Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

If you’ve ever wandered into Costco for some bulk shopping, chances are you’ve stopped by the food court and indulged in their famous Chicken Bakes. These delicious handheld delights are a combination of juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, creamy Caesar dressing, and gooey cheese, all wrapped up in a golden, chewy crust. It’s the ultimate savory snack that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or an on-the-go meal.

With this Copycat Costco Chicken Bake recipe, you can recreate the magic of these iconic food court favorites at home. Whether you’re craving one for a quick dinner, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a crowd, this recipe will hit the spot every time.

The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make! Using simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these cheesy, chicken-filled bakes in no time. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Recipe

1. Hearty and Filling: These Chicken Bakes are packed with protein and cheese, making them a satisfying meal on their own.
2. Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make a big batch of these and store them for later. They freeze and reheat well, making them great for quick meals throughout the week.
3. Customizable: While this recipe stays true to the Costco version, you can easily add your own twist with different fillings like spinach, mushrooms, or other types of cheese.
4. Golden, Crispy Crust: The combination of pizza dough and a brushed egg wash gives the bakes their signature golden, chewy crust.
5. Homemade Goodness: You’ll know exactly what’s going into your food, and there’s something extra satisfying about making your favorite restaurant or food court items from scratch.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Makes 4 large chicken bakes
• Serving Size: 1 chicken bake

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 750 kcal
• Carbs: 50g
• Protein: 50g
• Fat: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

(These values are approximate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Copycat Costco Chicken Bakes:

For the Chicken Bakes:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 lb cooked bacon, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup creamy Caesar dressing
• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing after baking)

For Optional Dipping Sauce (Optional):

• Extra Caesar dressing
• Marinara sauce
• Ranch dressing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken:

First, season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning for maximum flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon

1. Cook the Bacon:

While the chicken is cooking, fry 1/2 lb of bacon in a separate pan over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the chicken bakes from sticking.

Step 4: Roll Out the Pizza Dough

1. Divide the Pizza Dough:

Take your pizza dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. You can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience or make your own homemade pizza dough if you prefer.

2. Roll Out the Dough:

On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough into a rectangle shape, about 10 inches long and 6 inches wide. The dough should be thin but not so thin that it tears when you add the filling.

Step 5: Assemble the Chicken Bakes

1. Add the Chicken:

Evenly distribute the chopped chicken over the center of each rolled-out piece of dough, leaving about 1 inch of space around the edges for sealing.

2. Add the Bacon and Cheese:

Top the chicken with the chopped bacon, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese per chicken bake. You can also add more cheese if you prefer a cheesier filling.

3. Add the Caesar Dressing:

Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of creamy Caesar dressing over the chicken, bacon, and cheese on each bake. This gives the chicken bakes their signature creamy, tangy flavor.

Step 6: Roll and Seal the Chicken Bakes

1. Fold the Dough:

Carefully fold the dough over the filling, bringing the long edges together in the center. Pinch the edges tightly to seal the chicken bake, then fold the short ends over and press to seal those as well. You want to make sure the bakes are fully sealed so the filling doesn’t leak out during baking.

2. Place on the Baking Sheet:

Place each sealed chicken bake, seam-side down, on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Apply the Egg Wash

1. Brush with Egg Wash:

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 beaten egg and a tablespoon of water to make the egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the tops and sides of each chicken bake. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color as they bake.

Step 8: Bake the Chicken Bakes

1. Bake in the Oven:

Place the chicken bakes in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like, you can rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time to ensure even baking.

2. Optional Butter Brushing:

For extra flavor and shine, you can brush the tops of the baked chicken bakes with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven. This step is optional but adds a nice finishing touch.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

1. Let Cool Slightly:

Allow the chicken bakes to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives the filling a chance to set, making them easier to eat without the filling spilling out.

2. Serve with Dipping Sauce:

Serve the chicken bakes on their own or with extra Caesar dressing, ranch dressing, or marinara sauce for dipping. The sauces add an extra layer of flavor and make the meal even more indulgent.

