Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Recipe

The Irresistible Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Recipe at Home

Nothing beats a warm, cheesy chicken bake that reminds you of wandering through costco’s bustling aisles with a growling stomach.

Familiar flavors dance across your palate, promising comfort and satisfaction.

My kitchen has become a playground for recreating this iconic handheld meal.

Crispy edges and melted cheese create a nostalgic experience that connects you to childhood memories.

Soft dough wrapped around savory fillings speaks to the heart of home cooking.

Each bite promises a delicious journey into comfort food territory.

Let’s unlock the secrets of crafting this beloved classic right in your own kitchen.

Why Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Is Always a Hit

  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Reimagine your favorite Costco classic right in your kitchen with this hearty, cheesy chicken bake that satisfies serious cravings.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Craft multiple servings in one go, perfect for lunches, quick dinners, or feeding a hungry group without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Customizable Culinary Adventure: Swap ingredients, adjust seasonings, and make this recipe uniquely yours while maintaining the delicious core flavor profile.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Create restaurant-quality chicken bakes at a fraction of the cost, using simple ingredients and minimal cooking techniques that anyone can master.

Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:

Dough and Bread:
  • Pizza Dough: Soft and stretchy base for the chicken bake.
Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Juicy and tender meat as the main filling.
  • Bacon: Crispy and salty pork pieces for extra flavor.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and tangy Italian cheese.
  • Italian Shredded Cheese: Mild and melty cheese blend.
  • Caesar Dressing: Creamy and zesty sauce.
Seasoning and Aromatics:
  • Salt: Basic seasoning for enhancing flavors.
  • Black Pepper: Warm and slightly spicy ground spice.
  • Garlic Powder: Concentrated garlic flavor.
  • Green Onions: Fresh and mild onion-like herb.
Binding and Preparation:
  • Olive Oil: Smooth cooking oil for sautéing.
  • Flour: Used for rolling out dough.
  • Beaten Egg: Used for egg wash to create golden brown crust.
  • Water: Used for cooking chicken in the skillet.

How to Make Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

Step 1: Create Perfect Pizza Dough

Remove pizza dough from refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for one hour to become soft and pliable.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Line baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Arrange bacon strips in single layer.

Bake until crispy and golden brown, approximately 15 minutes.

Transfer to paper towels, allow to cool, then crumble into small pieces.

Step 3: Prepare Juicy Chicken

Ingredients for seasoning:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder

Heat ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.

Add olive oil.

Season chicken breasts and cook seasoned side down until golden, about 5 minutes.

Flip and cook additional minute.

Pour water into skillet bottom.

Transfer to oven and bake until internal temperature reaches 165°F, roughly 17-20 minutes.

Cool and chop into bite-sized chunks.

Step 4: Craft Delicious Chicken Bake Shells

Increase oven temperature to 400°F.

Dust work surface with flour.

Divide dough into three equal portions.

Roll each into 12-13 inch circles.

Step 5: Layer Flavorful Ingredients

Spread Caesar dressing across dough circles, leaving 1-inch border.

Sprinkle with:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped chicken
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Sliced green onions
  • Shredded Italian cheese

Step 6: Shape Chicken Bake Logs

Fold outer dough edges slightly over filling.

Roll from bottom to top, forming log shape.

Pinch edges to seal.

Place seam side down on parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush tops with beaten egg.

Sprinkle additional cheese.

Bake until golden brown, approximately 20 minutes.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Allow chicken bakes to cool briefly.

Slice and serve with side salad or preferred dipping sauce.

Tips for a Flawless Costco Chicken Bake

  • Allow pizza dough to sit at room temperature for one hour to ensure better elasticity and easier rolling, preventing tough or resistant dough.
  • Bake bacon on aluminum foil for even cooking and easier cleanup, ensuring perfectly crisp texture without excessive grease.
  • Use an ovenproof skillet for uniform browning and seamless transition from stovetop to oven, locking in maximum flavor and moisture.
  • Pinch dough edges carefully when forming logs to prevent filling from leaking during baking, maintaining a neat and professional appearance.
  • Brush beaten egg on top before baking to achieve a beautifully golden, glossy exterior that adds visual appeal and extra richness.

Save and Reheat Costco Chicken Bake the Right Way

  • Store leftover chicken bakes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each bake individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
  • Carefully place cooled chicken bakes in freezer-safe bags or containers. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Unwrap frozen or refrigerated chicken bakes and place on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy exterior returns.
  • For quick reheating, place chicken bake on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent overcooking. Add a small splash of water to keep the dough moist.

