Pin This Copycat Costco Chicken Bake delivers everything you love about the original food court treat right from your own oven. Melty cheese and smoky bacon hug tender chicken and creamy Caesar dressing all inside a golden crust. It is perfect for weeknight dinners or a crowd-pleasing lunch that feels comforting yet special. The recipe is easy to follow and incredibly customizable so you can tailor it to your cravings with different fillings and flavors.
The first time I made these for friends I was surprised at how the fresh-baked crust made them even better than the food court version. Now my family asks for them whenever we want a cozy meal that feels just a little indulgent.
Ingredients
- Prepared pizza dough: One pound Look for dough with a smooth elastic texture for the best crust
- Skinless boneless chicken breasts: Three pieces Fresh or high-quality chicken stays tender and juicy
- Kosher salt: Brings out the flavors in the chicken Opt for coarse salt for the best seasoning
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle bite Look for peppercorns you can grind yourself
- Garlic powder: One teaspoon Adds depth and a savory note Pick a fresh fragrant powder
- Olive oil: One and a half tablespoons Helps brown and flavor the chicken Choose extra virgin if possible
- Water: Three-fourths cup or more Ensures juicy chicken during oven cooking Filtered water is best
- All-purpose flour: For dusting the surface Prevents sticking Go for unbleached if available
- Creamy Caesar dressing: One half cup For creamy tang and classic flavor Use a thick variety for best results
- Bacon: Six strips Cooked and crumbled Choose thick-cut for extra texture
- Green onions: Two Sliced thinly for brightness and crunch Select crisp stalks with bright green tops
- Shredded Italian cheeses: One cup such as mozzarella and provolone Gives that signature stretch and gooeyness Look for a fresh blend
- Shredded Parmesan cheese: Three-fourths cup Adds salty richness Use real Parmesan if you can
- Egg: One large Beaten for brushing and a glossy finish Fresh eggs will give the best color
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Let your pizza dough rest at room temperature for about one hour This step relaxes the dough for easier rolling and a softer crust
- Cook the Bacon:
- Heat the oven to three hundred fifty degrees and line a baking sheet with foil Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer and bake until crisp about fifteen minutes Drain on paper towels crumble when cool and set aside
- Cook the Chicken:
- Season chicken breasts with salt pepper and garlic powder Heat an ovenproof skillet over medium-high and add olive oil Place the chicken seasoned side down and sear until golden brown about five minutes Flip and cook for another minute Pour water in to just cover the bottom then transfer to the oven and bake until the internal temperature hits one hundred sixty five degrees about seventeen to twenty minutes Once done let the chicken rest and chop into bite-sized pieces
- Roll Out and Shape the Dough:
- Increase oven temperature to four hundred degrees and line a new baking sheet with parchment Dust your work area with flour and divide the dough into three pieces Roll each one into a twelve to thirteen inch circle This gives you the classic chicken bake shape
- Fill and Roll:
- Spread Caesar dressing generously onto each dough round leaving a border Sprinkle with some Parmesan Layer on chicken bacon green onions and half the Italian cheese Fold the edges slightly then roll up from bottom to top forming a tight log Pinch the seam and edges so nothing leaks out and place seam side down on the baking sheet
- Top and Bake:
- Brush each roll with beaten egg and sprinkle the tops with the rest of the cheese Bake till the crust is deeply golden and the cheese bubbles about twenty minutes
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the chicken bakes cool just a couple of minutes before slicing This keeps the fillings in place Serve warm with a crisp salad or your favorite dip
Pin My favorite part is always the crisp cheese on the crust you get little bites of golden Parmesan with each slice It always reminds me of family movie nights when we all reach for seconds at the table The mix of melty cheese and smoky bacon just never gets old in our house
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool completely before storing Wrap each chicken bake tightly in foil or plastic and refrigerate for up to three days To reheat bake uncovered at three hundred fifty degrees until warmed through This keeps the crust crisp and the filling creamy If you want to freeze them slice or wrap whole and freeze for up to two months Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are out of Caesar dressing try ranch or garlic aioli for a fun twist You can swap out chicken for turkey ham or cooked sausage Shredded cheddar makes a rich substitute for the cheese blend Try whole wheat dough or even puff pastry if you want something different
Serving Suggestions
Chicken bake pairs perfectly with a green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw For a true food court vibe serve alongside a cold soda or sweet iced tea It is also really fun for game day spreads or as a hearty snack everyone will love
Cultural Context
The Costco Chicken Bake became a cult classic almost as soon as it landed in the food court Its comforting flavors plus easy portability made it a quick favorite That mix of American and Italian inspirations in the filling captures the best of both worlds and brings a sense of nostalgia for many Costco shoppers
Seasonal Adaptations
For summer add roasted peppers or fresh tomatoes to brighten up the filling In colder months throw in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for heartiness During spring a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or basil makes everything taste fresh and new
Success Stories
A friend once brought a tray of these to a neighborhood potluck and not a single slice was left by the end of the night My own family will happily eat leftovers for breakfast if given the chance The smiles around the dinner table always tell me this recipe is a keeper
Freezer Meal Conversion
Assemble the chicken bakes up through the rolling and filling stage then freeze them unbaked for maximum convenience When ready to eat thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed The texture and flavor hold up beautifully
Pin With just a little prep you can enjoy that classic chicken bake right at home any day of the week Try one warm from the oven and you might never want the food court version again
Recipe Questions
- → What type of dough works best for this bake?
Prepared pizza dough is ideal because it's easy to roll and delivers a chewy, golden crust after baking.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor, making this meal even easier to prepare.
- → What cheeses create the best melt and flavor?
A mix of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan provides creamy melt and a sharp, savory taste in each bite.
- → How do I get a crispy outside on the bake?
Brush the dough with beaten egg and sprinkle more cheese on top before baking for a golden, crisp finish.
- → How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in a 350°F oven to restore crispiness.
- → What additional fillings work well?
Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.