How to Serve Copycat Costco Chicken Bakes

• As a Main Dish: These chicken bakes are hearty enough to be served on their own, but you can pair them with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a more balanced meal.
• With a Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or garden salad makes the perfect side to balance the richness of the chicken bakes.
• For Meal Prep: These chicken bakes are great for meal prepping. Simply make a batch and store them in the fridge or freezer for quick lunches or dinners.
• As a Party Snack: Cut the chicken bakes into smaller pieces and serve them as a party appetizer or snack. They’re perfect for feeding a crowd!

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use Thin Pizza Dough: If your pizza dough is too thick, the chicken bakes may become overly doughy. Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness for the best results.
2. Don’t Overfill the Bakes: While it’s tempting to add lots of filling, overstuffing can make it difficult to seal the dough and may cause the bakes to burst open during baking.
3. Cook the Chicken and Bacon Ahead of Time: To save time, you can cook the chicken and bacon in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the chicken bakes.
4. Let the Chicken Bakes Rest Before Serving: Allowing the chicken bakes to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the filling set, making them easier to slice and eat.
5. Brush with Butter for Extra Flavor: While optional, brushing the chicken bakes with melted butter after baking adds a nice richness and shine.

Recipe Variations

While this Copycat Costco Chicken Bake recipe stays true to the original, there are plenty of ways to customize the fillings and flavors to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Veggie Chicken Bake:

Add cooked veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling for a veggie-packed version of the chicken bake. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the filling to remove excess moisture.

2. BBQ Chicken Bake:

Swap out the Caesar dressing for barbecue sauce and add cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella for a tangy BBQ version of the chicken bake. You can also add red onion and cilantro for extra flavor.

3. Buffalo Chicken Bake:

For a spicy twist, mix the chicken with buffalo sauce and use blue cheese or ranch dressing in place of Caesar. This variation is perfect for fans of buffalo chicken wings.

4. Pesto Chicken Bake:

Replace the Caesar dressing with basil pesto for a fresh and flavorful chicken bake. Add sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella for an Italian-inspired twist.

5. Chicken Alfredo Bake:

For a rich, creamy version, mix the chicken with alfredo sauce and use Parmesan cheese. This variation pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread or a Caesar salad.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

If you have leftover chicken bakes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the crust may not stay as crispy.

Freezing:

Chicken bakes freeze beautifully, making them great for meal prep. To freeze, let the baked chicken bakes cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating from Frozen:

To reheat from frozen, place the chicken bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave the chicken bakes, but the texture may be slightly different than if reheated in the oven.

Special Equipment

• Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken breasts.
• Baking Sheet: To bake the chicken bakes in the oven.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the pizza dough evenly.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing the chicken bakes with egg wash.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and use it in place of the cooked chicken breasts.

2. Can I use store-bought dough?

Absolutely. Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe and saves time. Just be sure to let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out to make it easier to work with.

3. What can I use instead of Caesar dressing?

If you’re not a fan of Caesar dressing, you can use ranch dressing, alfredo sauce, or barbecue sauce for different flavor variations.

4. How do I keep the bakes from bursting open during baking?

Be sure not to overfill the chicken bakes, and make sure to seal the edges of the dough tightly. Pinch the seams and tuck in the edges to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.

5. Can I make the chicken bakes in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the chicken bakes ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep the dough from drying out.

Conclusion

Copycat Costco Chicken Bakes are the ultimate savory snack or meal, with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and creamy dressing all wrapped up in a golden, chewy crust. Whether you’re a fan of the Costco food court or just looking for a delicious, filling meal that’s easy to make at home, this recipe is a winner.

With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can have these chicken bakes ready in less than an hour. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep, so you can enjoy them all week long. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out some of the fun variations, these homemade chicken bakes are sure to become a family favorite.

Enjoy making (and devouring) your own Copycat Costco Chicken Bakes!

Print