Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

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The Copycat Costco Chicken Bake is a beloved favorite, capturing the savory goodness of the original food court staple. With a filling of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy Caesar dressing, and a blend of Italian cheeses, this dish is as comforting as it is satisfying. Wrapped in a golden, flaky pizza crust and baked to perfection, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

This recipe is also versatile, allowing you to add your personal touch. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a cozy solo meal, this chicken bake is sure to bring a bit of Costco nostalgia to your table, with all the delicious convenience of homemade preparation.

Full Recipe:

1 pound pizza dough, prepared (store-bought or homemade)
3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
½ cup creamy Caesar dressing
1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend (mozzarella and provolone), divided
¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
Flour for rolling the dough
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for about 5 minutes on each side, then bake in the skillet for 17-20 minutes, or until fully cooked. Let cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
While chicken cooks, place bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake until crispy, about 15 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Flour your work surface and roll the pizza dough into a 12-13 inch circle.
Spread Caesar dressing over each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border. Layer with Parmesan, chicken, bacon, green onions, and Italian cheese.
Fold the outer edges over the filling, then roll the dough from bottom to top to form a log shape. Pinch edges to seal and place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Brush the tops with beaten egg, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 3 servings

Copycat Costco Chicken Bake: A Comforting Classic with a Twist

The Costco Chicken Bake is a beloved staple in the Costco food court, capturing the hearts of shoppers with its delicious combination of savory flavors, cheesy filling, and satisfying texture. Many people seek out the original Costco version whenever they visit, drawn in by its warm, flaky crust encasing a filling of tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy Caesar dressing, and melted cheese. This at-home copycat recipe captures all the elements that make the original Chicken Bake so popular, while also allowing room for customization, so you can make it uniquely yours.

One of the best things about making this copycat recipe at home is the flexibility it offers. By recreating it in your own kitchen, you have control over the quality and type of ingredients, the size of the portions, and even the style of the crust. Homemade pizza dough brings an added layer of freshness and flavor to the recipe, and you can adjust the types and quantities of cheese, the seasonings, or even add extra ingredients to give it your own twist. Whether you’re a fan of adding extra veggies or swapping in different cheeses, making this recipe at home allows for a delightful personalization of a classic favorite.

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe

Costco’s Chicken Bake has developed a cult following over the years, partly because it’s so satisfying, and partly because it’s such a convenient grab-and-go meal for shoppers who need something hearty and delicious. The original bake is filling, with a balance of protein from the chicken, richness from the cheese, and just enough greens from the onions and Caesar dressing to make it feel like a complete meal. It’s a delicious and comforting food that many enjoy as a quick, filling lunch or a light dinner after a long shopping trip. This recipe was designed to bring that same comfort food feeling to your kitchen, with ingredients that are easy to find and a preparation process that is straightforward.

The primary flavors in the chicken bake come from Caesar dressing, bacon, and a blend of Italian cheeses. Caesar dressing, with its rich, creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor, is a perfect base for the filling, adding moisture and seasoning. The bacon adds a crisp, salty element that contrasts well with the creamy and cheesy textures, while the Italian cheese blend of mozzarella and provolone adds a perfect gooey, melt-in-your-mouth component. These ingredients together make this bake irresistibly flavorful, providing a perfect bite every time.

Customization Options for the Chicken Bake

One of the standout features of the Costco Chicken Bake recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas for how you can customize it:

Switch Up the Cheeses: While mozzarella and provolone provide a great melt and flavor, you can experiment with other types of cheese. Cheddar or Monterey Jack can add a bit of sharpness, while pepper jack offers a hint of spice. For a richer taste, try adding a bit of Gruyère or Swiss cheese.
Alternative Fillings: The recipe traditionally includes Caesar dressing and bacon, but feel free to experiment. For a healthier version, you can swap out the bacon for turkey bacon or sautéed mushrooms. Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini can add an extra layer of flavor and nutrients.
Healthier Dough Options: Using whole wheat dough instead of traditional pizza dough can add fiber and nutrients. Gluten-free pizza dough is also an option for those with gluten sensitivities. For a lower-calorie version, consider using a thinner crust or reducing the cheese portion.
Sauce Alternatives: While Caesar dressing is a classic choice, you can swap it out for ranch dressing, Alfredo sauce, or even marinara if you prefer a more Italian-style bake. Each sauce brings its own unique flavor profile, allowing you to cater the dish to your preferences.
Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some sliced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a spicy cheese like pepper jack. You can also include a layer of pesto for a different, herby flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

