Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Recipe

Irresistible Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Recipe for Home Chefs

Crafting a legendary copycat costco chicken bake at home brings restaurant-style magic right to your kitchen.

Passionate cooks know this iconic handheld meal combines crispy dough with savory fillings.

Creamy and cheesy textures mingle perfectly inside a golden-brown crust.

Meat lovers appreciate how simple ingredients create such a satisfying experience.

Restaurant-quality results await you with just a few strategic steps.

Comfort food doesn’t get more delicious than this crowd-pleasing recipe that promises to wow everyone at the table.

Prepare to transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Why Everyone Loves Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

  • Customize Your Flavor: Swap ingredients easily to match your taste preferences or use leftover proteins like turkey or pulled pork for a quick meal transformation.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Perfect for game day, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone craves something hearty and delicious that travels well and satisfies multiple palates.
  • Minimal Kitchen Cleanup: Uses just one bowl for mixing, a baking sheet, and simple ingredients, making this recipe a low-stress cooking experience with maximum flavor payoff.
  • Beginner Baker Friendly: Requires basic cooking skills and minimal technical expertise, allowing home cooks of all levels to create a restaurant-quality dish without complicated techniques.

Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Ingredients To Gather

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender and shredded protein that forms the core of the dish.
  • Bacon: Crispy and flavorful meat that adds a smoky crunch.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that provides a creamy texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Caesar Dressing: Tangy and rich sauce that binds the filling together.
Bread and Seasoning:
  • Pizza Dough: Soft and versatile base that wraps the filling.
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a golden and crispy exterior.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
  • Pepper: Adds a mild spicy kick.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle and aromatic flavor.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that brings a classic Mediterranean taste.

Steps To Make Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or boil chicken breasts for easy shredding.

Step 2: Crisp Up Bacon

Cook bacon in a skillet until perfectly crispy, then crumble into small, delectable bits.

Step 3: Create Flavor Explosion

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Caesar dressing

Step 4: Enhance with Seasonings

Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 5: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F, creating the perfect environment for baking.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Stretch pizza dough into a rectangular shape approximately 12×8 inches.

Step 7: Layer the Filling

Spread the chicken mixture centrally along the dough’s length, leaving space at the edges.

Step 8: Shape the Bake

Carefully fold edges over the filling, creating a sealed log-like shape.

Step 9: Position for Baking

Place the chicken bake seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 10: Add Final Touch

Brush the exterior with olive oil for a golden, crispy finish.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 12: Rest and Serve

Allow the chicken bake to cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve with marinara sauce or a fresh salad.

Tips For Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Success

  • Shred Chicken Smartly: Use two forks or a stand mixer to quickly and evenly shred cooked chicken without manual strain.
  • Crisp Bacon Perfectly: Cook bacon in the oven on a wire rack for more even, less greasy results that crumble easily.
  • Seal Edges Securely: Pinch and fold dough edges tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking, ensuring a neat presentation.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or fresh chopped herbs to the filling for an extra flavor dimension.
  • Dough Handling Trick: Let pizza dough rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before rolling to make it more pliable and easier to work with.

Fresh Twists On Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with seasoned tofu or tempeh, keeping the same Caesar and cheese flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough or almond flour wrap to create a celiac-friendly version of the chicken bake.
  • Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap pizza dough for a low-carb cheese wrap or use large lettuce leaves as a bread alternative, maintaining the rich filling ingredients.
  • Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate roasted red peppers, swap mozzarella for feta cheese, and add chopped olives for a Greek-inspired variation of the classic chicken bake.

Sides To Serve With Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

  • Pair Zesty Caesar Cocktail: Blend vodka, Caesar mix, and a splash of hot sauce for a spicy drink that complements the chicken bake's rich flavors.
  • Serve Crisp Arugula Salad: Toss peppery arugula with lemon vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts to balance the hearty chicken log.
  • Match Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese to cut through the creamy cheese and enhance the savory bacon notes.
  • Enhance with Garlic Aioli: Whip up a quick dipping sauce using mayo, roasted garlic, and fresh herbs to add an extra layer of zesty flavor to each bite.

How To Save Copycat Costco Chicken Bake For Later

  • Store leftover chicken bake in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken bake on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • Cut into portions, place on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, rotating halfway. Stop when internal temperature reaches 165°F to maintain moisture and texture.

Copycat Costco Chicken Bake FAQs

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the chicken bake up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready to serve.

  • Is it possible to use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan work great, you can substitute with cheddar, provolone, or any melting cheese you prefer.

  • What if I don't have pizza dough?

No worries! You can use crescent roll dough, puff pastry, or even premade pizza crust as an alternative to traditional pizza dough.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pizza dough or a gluten-free pastry alternative to make the entire dish gluten-free.

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Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Recipe

Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Costco chicken bake lovers rejoice as this homemade version brings restaurant-quality comfort straight to kitchen counters. Crispy golden crust and gooey cheese combine with tender chicken, creating a deliciously satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 large chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
  • 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)

Cheese:

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Other Ingredients:

  • 1 package pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) Italian seasoning
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken through roasting, grilling, or poaching, then meticulously shred into tender strands.
  2. Render bacon until perfectly crisp, then fracture into delicate fragments.
  3. Craft a harmonious mixture by blending shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing in a comprehensive bowl.
  4. Elevate the flavor profile with strategic seasoning: sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs, ensuring thorough incorporation.
  5. Heat the oven precisely to 375°F, creating an optimal baking environment.
  6. Transform pizza dough into a rectangular canvas, rolling to approximately 12×8 inches dimensions.
  7. Distribute the flavor-packed filling centrally across the dough’s surface with calculated precision.
  8. Execute a strategic fold, encasing the filling and creating a seamless cylindrical formation.
  9. Position the assembled log seam-side downward on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  10. Delicately brush the exterior with olive oil to promote golden-brown caramelization.
  11. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the exterior achieves a rich, appetizing bronze coloration.
  12. Allow a brief resting period to stabilize internal temperature.
  13. Slice and present alongside marinara sauce or a crisp accompaniment for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Swap chicken for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor depth.
  • Use gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe celiac-friendly and accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Crisp the bacon beforehand to ensure maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy texture inside the bake.
  • Consider adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce for those who enjoy a spicy kick in their meal.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 515 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 790 mg
  • Fat: 33 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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