If you’ve ever found yourself wandering through Costco’s food court, you’ve probably noticed the delicious aroma of their famous Chicken Bake. This hearty, cheesy, and crispy treat has gained cult-favorite status, and for good reason! Filled with tender chicken, smoky bacon, gooey cheese, and Caesar dressing, all wrapped in a perfectly crispy dough, it’s the ultimate comfort food. The good news is, you don’t have to make a trip to Costco to enjoy this tasty meal—you can now recreate it at home! Follow this Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Recipe to get all those familiar flavors without leaving your kitchen.

What Is a Chicken Bake?

A Costco Chicken Bake is a handheld meal that combines shredded chicken, bacon, mozzarella cheese, Caesar dressing, and green onions, all wrapped up in pizza dough and baked to golden perfection. It's a great option for lunch or dinner and can even be made ahead of time for easy meal prep. This chicken bake is similar to a stuffed pizza but in a more portable and compact form. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a filling and satisfying meal.

Ingredients List for Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

To replicate the flavors of the Costco Chicken Bake at home, you’ll need the following key ingredients:

For the Filling:

Cooked Chicken Breast (2 cups, shredded) – This forms the base of the filling. Use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook your own chicken breasts.
Bacon (6 strips, cooked and crumbled) – Adds a smoky, savory bite that complements the chicken.
Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, shredded) – The go-to cheese for its melty, gooey texture.
Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated) – Adds a salty, nutty flavor that balances the mozzarella.
Green Onions (2 stalks, chopped) – For a bit of freshness and mild onion flavor.
Caesar Dressing (½ cup) – This is what gives the bake its signature tangy flavor. Use your favorite brand or make your own.

For the Dough:

Pizza Dough (1 lb) – Store-bought or homemade, either works great. Make sure it's enough to make 4 individual chicken bakes.
Olive Oil (for brushing) – Helps give the dough a crispy, golden exterior.

For the Topping:

Mozzarella Cheese (additional, for topping) – A little extra cheese on top before baking makes these irresistible.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (for garnish) – Adds a touch of savory crispiness.

Substitutions and Variations

Chicken: While chicken breast is commonly used, you can substitute it with chicken thighs for a juicier filling. You could also use leftover turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Bacon: If you're looking for a lighter option, swap the bacon with turkey bacon or skip it altogether. You could also add diced ham or pancetta for a different flavor twist.
Cheese: If you prefer, you can use other types of cheese like provolone, cheddar, or even Monterey Jack.
Dough: Pizza dough is the standard, but you can also use crescent roll dough, puff pastry, or even flatbread dough for a different texture.
Dressing: Caesar dressing is a key flavor, but you can also try ranch dressing, Alfredo sauce, or a garlic aioli for a unique twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let's dive into the process of making this Costco-inspired Chicken Bake at home. Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect results:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Cook the Chicken: If you’re not using pre-cooked chicken, cook 2 large chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper, and either bake, grill, or sauté them until fully cooked (about 165°F internal temperature). Let them cool slightly and shred them into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Bacon: Cook 6 strips of bacon until crispy. You can do this in a skillet or bake them in the oven. Once cooked, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and green onions.
Add Caesar dressing to the mixture and stir until everything is well coated and evenly distributed.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough. You want the dough to be thin but not too thin that it tears when filled.
Roll the dough into approximately 4 equal rectangles, each about 10x6 inches. These will be the wraps for each chicken bake.

Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Bakes

Place about ½ cup of the chicken filling onto the center of each piece of dough.
Carefully fold the sides of the dough over the filling, then fold the ends over to seal it all up. Make sure the seams are pinched together tightly to prevent any leakage.
Place each assembled chicken bake seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.

Step 5: Brush with Olive Oil and Add Toppings

Brush each chicken bake with olive oil to help achieve that golden brown crust.
Sprinkle a little extra mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese on top of each bake for extra cheesiness and flavor.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken Bakes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the chicken bakes in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through, and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
Remove from the oven and allow the chicken bakes to cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Cook a Chicken Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Recap of the cooking process:

Cook the chicken and bacon: Cook the chicken to perfection and crisp up the bacon.
Mix the filling: Combine chicken, bacon, cheese, Caesar dressing, and green onions.
Assemble the bakes: Roll out pizza dough, fill with the chicken mixture, and seal tightly.
Brush with olive oil and bake: Top with cheese, brush with oil, and bake until golden and crispy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the Dough: It can be tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, but be careful not to overstuff the dough or it could tear and leak during baking.
Not Sealing the Dough Properly: Make sure to pinch the seams tightly to avoid the filling spilling out while baking.
Baking at Too Low a Temperature: For a crispy exterior and fully cooked interior, bake the chicken bakes at a high temperature (around 400°F).

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve a Chicken Bake

Serve these Chicken Bakes with a side of Caesar salad to mirror the flavors of the dressing inside.
French fries or potato wedges make great side dishes, too, offering a crunchy contrast to the soft and cheesy interior of the bake.
A dipping sauce, such as extra Caesar dressing, ranch, or a garlic aioli, adds a nice touch for extra flavor.

Presentation Ideas for a Chicken Bake

Cut each chicken bake in half diagonally to reveal the gooey filling inside.
Serve on a wooden board with a small ramekin of dipping sauce for a fun, casual presentation.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil to add a pop of color.

Chicken Bake Recipe Tips

Use cold ingredients: If your filling is too warm, it may make the dough harder to work with and more prone to tearing.
Freeze for later: You can make these ahead of time, freeze them, and bake them whenever you're ready. Just freeze them unbaked, and when ready to cook, bake from frozen at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.
Customize the filling: Feel free to add your favorite fillings like sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make the Chicken Bake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the chicken bakes ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, bake them as directed.

Q: Can I freeze Costco Chicken Bakes?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the chicken bakes, then freeze them before baking. When ready to eat, bake them from frozen at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, until heated through and golden brown.

Q: What kind of Caesar dressing should I use?
A: You can use store-bought Caesar dressing, but for an extra special touch, you could make your own homemade Caesar dressing.

Conclusion

The Copycat Costco Chicken Bake is a delicious, hearty meal that’s easy to make at home with simple ingredients. Whether you're craving the cheesy goodness of this Costco favorite or just looking for a new family dinner idea, this recipe is sure to satisfy. With its crispy exterior and savory filling, you’ll feel like you’re enjoying a meal straight from the Costco food court. Be sure to try out different variations to make it your own, and don't forget to share this recipe with friends and family!