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Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

Featured in Midday Meals with a Crispy Twist.

This Copycat Costco Chicken Bake brings the iconic favorite into your kitchen. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy Caesar dressing, and a blend of melty cheeses, all wrapped in a golden crust, it’s both delicious and customizable. Perfect for quick meals or fun cooking projects, try experimenting with different meats, cheeses, or veggies. Easy to make, bake, and enjoy!

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Updated on Wed, 09 Apr 2025 12:37:30 GMT
A cheese and meat filled pastry. Pin it
A cheese and meat filled pastry. | krispywithmia.com

This homemade Costco Chicken Bake recipe transforms the beloved food court favorite into a delicious meal you can enjoy anytime without leaving your kitchen. The golden, flaky crust envelops tender chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese for an irresistible treat that rivals the original.

I first made these chicken bakes during lockdown when my family was desperately missing our Costco food court runs. After some experimenting, this version became our Friday night tradition and honestly tastes even better than what we remember from the warehouse.

Ingredients

  • Prepared pizza dough: Provides the perfect flaky wrapper while saving you tons of prep time. Look for refrigerated dough in the dairy section or ask your local pizzeria if they sell their dough.
  • Boneless chicken breasts: Create the hearty protein foundation. Choose organic or free-range for the best flavor.
  • Creamy Caesar dressing: Delivers that signature tangy Costco flavor. The higher quality brand you use, the better your final result.
  • Crispy bacon: Adds smoky depth and textural contrast. Thick-cut bacon provides more substantial bites.
  • Green onions: Provide a mild allium flavor without overpowering. Fresh ones with bright green tops yield the best color and taste.
  • Italian cheese blend: Melts beautifully for that perfect cheese pull. A combination of mozzarella and provolone mimics the original best.
  • Parmesan cheese: Contributes sharp, nutty flavor. Always grate your own from a block for superior melting properties.
  • Egg wash: Ensures a beautiful golden brown crust. Farm-fresh eggs give the richest color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Room Temperature Dough:
Allow your pizza dough to rest at room temperature for a full hour. This crucial step relaxes the gluten, making the dough much easier to roll out and shape. Cold dough will fight you every step of the way and can tear easily, releasing your precious fillings.
Bacon Preparation:
Cook bacon strips in a 350°F oven on a foil-lined baking sheet for about 15 minutes until perfectly crisp. The oven method ensures even cooking without the splatter of stovetop preparation. Allow the bacon to drain thoroughly on paper towels before crumbling to prevent excess grease in your chicken bake.
Chicken Perfection:
Season chicken breasts thoroughly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear in hot oil until golden brown on one side, about 5 minutes, then flip and cook just one minute more. Add water to the pan and finish in the oven until they reach 165°F internally. This method keeps the chicken juicy while developing flavor through browning. Let the chicken cool completely before chopping to retain its moisture.
Assembly Process:
Roll each dough portion into a 12-13 inch circle on a floured surface. Spread Caesar dressing evenly leaving a clean border. Layer Parmesan, chicken, bacon, green onions, and Italian cheese blend methodically. The order matters for proper flavor distribution and helps create distinct layers in every bite. Roll from bottom to top, pinching edges firmly to create a tight seal that prevents filling leakage during baking.
Final Baking:
Brush the assembled rolls with beaten egg and sprinkle with reserved cheese before baking at 400°F for 20 minutes. Watch carefully during the final minutes as ovens vary. The perfect chicken bake should be uniformly golden brown with a few darker spots where cheese has caramelized on the surface.
A pan of food with a golden brown crust. Pin it
A pan of food with a golden brown crust. | krispywithmia.com

My family goes crazy for the cheese blend in this recipe. I discovered through multiple tests that the combination of mozzarella, provolone and Parmesan creates that authentic Costco pull when you take a bite. My teenage son once requested these for his birthday dinner instead of our usual restaurant tradition, which tells you everything about how beloved they are in our house.

Make-Ahead Magic

These chicken bakes work wonderfully as a prepare-ahead meal. You can assemble them completely, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If making further in advance, freeze the assembled rolls individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then stored in freezer bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Add about 5-7 minutes to the baking time if cooking from refrigerated rather than room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on their own, these chicken bakes pair wonderfully with complementary sides. A simple Caesar salad creates a restaurant-worthy meal that echoes the flavors in the chicken bake. For a heartier option, serve alongside roasted garlic Parmesan potatoes. My personal favorite pairing is a cup of tomato soup for dipping the crusty ends of the chicken bake, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Creative Variations

The basic structure of this recipe lends itself to endless creative adaptations. Try a Mediterranean version with spinach, feta, olives and roasted red peppers. For a breakfast twist, use scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheddar cheese. My family loves a buffalo chicken variation using shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce with blue cheese and ranch dressing. The technique remains the same, but the flavor possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

A chicken and bacon wrapped in cheese. Pin it
A chicken and bacon wrapped in cheese. | krispywithmia.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly. Let it come to room temperature for about an hour before rolling.

→ What cheeses can I use?

You can use mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, or even cheddar for a unique twist. Mix and match to suit your taste.

→ How can I make it healthier?

Use whole wheat dough, low-fat cheeses, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a healthier option.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the chicken bakes ahead, refrigerate them, or freeze them. Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen before baking.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve with a fresh side salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite dipping sauce like marinara or ranch.

→ How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to retain the crispy crust and melty interior.

Costco Chicken Bake Copycat

Tender chicken, bacon, Caesar dressing, and gooey cheeses wrapped in a golden crust.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Mia Chen

Category: Lunch Ideas

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 3 Servings (3 chicken bakes)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 pound prepared pizza dough
02 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
03 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
07 ¾ cup water, or more as needed
08 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, or as needed for surface
09 ½ cup creamy Caesar dressing
10 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
11 2 green onions, thinly sliced
12 1 cup shredded Italian cheeses (such as mozzarella and provolone), divided
13 ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
14 1 large egg, beaten

Instructions

Step 01

Let the pizza dough rest at room temperature for about 1 hour before using.

Step 02

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lay the bacon strips in a single layer. Bake until browned and crisp, about 15 minutes. Drain on paper towels, crumble when cool, and set aside.

Step 03

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Cook the chicken, seasoned side down, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook for 1 more minute. Add just enough water to fill the bottom of the pan, then transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 17-20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool before chopping into bite-sized pieces.

Step 04

Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Sprinkle flour onto a large work surface and divide the dough into 3 portions. Roll each portion into a large circle, about 12-13 inches wide. Spread Caesar dressing evenly over each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, then top with chicken, bacon, green onions, and shredded Italian cheese. Fold the outer edges slightly over the filling, then roll the dough from the bottom to the top to form a log shape. Pinch the edges to seal, then place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 05

Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with the reserved cheese. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Step 06

Let the chicken bakes cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  1. You can assemble the chicken bakes and refrigerate or freeze them before baking. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
  2. Feel free to experiment with different meats, cheeses, and sauces. For a healthier version, use whole wheat dough, low-fat cheeses, and add extra vegetables.
  3. Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispy texture.

Tools You'll Need

  • Ovenproof skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains gluten
  • Contains eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 530
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 32 g