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.