What to Serve with Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

Perfect Pairings for Costco Chicken Bake:
  • Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light mixed greens salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy chicken bake and add refreshing crunch.
  • Cool Ranch Dipping Sauce: Whip up a zesty ranch dressing with fresh herbs to complement the savory bacon and chicken flavors, providing a creamy contrast.
  • Chilled White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the cheese and provide a bright, acidic counterpoint.
  • Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare quick roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and Brussels sprouts to add nutritious variety and color to the meal.

Variants for Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

  • Vegetarian Chicken Bake: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternative, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking method for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pizza dough with gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower crust, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pizza dough with large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortilla wraps, filling with chicken, bacon, and cheese for a lighter, keto-friendly alternative.
  • Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and incorporate a chipotle Caesar dressing to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired chicken bake with extra kick.

FAQs

  • How difficult is this recipe to make?

This copycat Costco Chicken Bake requires intermediate cooking skills. You’ll need to handle multiple steps like preparing dough, cooking chicken and bacon, and assembling the bakes, but the process is straightforward with clear instructions.

  • What equipment do I need to make this recipe?

You’ll need a large ovenproof skillet, baking sheets, parchment paper, rolling pin, mixing bowls, and basic kitchen tools like a knife and measuring cups. A stand mixer can help with pizza dough, but it’s not mandatory.

  • Can I prep ingredients ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and bacon in advance and refrigerate them for 1-2 days. The pizza dough can also be prepared earlier and stored in the refrigerator, which helps develop better flavor and makes assembly easier.

  • Is this recipe budget-friendly?

While it uses several ingredients like chicken, bacon, and cheeses, the recipe yields multiple servings. The cost per chicken bake is relatively reasonable compared to purchasing from Costco, and most ingredients are common pantry staples.

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Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Recipe

Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Recipe


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4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 13 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Costco chicken bake elevates comfort food with crispy golden crust and savory chicken filling. Cheese, bacon, and creamy sauce combine in this legendary restaurant-style treat you’ll devour with pure satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Cheese and Binding:

  • 1 cup shredded Italian cheeses (such as mozzarella and provolone)
  • 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten

Dough and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 pound prepared pizza dough
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup creamy Caesar dressing
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 cup water, or more as needed
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Allow the pizza dough to relax and reach room temperature for approximately one hour, ensuring optimal elasticity and workability.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange bacon strips on a foil-lined baking sheet in a single layer, creating an even cooking surface.
  3. Bake bacon until it transforms into crispy, golden perfection, approximately 15 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease, then crumble into small pieces once cooled.
  4. Season chicken breasts with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, creating a flavorful foundation.
  5. Heat an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the chicken, seasoned side down, until a rich golden-brown crust develops, about 5 minutes.
  6. Carefully flip the chicken and cook for an additional minute. Pour a thin layer of water into the skillet to create moisture, then transfer to the oven.
  7. Roast until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), typically 17-20 minutes. Allow to cool before chopping into bite-sized morsels.
  8. Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  9. Dust a work surface with flour and divide the dough into three equal portions. Roll each into expansive circles measuring 12-13 inches in diameter.
  10. Generously spread Caesar dressing across each dough circle, maintaining a small border around the edges. Sprinkle a layer of Parmesan cheese, creating a flavorful base.
  11. Distribute chopped chicken, crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and shredded Italian cheese evenly over the dressed dough.
  12. Gently fold the outer edges of the dough over the filling, then carefully roll from bottom to top, forming an elegant log shape. Seal the edges securely to prevent filling from escaping.
  13. Position the rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring stability during baking.
  14. Brush the exterior with beaten egg and dust with additional reserved cheese for a golden, crispy finish.
  15. Bake until the exterior achieves a beautiful golden-brown color, approximately 20 minutes.
  16. Allow the chicken bakes to cool slightly, then slice and serve. Pair with a crisp side salad or your preferred dipping sauce for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Dough Flexibility: Let pizza dough sit at room temperature for an hour to make rolling and shaping easier, preventing tears and allowing better stretch.
  • Bacon Perfection: Bake bacon in a single layer for even crispiness, draining excess fat ensures a crunchy texture without greasiness.
  • Chicken Moisture Trick: Adding water to the skillet while baking prevents chicken from drying out, creating tender, juicy meat that’s perfectly cooked.
  • Sealing Technique: Pinch dough edges firmly when rolling to prevent filling from leaking during baking, ensuring a neat and compact chicken bake.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55-58 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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