wrap each Chicken Bake in a layer of plastic and then a layer of aluminum foil individually for freezing.
What is the best way to reheat Costco Chicken Bakes?
Chicken Bakes warm well in a 350°F preheated oven. Place them on a baking tray and heat for 10 to 15 minutes, remembering to flip halfway through. If you are reheating from frozen, try wrapping each Chicken Bite in aluminum foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove the aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of cooking time for a crispier crust.
Do not reheat in the microwave.
How long do they last?
You can store Chicken Bakes in the fridge for up to three days. In the freezer, they will last for one or two months if wrapped well.
Costco Chicken Bake Recipe – Easy Copycat Version
Ingredients
- 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing divided
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast diced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese blend
- 4 slices cooked bacon chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal pieces, about 4 ounces each. Working with one piece at a time, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 10×6 inches. Position the dough with the long edge closest to you.
- Brush the dough with 2 teaspoons of Caesar dressing, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Add 1/2 cup of chicken in a long line along the bottom half of the dough. Top the chicken with 1/4 cup of shredded cheese and a quarter of the bacon.
- Starting with the long edge closest to you, roll the dough jelly-roll style into a tight log. Pinch the seams shut on each edge.
- Place the rolls seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top of each roll with 1 teaspoon Caesar dressing and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese.
- Bake until the dough is cooked through and golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before serving.
Video
Nutrition
Favorite chicken recipes
- Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan
- Chicken Caesar Salad
- Chicken Fried Chicken
- Chili’s Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Chinese Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Chicken Limone
- Fiesta Lime Chicken
- Grilled Chicken Margherita
- Olive Garden Chicken Parmesan
More recipes with pizza dough
Check out more of my easy recipes for chicken and the best DIY recipes on CopyKat!
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