Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Recipe

Craving Costco’s famous chicken bake but don’t want to make a trip to the store? You’re in luck! In this detailed guide, we’ll teach you how to replicate the delicious, cheesy, and savory Costco Chicken Bake right in your own kitchen. It’s a simple recipe that combines tender chicken, bacon, creamy dressing, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in a golden, crispy dough. Keep reading for a step-by-step breakdown, tips for perfection, and plenty of ways to make this recipe your own. Let’s get started!

What Is a “Costco Chicken Bake”?

The Costco Chicken Bake is one of the wholesale giant’s most iconic food court offerings. This handheld delight is essentially a savory stuffed bread roll packed with diced chicken, crispy bacon, Caesar dressing, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan. The chicken bake is sealed and baked to golden perfection, resulting in a warm, cheesy, and hearty meal. It’s portable, filling, and downright irresistible—making it a favorite for many Costco shoppers. But now, you can recreate this classic right in your own kitchen, ensuring it’s fresh, hot, and ready when the craving hits.

Ingredients List for Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

Here’s a rundown of the ingredients you’ll need to replicate the Costco Chicken Bake:

• Pizza dough – Store-bought or homemade, this serves as the wrap for the fillings.
• Cooked chicken breast – Diced into small cubes.
• Crispy bacon – Cooked and crumbled.
• Mozzarella cheese – Shredded, for that signature cheesy pull.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor to complement the mozzarella.
• Caesar dressing – Creamy and tangy, it binds everything together.
• Olive oil – For brushing on top before baking to ensure a golden finish.

Ingredients Breakdown:

• Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough or make your own if you're feeling adventurous. Homemade dough gives you more control over the texture, but pre-made dough is quicker.
• Cooked Chicken: Leftover chicken works great, or you can season and bake a fresh chicken breast. Diced into small, bite-sized pieces, this gives the bake its signature filling.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon crumbles add a smoky, salty layer that balances perfectly with the creamy dressing.
• Mozzarella Cheese: The primary cheese used in this bake. It's mild but gooey when melted.
• Parmesan Cheese: A more flavorful cheese that complements the mild mozzarella. It adds a sharpness that elevates the overall taste.
• Caesar Dressing: The secret ingredient! This is what gives the chicken bake its creamy, tangy flavor. You can use store-bought or make your own dressing.
• Olive Oil: A light brush of olive oil before baking ensures the dough turns a lovely golden brown with a slight crunch.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about the Copycat Costco Chicken Bake is that it’s versatile. Here are a few ingredient swaps and variations to suit your taste or dietary needs:

• Pizza Dough Substitutes: If you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free pizza dough or even crescent roll dough. Both options will still yield a delicious bake, though the texture may differ slightly.
• Chicken Variations: While cooked chicken breast is the classic choice, you can use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even shredded leftover turkey for a unique twist.
• Dressing Substitutes: Don’t have Caesar dressing? Try ranch, garlic aioli, or even pesto for a flavor switch-up.
• Cheese Swaps: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Provolone, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack would bring a new dimension to the dish.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken and bacon with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Add extra cheese or a meat substitute for a hearty vegetarian option.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook the Copycat Costco Chicken Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that your dough will bake evenly and become golden and crisp.
2. Prepare the pizza dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface. Aim for about ¼ inch thickness to get that ideal chewy yet crispy texture.
3. Layer the fillings: Spread a thin layer of Caesar dressing over the surface of the dough. Then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese across the dough, leaving about an inch of space along the edges. Add the diced chicken and crumbled bacon evenly over the cheese.
4. Roll it up: Carefully roll the dough up, starting from one of the longer sides, into a tight cylinder. Pinch the seams and edges to seal everything inside.
5. Top and bake: Place the roll on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top of the roll with olive oil, and sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Make a couple of small slits on the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
6. Bake: Pop the chicken bake into the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the inside is hot and melty.
7. Cool and serve: Allow the chicken bake to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. Slice into portions and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is relatively simple, there are a few common mistakes to avoid for the best results:

• Overstuffing the dough: It’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, but overstuffing can cause the dough to tear and the filling to leak out.
• Not sealing the edges properly: Make sure to pinch the seams and ends of the dough tightly to avoid leakage during baking.
• Skipping the steam slits: These small slits on the top of the bake prevent the filling from becoming too moist and soggy by allowing steam to escape.
• Undercooking: Make sure your dough is fully baked through and golden brown to avoid a chewy or doughy texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is just as important as taste when it comes to serving your homemade Copycat Costco Chicken Bake. Here's how you can serve and present it for maximum enjoyment:

How to Serve Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

• Whole or sliced: Serve the chicken bake whole for a handheld meal or slice it into smaller portions for a shareable appetizer or snack.
• With dipping sauces: Serve your chicken bake alongside dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or extra Caesar dressing for added flavor.
• Side dish options: Pair with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a bowl of soup to turn this into a complete meal.

Presentation Ideas for Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

• Garnish with herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve on a wooden board: Present the bake on a wooden cutting board for a rustic look. Add a side of dipping sauces in small ramekins for an extra touch of class.
• Slice diagonally: If serving as an appetizer or snack, slice the bake diagonally for an elegant presentation. The layers of cheese, chicken, and bacon will be visible, making the dish even more enticing.

Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your chicken bake turns out perfectly every time:

• Chill your dough: If your dough feels sticky or too elastic, let it chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out.
• Precook your ingredients: Make sure your chicken and bacon are fully cooked before adding them to the bake. This ensures everything is properly cooked through.
• Customize the filling: Feel free to add more of your favorite ingredients like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for a personal twist.
• Double the recipe: If you're feeding a crowd or meal-prepping, simply double the ingredients and bake multiple chicken bakes at once.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes! You can prepare the chicken bakes ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze unbaked chicken bakes for up to a month. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from frozen.

Q: Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe and saves time. Just make sure to let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Q: How long do leftovers last?
A: Leftover chicken bakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven or use a toaster oven to maintain their crispiness.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply substitute the regular pizza dough with a gluten-free pizza dough to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

Now that you have the perfect Copycat Costco Chicken Bake recipe, there’s no need to wait for your next Costco trip to enjoy this delicious dish. Whether you’re making it as a meal for the family or prepping them ahead for easy lunches, this homemade version is just as tasty as the original. Experiment with different fillings, customize it to your liking, and impress everyone with your cooking skills. Happy baking!

Print