Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

This homemade Costco Chicken Bake is a delicious, cheesy, and savory dish that perfectly replicates the beloved food court favorite. With tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, melted mozzarella, and Caesar dressing, all wrapped in golden pizza dough, this recipe delivers the same rich and satisfying flavor.

Unlike the store-bought version, making it at home allows you to customize the ingredients, adjust the seasoning, and create a fresher, healthier alternative. Whether you are preparing a quick weeknight dinner or looking for a meal prep option, this chicken bake is simple, delicious, and easy to make.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Uses store-bought pizza dough to save time.
• Flavorful & Cheesy: Packed with mozzarella, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing for a creamy, savory taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Stays fresh for several days and reheats well.
• Customizable: Easily modify with different cheeses, seasonings, or add vegetables.

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Preparation Phase & Essential Tools

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet – For baking the chicken bake evenly.
• Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Rolling pin – Helps flatten and shape the pizza dough.
• Mixing bowls – For combining the filling ingredients.
• Pastry brush – For brushing olive oil or butter onto the dough.

Preparation Tips

• Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Cook the bacon until crispy to enhance texture and flavor.
• Roll out the dough evenly to ensure even baking.
• Seal the edges properly to prevent the filling from spilling out.

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Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup Caesar dressing
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Dough & Topping:

• 1 package pizza dough
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• (Optional) 1 tablespoon melted butter + ½ teaspoon garlic powder for extra crispiness

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Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken and Bacon

1. Grill, bake, or sauté the chicken breasts until fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F).
2. Shred the chicken using two forks or a stand mixer.
3. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble into small pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, bacon, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing.
2. Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough into a 12×8-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
3. Spread the chicken mixture down the center of the dough.
4. Fold over the edges, pinch to seal, and place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake

1. Brush the top with olive oil (or melted garlic butter for extra crispiness).
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

1. Let the chicken bake rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Serve with extra Caesar dressing or a fresh salad.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing the chicken bake with a complementary side dish enhances its flavors while balancing the meal. Here are eight excellent options:

1. Classic Caesar Salad

Since the chicken bake contains Caesar dressing, pairing it with a crisp Caesar salad makes for a perfect match. The combination of romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing complements the cheesy, garlicky flavors of the bake.

2. Garlic Parmesan Fries

For a heartier meal, serve with garlic Parmesan fries. The crispy texture and bold flavors of garlic and Parmesan enhance the rich, cheesy filling inside the bake.

3. Roasted Vegetables

A lighter, healthier option is a side of roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots. The slight caramelization from roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, balancing the savory flavors of the chicken bake.

4. Coleslaw

A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and contrast to the warm, cheesy bake. Opt for a tangy vinegar-based slaw for a lighter pairing or a creamy slaw for extra richness.

5. Tomato Basil Soup

For a comforting meal, serve the chicken bake with a warm tomato basil soup. The acidity of the tomatoes helps cut through the richness of the cheese and bacon, creating a well-rounded dish.

6. Mac & Cheese

For an ultra-cheesy meal, pair the chicken bake with mac and cheese. A creamy, baked mac and cheese enhances the texture and taste of the chicken bake without overpowering it.

7. Pickles & Chips

For a quick and easy option, serve the bake with pickles and a side of chips. The acidity and crunch of pickles balance the rich, creamy filling, while chips add extra texture.

8. Fruit Salad

A fresh fruit salad provides a light and refreshing contrast to the heavy, cheesy bake. Use a mix of grapes, strawberries, and citrus fruits to balance the meal with natural sweetness.

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Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Even though this recipe is straightforward, small mistakes can affect the final result. Here are the most common errors and how to prevent them.

1. Using Dough That Is Too Thick or Too Thin

• Problem: If the dough is too thick, it may not cook evenly. If too thin, it may tear when wrapping the filling.
• Solution: Roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick to achieve the right texture and structure.

2. Overloading the Filling

• Problem: Too much filling makes it difficult to seal the dough and may cause it to leak during baking.
• Solution: Use about ¾ cup of filling per roll to ensure it stays contained.

3. Not Sealing the Edges Properly

• Problem: If the edges are not sealed well, the filling can spill out while baking.
• Solution: Pinch the edges firmly and place the seam-side down on the baking sheet.

4. Skipping the Egg Wash or Oil Brushing

• Problem: Without a brushed coating, the bake may turn out dull and dry.
• Solution: Brush with olive oil or melted garlic butter for a crispy, golden crust.

5. Baking at the Wrong Temperature

• Problem: A temperature that is too low can make the bake soggy, while a high temperature may burn the crust before the inside is heated through.
• Solution: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for an evenly cooked, golden brown exterior.

6. Not Letting It Rest Before Slicing

• Problem: Cutting into the bake immediately can cause the filling to spill out.
• Solution: Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set.

How to Store Leftovers

Proper storage helps maintain the texture and flavor of your chicken bake.

• Refrigerator: Wrap the chicken bake tightly in foil or an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the bake in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

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How to Reheat

Reheating correctly ensures that the chicken bake remains crispy on the outside and warm inside.

Oven (Best Method)

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the chicken bake on a baking sheet.
• Heat for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through.
• If reheating from frozen, bake for 25-30 minutes at the same temperature.

Air Fryer (Quick & Crispy)

• Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Heat for 5-7 minutes until crispy and heated through.

Microwave (Fastest, but Softens Crust)

• Place on a microwave-safe plate.
• Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• To maintain crispiness, finish in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes.

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FAQs

1. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes. Assemble the chicken bake up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it when ready to serve.

2. Can I Freeze It Before Baking?

Yes. Prepare the chicken bake, wrap it tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes.

3. Can I Use a Different Type of Dough?

Yes. Instead of pizza dough, you can use:

• Puff pastry for a flakier texture.
• Crescent roll dough for a softer, buttery version.
• Homemade bread dough for a thicker, more rustic result.

4. How Can I Make It Healthier?

To lighten up the recipe, try:

• Using whole wheat pizza dough for added fiber.
• Replacing bacon with turkey bacon or omitting it altogether.
• Using reduced-fat cheese and light Caesar dressing.

5. Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Filling?

Yes. Some great additions include:

• Sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor.
• Diced tomatoes or green onions for freshness.
• A drizzle of ranch dressing for a different twist.

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Final Thoughts

This Copycat Costco Chicken Bake is a satisfying, cheesy, and flavorful dish that is easy to make at home. Whether you prepare it fresh or store leftovers for later, it remains crispy, creamy, and packed with delicious ingredients.

By following the storage, reheating, and troubleshooting tips, you can enjoy this Costco favorite anytime without sacrificing quality. Try this recipe today and experiment with different flavors to make it your own.