Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

Golden, crusty bread enveloping a creamy blend of tender chicken, smoky bacon, and melted cheese creates an irresistible handheld meal that rivals the food court favorite. This Copycat Costco Chicken Bake captures all the indulgent flavors of the warehouse giant's famous offering but allows you to enjoy it fresh from your own oven whenever cravings strike. The combination of savory rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon bits, and tangy Caesar dressing wrapped in a warm, pillowy crust delivers that perfect balance of textures and flavors that made the original so popular. Best of all, this homemade version lets you customize the ingredients to your preference while still maintaining that unmistakable Costco taste.

I first attempted this recipe after moving two hours away from the nearest Costco and desperately missing their food court treats. My first batch disappeared within minutes of coming out of the oven, with my husband declaring them "even better than the original." What started as a craving solution has become our Sunday night tradition, with everyone gathering in the kitchen to customize their own chicken bakes before the busy week ahead. The look of pure satisfaction on my teenager's face when biting into that first cheesy, chickeny bite makes the minimal effort entirely worthwhile.

Essential Elements

• Rotisserie chicken: Provides tender, pre-cooked meat with rich flavor that forms the foundation of the filling. Select a plump, juicy chicken with well-seasoned skin for maximum flavor contribution.
• Bacon: Contributes smoky depth and crispy texture contrast. Cook thick-cut bacon until extra crispy before crumbling to maintain texture when baked inside the filling.
• Caesar dressing: Acts as the creamy binding agent that ties all flavors together. Choose refrigerated varieties with real anchovy and Parmesan for authentic flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: Creates that perfect melty stretch when pulled apart. Fresh, low-moisture mozzarella shredded by hand melts more evenly than pre-packaged varieties.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes that enhance the Caesar dressing. Freshly grated aged Parmesan provides deeper flavor than the pre-grated varieties.
• Pizza dough: Serves as the golden, chewy wrapper that holds everything together. Store-bought refrigerated dough from the bakery section offers superior texture.
• Green onions: Provide fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color contrast. The white parts offer subtle pungency while the green tops add brightness and visual appeal.

Assembly Method

Filling Creation:

Begin by shredding approximately two cups of rotisserie chicken meat into bite-sized pieces, ensuring a mix of both white and dark meat for optimal flavor and moisture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with crispy bacon crumbles, shredded mozzarella cheese, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and thinly sliced green onions. Pour Caesar dressing over the mixture and fold gently until evenly coated.

Dough Preparation:

Preheat your oven to 200°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out refrigerated pizza dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 30 cm long by 15 cm wide, aiming for even thickness.

Strategic Assembly:

Spoon the prepared chicken mixture down the center of the dough rectangle, creating a neat line while leaving about 2.5 cm of dough exposed on all sides.

Folding Technique:

With the filling positioned, carefully fold the long sides of the dough over the filling, overlapping them slightly. Press firmly along the seam to seal. Next, fold the short ends under, tucking them securely beneath the roll.

Surface Enhancement:

Transfer your assembled chicken bake to the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the surface with olive oil or an egg wash. Sprinkle a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of dried Italian herbs.

Baking Process:

Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F.

Resting Period:

Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing.

Serving Style:

Cut into 1-2 inch slices and serve immediately with extra Caesar dressing for dipping.

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Serving Companions

Serve these golden, cheesy chicken bakes alongside a crisp Caesar salad with homemade croutons for a meal that feels like a complete Costco food court experience at home. For a heartier dinner, pair with sweet potato fries tossed with parmesan and herbs.

Creative Adaptations

Transform this recipe into a breakfast version by filling with scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon, and breakfast potatoes. Create a Mediterranean-inspired variation by replacing the Caesar dressing with tzatziki sauce and adding feta cheese. For a spicy version, incorporate buffalo sauce into the filling and substitute blue cheese for Parmesan.

Storage Strategies

Store completely cooled chicken bakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil and freeze for up to two months. Reheat in a 175°C oven for 10-12 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare these chicken bakes ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble them completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 5 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. You can also freeze the assembled (unbaked) chicken bakes for up to 1 month.

→ What's the best type of pizza dough to use?

The refrigerated pizza dough that comes in tubes works perfectly for this recipe. You can also use fresh dough from the bakery section of your grocery store or pizza shops that sell their dough. Homemade dough works great too if you have a favorite recipe.

→ Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Absolutely! Sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms make great additions. Just make sure to cook them first and drain any excess moisture to prevent the dough from getting soggy.

→ How do I know when the chicken bake is done cooking?

The outside should be golden brown, and if you insert a thermometer into the center, it should read at least 165°F. You might notice some cheese bubbling out from any small holes or cracks in the dough - that's a good sign it's ready!

→ What sides go well with the Costco Chicken Bake?

A simple green salad makes this a complete meal. You could also serve with steamed vegetables, french fries, or a cup of tomato soup. For the full Costco experience, serve with a berry smoothie or frozen yogurt for dessert!