If you’ve ever wandered through the aisles of Costco and stumbled upon those irresistible, cheesy, and savory chicken bakes, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The Costco Chicken Bake Recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving that perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful all-in-one handheld delight. This copycat recipe nails the essence of the original, bringing together tender chicken, crispy bacon, a creamy Caesar twist, and a heavenly cheese blend — all wrapped in golden, fluffy pizza dough. It’s comfort food that feels special yet is super doable at home, making it a new favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each component plays a crucial role in delivering that authentic Costco Chicken Bake flavor. From the smoky bacon to the cheesy combo and that luscious Caesar dressing, every item contributes to creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and even a pop of green with fresh onions and parsley.
- Bacon (1/2 lb.): Adds a crispy, smoky savoriness that’s essential to balancing the creamy filling.
- Chicken breast (1 lb.): The hearty, tender protein base that makes this chicken bake satisfying.
- Freshly grated Parmesan (1/2 cup, plus more): Offers a sharp, nutty flavor and great melting quality.
- Shredded mozzarella (2 cups, plus more): Melts beautifully, creating that gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Egg wash (1 large egg beaten with 1 tbsp water or milk): Helps achieve a glossy, golden crust on the dough logs.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (2 Tbsp., divided): Keeps the chicken juicy and adds subtle richness.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp., plus extra): Brings a fragrant herbaceous note that ties everything together.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that enhance every other ingredient.
- Pizza dough (1 lb.): The soft, pillowy exterior that wraps up all the flavorful filling.
- Caesar dressing (1/4 cup): Adds a creamy zest and a garlicky punch that elevates the filling.
- Green onions (2, thinly sliced): Give a fresh, mild bite and a burst of color.
- Chopped parsley (2 Tbsp.): For a bright, herbaceous garnish to finish off the dish beautifully.
How to Make Costco Chicken Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper — this simple step prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup after baking your delicious chicken bakes.
Step 2: Cook and Chop the Bacon
Place your bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat and cook until they become irresistibly crispy. Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain off excess grease, then chop into small, bite-sized pieces. Wipe the skillet clean afterward so it’s ready for cooking chicken.
Step 3: Season and Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook until the chicken turns golden brown, about 6 to 8 minutes total, flipping once. Let the chicken rest for five minutes before dicing it into small, even pieces for the filling.
Step 4: Roll Out the Pizza Dough
Divide your pizza dough into two equal portions on a lightly floured surface. Roll and stretch each piece into roughly 1/4-inch thickness. This thickness allows the dough to bake evenly and still have that soft, doughy inside.
Step 5: Assemble the Filling
Spread half of the Caesar dressing evenly over one dough portion. Layer the chopped chicken, crispy bacon, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and sliced green onions on top. Repeat this layering process on the second dough portion with the remaining ingredients.
Step 6: Form and Seal the Logs
Carefully roll each dough portion into a tight log, making sure to fully enclose the filling inside. Press and pinch the seams to seal, which prevents any filling from spilling out as it bakes.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Transfer the logs onto your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with the egg wash to develop that irresistible shiny, golden crust. Sprinkle some extra mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning over the tops for an added flavor and texture boost.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Costco Chicken Bake Recipe logs in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until they turn beautifully golden brown and the dough is cooked all the way through. Once baked, remove them and let cool slightly before slicing.
How to Serve Costco Chicken Bake Recipe
Garnishes
To finish, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only brings a lovely color contrast but injects a fresh, slightly peppery bite that beautifully balances the richness of the filling.
Side Dishes
This chicken bake pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like a green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or even roasted vegetables to add depth and texture to your meal without competing with the bake’s bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive presentation, slice the chicken bake into individual portions and fan them several slices per plate, adding a drizzle of extra Caesar dressing or a side of marinara for dipping. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser perfect for casual dinners or game-day snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Costco Chicken Bakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the dough tender while preserving the flavors in the filling.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully assembled but unbaked logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the crust regains its crispness. Microwaving works too, but you might lose that delightful crust texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds extra flavor and cuts down on prep time. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture to avoid soggy dough.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Costco Chicken Bake Recipe?
Definitely. You can swap the chicken and bacon for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes for a hearty vegetarian twist without losing richness or texture.
What dough works best for this recipe?
Pizza dough is ideal because it bakes to a golden, fluffy crust that holds all the fillings. You can use store-bought or homemade dough, just ensure it’s pliable enough to roll without tearing.
Can I prepare the chicken bake ahead and bake later?
Yes, assembling the logs ahead and refrigerating them a few hours before baking works great. It’s convenient for meal prep or making party food in advance.
How do I ensure the filling doesn’t leak while baking?
Pinching the seams tightly and brushing with egg wash to seal the dough edges helps keep the filling inside. Also, rolling the logs firmly but gently prevents tearing.
Final Thoughts
Making the Costco Chicken Bake Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience — it’s comfort food with a little bit of elegance and a whole lot of flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a game day spread, or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe hits all the right notes. Give it a try and watch how quickly this scrumptious, cheesy, and hearty dish becomes a staple at your table!
Print
Costco Chicken Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Costco Chicken Bake Copycat recipe recreates the popular deli-style savory pastry filled with crispy bacon, seasoned chicken, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing all wrapped in soft pizza dough and baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect as a hearty appetizer or main dish that satisfies with its cheesy, flavorful filling and crisp crust.
Ingredients
Meat & Cheese
- 1/2 lb. bacon
- 1 lb. chicken breast
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella, plus more for sprinkling
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for sprinkling
Dough & Dressings
- 1 lb. pizza dough
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
- Egg wash (1 large egg beaten with 1 tbsp water or milk)
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning, plus extra for sprinkling
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnishes
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Cook and chop bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then chop into small pieces. Wipe the skillet clean to prepare for the chicken.
- Cook chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook chicken until golden on both sides, about 6 to 8 minutes total. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before chopping into small pieces.
- Roll out dough: Divide the pizza dough into two equal portions on a lightly floured surface. Roll and stretch each piece into about 1/4-inch thickness for easy rolling and even baking.
- Assemble filling: Spread half of the Caesar dressing evenly over one rolled-out dough piece. Top with half of the chopped chicken, bacon, mozzarella, Parmesan, and sliced green onions. Repeat with the other dough portion and remaining ingredients.
- Form the logs: Carefully roll each dough piece into a large log, enclosing the filling completely. Pinch the seams to seal the edges and prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the logs to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with egg wash to achieve a shiny, golden crust. Sprinkle additional cheese and Italian seasoning on top for extra flavor.
- Bake the logs: Bake the logs in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the dough is golden and cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley, slice into portions, and serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Ensure the bacon is cooked until crispy for the best texture inside the bake.
- Let chicken rest after cooking to retain moisture before chopping.
- Pinch dough seams tightly to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Feel free to add extra cheese or Italian seasoning to the top for more flavor.
