If you've ever wandered through Costco's food court, you've probably seen (and smelled) their famous Chicken Bake. This savory, cheesy, and hearty snack has gained a loyal following — and for good reason. The Costco Chicken Bake is packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, gooey mozzarella cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing, all wrapped up in a golden, toasty pizza dough. The good news? You don’t need a Costco membership to enjoy this indulgent treat at home! Follow this Copycat Costco Chicken Bake recipe, and you’ll have this crowd-pleaser ready in no time.

What is a Costco Chicken Bake?

A Chicken Bake is essentially a stuffed bread roll packed with shredded chicken, bacon, cheese, and a creamy Caesar-style dressing. The entire roll is then baked until golden and crispy on the outside, and warm and melty on the inside. It’s a hand-held meal that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack.

Ingredients List for Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

To recreate the Costco Chicken Bake at home, you'll need the following ingredients:

For the Filling:

Cooked Chicken Breast (2 cups, shredded) – You can use rotisserie chicken or cook your own chicken breasts.
Bacon (6 strips, cooked and crumbled) – Adds that smoky, savory flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, shredded) – Melts beautifully and creates the gooey, cheesy texture.
Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated) – Adds an extra savory punch.
Green Onions (2 stalks, chopped) – For a bit of freshness and mild onion flavor.
Caesar Dressing (⅓ cup) – Adds creamy tanginess to the filling. Use your favorite brand or make your own dressing.

For the Dough:

Pizza Dough (1 pound) – Store-bought or homemade. You’ll need enough to make 4 individual chicken bakes.
Olive Oil (for brushing) – Helps achieve a crispy, golden exterior.

For the Topping:

Mozzarella Cheese (additional, for topping) – Adds extra cheesiness on top.
Parmesan Cheese (for sprinkling) – A light dusting adds flavor and helps create that beautiful, crispy crust.

Substitutions and Variations

Chicken: Swap the chicken with turkey or ham if you prefer, or use chicken thighs for a juicier filling.
Bacon: If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute turkey bacon or skip it entirely.
Cheese: Provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack can be used in place of mozzarella for a different flavor.
Dough Options: While pizza dough is traditional, you can also use puff pastry or crescent roll dough for a lighter, flakier crust.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how you can make these delicious Chicken Bakes step by step:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Bacon

If you’re using raw chicken, season it with salt and pepper and cook it in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature), about 6-7 minutes per side. Let it cool, then shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the bacon until crispy. Drain the fat and let the bacon cool on a paper towel, then crumble it into small pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and green onions.
Stir in the Caesar dressing, making sure everything is evenly coated.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 12x14 inches. You’ll want the dough to be about ¼ inch thick.
Using a knife or pizza cutter, divide the dough into 4 equal rectangles. These will be the wraps for your chicken bakes.

Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Bakes

Spoon about ½ cup of the filling onto the center of each dough rectangle, leaving space around the edges.
Fold the sides of the dough over the filling, then fold the top and bottom edges, pinching them together to seal the chicken bake completely.
Place the assembled chicken bakes seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Brush with Olive Oil and Add Cheese

Brush the tops of the chicken bakes with olive oil to help them turn golden and crispy.
Sprinkle some mozzarella cheese and a light dusting of parmesan cheese on top for that irresistible cheesy topping.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken Bakes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake the chicken bakes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Let the chicken bakes cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Make a Chicken Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare the chicken and bacon: Cook the chicken and bacon, then shred and crumble.
Mix the filling: Combine chicken, bacon, cheese, Caesar dressing, and green onions.
Assemble the bakes: Roll out the dough, add the filling, and wrap them up.
Brush with olive oil and bake: Brush the tops with oil, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until golden brown.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the Dough: Be careful not to overstuff the chicken bakes, as the dough might tear during baking.
Not Sealing the Dough Properly: Make sure to pinch the seams tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out while baking.
Skipping the Olive Oil: Don’t forget to brush the dough with olive oil — this step is key for getting that crispy, golden crust.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Chicken Bakes

Serve your chicken bake as a main dish with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or even French fries for a complete meal.
Dipping sauces like ranch dressing, extra Caesar dressing, or marinara sauce pair perfectly with the rich, cheesy filling.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Bakes

Slice diagonally: Cut the chicken bakes in half to show off the melty, cheesy filling.
Serve on a wooden cutting board with small bowls of dipping sauce for a casual, shareable presentation.
Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Chicken Bake Recipe Tips

Freeze for Later: Chicken bakes freeze beautifully. Simply assemble them (without baking), wrap them in plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.
Make-Ahead Option: You can also prepare the filling and dough ahead of time, then assemble and bake the chicken bakes just before serving.
Thicker Crust: If you prefer a thicker crust, allow the pizza dough to rise slightly after rolling it out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, is a great time-saver.

Q: Can I freeze Costco Chicken Bakes?
A: Yes, you can freeze unbaked chicken bakes. When ready to bake, follow the freezing instructions above and bake directly from frozen.

Q: What other fillings can I use?
A: You can get creative with the fillings! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or swap the Caesar dressing with ranch or buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

With this Copycat Costco Chicken Bake recipe, you can enjoy this beloved food court classic from the comfort of your own kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing, all wrapped in a golden crust, is guaranteed to satisfy any craving. Whether you make these for a quick lunch, a hearty snack, or a family dinner, you’ll love how simple and delicious this homemade version is.