If you’ve ever been to Costco, you’ve probably tried their famous Chicken Bake. It’s a savory, cheesy, and indulgent treat that’s perfect for lunch or a snack. But what if you could make this delicious dish at home? With a few simple ingredients and some quick steps, you can recreate the magic of Costco’s Chicken Bake right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re craving a comforting meal or want to impress guests with something new, this homemade version of the classic is sure to be a hit. The golden, flaky dough encases a creamy, savory filling that perfectly blends tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy Caesar dressing, and melty cheese—what’s not to love? This Chicken Bake is just as good, if not better, than the one you get at Costco, and you don’t have to leave your house to enjoy it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With only a few simple ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly and easily, even if you’re not an experienced cook.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The blend of creamy Caesar dressing, melted cheese, and crispy bacon makes every bite a comforting experience.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients or add your favorite fillings to make it your own.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This Chicken Bake is great for prepping ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal planning.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a get-together with friends, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone’s appetite and leave them wanting more.
Ingredients
- Prepared pizza dough
- Skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
- Water (as needed)
- All-purpose flour (for surface)
- Creamy Caesar dressing
- Bacon slices (cooked and crumbled)
- Green onions (thinly sliced)
- Shredded Italian cheeses (mozzarella, provolone, etc.)
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
- Large egg (beaten)
Variations
While this homemade Costco Chicken Bake is already packed with flavor, you can make a few adjustments based on your preferences:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and bacon, and fill your bake with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a veggie-packed option.
- Different Cheese Blend: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar or gouda could add a unique flavor twist.
- Add Extra Protein: If you want more protein, you can include additional bacon, or try adding sausage or even leftover rotisserie chicken.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to cool. Once cool, shred the chicken using two forks.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface with all-purpose flour. Roll out the prepared pizza dough into a large rectangle or oval shape, making sure it’s big enough to fold over the filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
Spread a generous layer of Caesar dressing over the dough. Top with the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and a mix of shredded Italian cheeses. Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese over the filling.
Step 4: Fold and Seal
Fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket, pinching the edges together to seal it well.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken Bake
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top of the dough. Place the Chicken Bake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Let the Chicken Bake cool for a few minutes, then slice it into portions. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Shred the Chicken Finely: For a more even distribution of chicken throughout the bake, shred it into smaller pieces.
- Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to load up on the filling, be careful not to overstuff the dough, as it may burst open while baking.
- Use a Rolling Pin: If the dough is too sticky, use a rolling pin to help shape it evenly and avoid adding too much flour.
- Add Extra Flavor: Experiment with additional seasonings like smoked paprika or Italian herbs for more depth of flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this homemade Chicken Bake with a fresh side salad or some crispy fries for a complete meal. It also pairs wonderfully with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch dressing or extra Caesar dressing. You can also serve it as an appetizer for a crowd—it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked, let the Chicken Bake cool to room temperature before storing leftovers. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Chicken Bake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Reheating
To reheat leftover Chicken Bake, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dough is crispy again. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for about 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
- Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough or puff pastry to save time. - Can I use grilled chicken instead of pan-fried chicken?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken will add a smoky flavor to the Chicken Bake. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Chicken Bake, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. - What if I don’t like bacon?
You can skip the bacon or use turkey bacon as an alternative. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to swap in any cheese you like, such as cheddar or gouda. - How can I make the dough gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe gluten-free. - What other fillings can I add?
Feel free to add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or peppers for added flavor. - Can I bake this in a different shape?
Yes, you can shape it into a round or square shape, depending on your preference. - How can I make this spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick. - Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Chicken Bake is great for meal prep, and you can store it in the fridge or freezer for later use.
Conclusion
Homemade Costco Chicken Bake is an easy, comforting, and customizable dish that brings the flavors of Costco’s beloved bakery item to your kitchen. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy a cheesy, savory, and crispy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests, this Chicken Bake is a surefire way to satisfy your cravings. Try it out today and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade comfort food at its finest!
PrintHomemade Costco Chicken Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This delicious homemade version of the famous Costco Chicken Bake is packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy Caesar dressing, and a blend of Italian cheeses, all wrapped up in a crispy pizza dough crust. Perfect for a satisfying meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound prepared pizza dough
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ cup water, or more as needed
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, or as needed for surface
- ½ cup creamy Caesar dressing
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded Italian cheeses (such as mozzarella and provolone), divided
- ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface. Shape it into a large rectangle or square.
- Spread Caesar dressing evenly across the center of the dough.
- Top with shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, green onions, Italian cheeses, and Parmesan cheese.
- Fold the sides of the dough over the filling and roll it up tightly to form a log or wrap.
- Place the chicken bake seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the beaten egg over the top of the dough for a golden, crispy crust.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and crispy.
- Slice and serve hot!
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Caesar dressing to your taste, or use a different dressing if preferred.
- This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, then reheated in the oven for a crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Costco chicken bake, homemade chicken bake, chicken bake recipe, pizza dough chicken bake, Costco-inspired recipes, chicken and bacon bake