Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

The Costco Chicken Bake is a fan-favorite for its savory, cheesy, and hearty flavor. This copycat recipe recreates the magic of the original with tender chicken, gooey cheese, smoky bacon, and a tangy dressing, all wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this homemade version is even better than the real thing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Better than Store-Bought: Fresh, customizable, and made with love.
• Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together for a restaurant-quality dish.
• Great for Meal Prep: Easy to make ahead and reheat for busy days.
• Hearty and Filling: A complete meal in one delicious package.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• Cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• Bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Caesar dressing or ranch dressing
• Garlic powder
• Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×16 inches.

Step 2: Assemble the Chicken Bakes

1. Spread a thin layer of Caesar or ranch dressing over the surface of the dough, leaving about 1 inch of space around the edges.
2. Evenly distribute the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese over the dressing. Sprinkle with garlic powder for added flavor.
3. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seams and ends to seal.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken Bakes

1. Place the rolled logs seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter for a golden crust.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 4: Serve

1. Let the chicken bakes cool for 5 minutes before slicing into portions. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 large chicken bakes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the filling.
• Veggie Option: Include sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or onions for added flavor and nutrition.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a richer filling.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version.
• Barbecue Twist: Swap Caesar dressing for barbecue sauce and add a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken bakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap each bake individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe and saves time.

2. What type of dough works best?

Pizza dough is ideal, but bread dough or crescent roll dough can be used as well.

3. Can I make the chicken bakes ahead of time?

Yes, assemble them and store covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. Can I cook these in an air fryer?

Yes, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

5. How can I prevent the filling from leaking?

Roll the dough tightly and ensure the seams are pinched securely.

6. Can I substitute the Caesar dressing?

Ranch, garlic aioli, or even Alfredo sauce are great alternatives.

7. Can I use turkey bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon works as a lighter alternative to regular bacon.

8. How do I get the crust extra golden?

Brush the tops with an egg wash (beaten egg mixed with water) before baking.

9. Can I add more spices?

Absolutely! Try Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or crushed garlic for extra flavor.

10. What’s the best way to slice the chicken bakes neatly?

Use a serrated knife and let the bake cool slightly before slicing to avoid tearing the crust.

Conclusion

This Copycat Costco Chicken Bake recipe delivers all the cheesy, savory goodness you love in the original, with the added benefit of customization and freshness. Perfect for a satisfying meal or a snack on the go, these chicken bakes are a must-try for any Costco fan. Whip up a batch today and enjoy the ultimate comfort food, homemade!

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