Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Recipe

Homemade Magic: Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Recipe

Costco legendary chicken bake has captured taste buds across countless lunch counters.

Foodies everywhere dream about recreating this iconic handheld meal at home.

My passionate culinary adventures led me to decode its delicious secrets.

Crispy golden dough wrapped around tender chicken promises pure comfort.

Savory cheese and creamy caesar dressing mingle inside each delectable bite.

Salt-kissed exterior gives way to a molten interior that feels indulgent.

We can now enjoy this restaurant-style treat without leaving our kitchen.

Join me in mastering this copycat recipe that will become your new weekend favorite.

Why the Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Really Delivers

  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this delicious dish in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with cheesy goodness, crispy bacon, and tender chicken, this recipe delivers restaurant-style taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Versatile Dining Delight: Enjoy as a hearty main course, pack for lunch, or serve at potlucks and game-day gatherings where everyone wants a delicious, filling option.

Costco Chicken Bake Copycat Ingredients

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender protein base of the dish, best when freshly cooked and shredded.
  • Bacon: Adds rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to the filling.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy melting cheese that creates gooey texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Caesar Dressing: Creamy sauce that binds ingredients and adds tangy taste.
Dough and Baking Ingredients:
  • Pizza Dough: Provides structure and golden crispy exterior, can use store-bought or homemade.
  • Olive Oil: Helps achieve golden brown surface and adds subtle richness.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Essential flavor enhancers that provide depth and complexity to the filling.
Preparation Extras:
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps easy removal from baking sheet.
  • Flour: Used for light dusting to prevent dough from sticking during rolling.

Costco Chicken Bake Copycat Guide

Step 1: Prepare Chicken and Bacon

Grill, bake, or sauté chicken breasts until they’re fully cooked through.

Shred the chicken using two forks into tender pieces.

Cook bacon in a skillet until it reaches a perfect crispy texture, then crumble it into small, delectable bits.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Caesar dressing

Sprinkle in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Mix everything thoroughly so each bite will be bursting with incredible flavors.

Step 3: Shape the Chicken Masterpiece

Warm up your oven to 375°F.

Dust your work surface with flour and roll out pizza dough into a rectangular shape.

Spread the chicken and bacon mixture across the center, leaving a small border around the edges.

Carefully fold the sides of the dough over the filling, then tuck and seal the ends to create a beautiful log shape.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the chicken bake to a parchment-lined baking sheet, placing it seam-side down.

Brush the top with olive oil to achieve a gorgeous golden crust.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the dough turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese inside becomes wonderfully melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the chicken bake to cool for a few minutes.

Slice and serve as a mouthwatering main dish or pair with a fresh side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Chicken Bake Copycat Tips from Costco

  • Brush olive oil generously on the surface to achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and extra crunch that mimics the Costco version.
  • Mix different cheeses like sharp cheddar or provolone with mozzarella for a more complex and rich flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
  • Use a preheated baking stone or heavy baking sheet to ensure the bottom of the chicken bake becomes crispy and doesn't get soggy during baking.
  • Pat chicken and bacon dry before mixing to avoid excess liquid that could make the filling too watery and compromise the texture.
  • Substitute chicken with rotisserie meat or turkey for a quick alternative that maintains the recipe's delicious essence while offering flexibility.

Chicken Bake Leftovers That Stay Savory

  • Store leftover chicken bake in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen chicken bake can last up to 2 months without losing quality.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken bake on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.
  • Cut chicken bake into smaller pieces, place on a microwave-safe plate, and heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid drying out the filling.

What Tastes Good With Chicken Bake

  • Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a light, unoaked Chardonnay with bright citrus notes that cuts through the rich, creamy chicken and bacon filling, refreshing your palate with each bite.
  • Complement with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery, tangy counterpoint to the savory, cheesy chicken bake, balancing the heavy flavors.
  • Match with Robust Red Ale: Choose a malty, slightly bitter red ale that stands up to the strong bacon and cheese flavors, creating a hearty and satisfying meal experience.
  • Serve with Roasted Garlic Bread: Prepare a side of crispy, buttery garlic bread to soak up any extra Caesar dressing and provide a crunchy texture contrast to the soft chicken bake.

Costco Chicken Bake – Fun Flavor Changes

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Wrap Version: Replace pizza dough with large cauliflower tortillas or lettuce wraps for a carb-conscious alternative that maintains the delicious filling and protein-packed profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Utilize gluten-free pizza dough or almond flour-based dough to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising the classic chicken bake taste and texture.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with plant-based alternatives like seasoned tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas to transform the recipe into a meatless meal while keeping the cheesy, savory essence.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap Caesar dressing for chipotle mayo, and incorporate pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired variation with a kick of heat.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe similar to the original Costco Chicken Bake?

Yes, this homemade version closely mimics the popular Costco recipe, using similar ingredients like Caesar dressing, chicken, bacon, and cheese wrapped in pizza dough.

  • Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken work perfectly and can save you preparation time.

  • What type of pizza dough works best?

Store-bought pizza dough is ideal. You can use fresh dough from the refrigerated section or a pre-made pizza dough that’s easy to roll out and shape.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use whole wheat pizza dough, reduce cheese quantities, choose low-fat Caesar dressing, and add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to increase nutritional value.

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Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Recipe

Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Recipe


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4.5 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Costco chicken bake brings restaurant-style comfort straight to home kitchens with crispy golden crust and savory filling. Packed with tender chicken, melted cheese, and signature bacon bits, this copycat recipe delivers all the classic flavors you crave.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Cheeses and Dressing:

  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) Caesar dressing

Dough and Seasonings:

  • 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Craft a robust foundation by transforming chicken breasts into tender, shredded morsels through grilling, baking, or sautéing until perfectly cooked. Render bacon into crispy fragments within a skillet, then meticulously fragment into diminutive pieces.
  2. Orchestrate a flavor symphony by amalgamating shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses within a spacious mixing vessel. Infuse the mixture with Caesar dressing and a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Integrate ingredients thoroughly until uniformly combined.
  3. Unleash culinary potential by expanding pizza dough across a flour-dusted surface into a rectangular canvas approximately 12×8 inches. Distribute the savory chicken and bacon compilation centrally, preserving a modest perimeter around the edges.
  4. Architect the bundle by gracefully folding dough sides over the filling, then elegantly sealing terminal ends to form a compact rectangular configuration. Position the creation seam-side downward on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Enhance visual appeal by delicately brushing the exterior with olive oil, promising a golden, crisp exterior. Activate oven at 375°F and transform the creation through 20-25 minutes of radiant heat, achieving a burnished surface and molten cheese interior.
  6. Conclude the culinary journey by allowing momentary cooling before slicing. Present as a standalone delicacy or accompany with a verdant salad for a complete gastronomic experience.

Notes

  • Achieve golden perfection by brushing olive oil generously on the dough surface, creating a crispy, appetizing exterior.
  • Customize protein options by substituting chicken with turkey, pulled pork, or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary needs.
  • Control moisture levels by draining excess liquid from chicken and bacon to prevent soggy dough and maintain structural integrity.
  • Enhance flavor depth by experimenting with different cheese combinations like smoked gouda or sharp cheddar for unique taste profiles.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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