Tips for Preparing the Perfect Chicken Bake

Achieving the perfect Costco-inspired Chicken Bake at home takes some careful preparation, especially with the dough and filling to ensure you get that ideal crispy crust and creamy, well-distributed filling. Here are a few tips for nailing it:

Prepare the Dough Correctly: Letting the pizza dough rest at room temperature for about an hour before you start helps to make it more pliable and easy to work with. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, which means the dough won’t shrink back as much when you’re rolling it out. If the dough feels too sticky, dusting your hands and work surface with a bit of flour will make it easier to handle.
Get a Good Sear on the Chicken: Searing the chicken breasts before baking them is a great way to lock in moisture and add a golden-brown crust that enhances flavor. By finishing the cooking process in the oven, you ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly and remains juicy without drying out.
Avoid Overfilling the Dough: Adding too much filling can make it difficult to seal the dough and can lead to leakage during baking. Aim for a balance where you have enough filling to create a satisfying bite but not so much that the bake becomes difficult to manage.
Use Egg Wash for a Golden Crust: Brushing the top of each bake with egg wash is essential for achieving a beautifully golden, shiny crust. The egg wash also helps any cheese sprinkled on top to adhere well, adding a nice cheesy crust to the exterior.
Ensure Even Baking: Baking at a high temperature (around 400°F) ensures that the dough cooks quickly, creating a crisp, golden crust while the inside stays soft and gooey. Placing the bakes on a parchment-lined baking sheet helps to prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Copycat Costco Chicken Bake is hearty enough to serve on its own, but you can elevate the meal with a few simple side dishes. A crisp Caesar salad with fresh romaine lettuce, Parmesan shavings, and croutons is an ideal pairing, mirroring the flavors within the bake itself. For a lighter option, a simple side of roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or a tomato-cucumber salad dressed with olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar adds a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken bake.

For beverages, a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the creamy, cheesy filling, balancing the dish with a refreshing acidity. If you prefer a non-alcoholic drink, sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a refreshing iced tea works beautifully, adding a crisp note to each bite.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers or want to make these chicken bakes ahead of time, they store and reheat well, making them ideal for meal prep. Wrap each bake in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place the bake on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, which helps to maintain the crispy crust. For longer storage, you can freeze the bakes. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and add a few extra minutes in the oven to ensure they’re fully warmed through.

A Fun Cooking Project for All Ages

Recreating Costco’s Chicken Bake at home can be a fun and rewarding cooking project, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner. The process of rolling out the dough, layering the fillings, and carefully sealing the edges is enjoyable and a great opportunity to involve family or friends. Kids can join in by helping to sprinkle cheese or brush on the egg wash, making this recipe a fantastic family-friendly activity.

Conclusion: Why This Recipe Is Worth a Try

The Copycat Costco Chicken Bake recipe is more than just a quick meal solution; it’s a way to bring a beloved classic into your own home, with all the delicious comfort of the original and the freedom to make it your own. With a crispy crust, savory filling, and gooey cheese, it captures the essence of what makes Costco’s version so irresistible, while also allowing for customization based on your tastes. Whether you enjoy the traditional flavors or experiment with new ingredients, this chicken bake is sure to be a hit.

Perfect for meal prep, gatherings, or simply satisfying a craving, this recipe is versatile, accessible, and designed to deliver all the flavors you love. So next time you’re missing that Costco food court experience, grab some dough, whip up this bake, and indulge in a bit of homemade nostalgia that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.