Homemade Costco Chicken Bake Recipe (Copycat)

A Quick, Catchy Intro with a Viral Hook

Ever found yourself craving that warm, cheesy, bacon-stuffed delight from the Costco food court? You know, the Costco Chicken Bake that somehow makes waiting in line feel worth it? Well, guess what? You can recreate that magic at home without the membership card or the oversized shopping carts.

Why This Recipe Is Awesome

Why should you attempt this culinary masterpiece at home? Let’s break it down:

• Flavor Explosion: Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and tangy Caesar dressing all wrapped in soft, golden dough. Need we say more?
• Impress Your Guests: Serve this at your next gathering, and watch your friends’ eyes light up with delight.
• Cost-Effective: Making it at home saves you money and a trip to the store.

Ingredients

• 1 pound prepared pizza dough
• 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3/4 cup water (or more as needed)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for surface)
• 1/2 cup creamy Caesar dressing
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded Italian cheeses (mozzarella and provolone blend), divided
• 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 large egg, beaten

Note: You can substitute the chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.

Tools & Kitchen Gadgets Used

To make this recipe, you’ll need the following tools:

• Baking Sheet: For baking the chicken bakes.
• Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the pizza dough.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
• Skillet: For cooking the chicken.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping ingredients.
• Pastry Brush: To apply the egg wash.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Let the pizza dough rest at room temperature for about an hour.
2. Cook the Bacon: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bacon slices on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake until crispy, about 15 minutes. Remove and crumble once cooled.
3. Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken until golden brown. Add water to the skillet, transfer to the oven, and bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 17-20 minutes. Let cool and chop into bite-sized pieces.
4. Increase Oven Temperature: Raise the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, divide the dough into three portions. Roll each into a 12-13 inch circle.
6. Assemble the Bakes: Spread Caesar dressing over each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, then top with chicken, bacon, green onions, and Italian cheese blend.
7. Roll and Seal: Fold the sides over the filling, then roll from the bottom to the top, sealing the edges to form a log.
8. Egg Wash and Cheese Topping: Place the bakes seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
9. Bake: Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

Calories & Nutritional Info

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 573
• Total Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 1194mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 39g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 35g

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overstuffing: Too much filling can cause the bake to burst open during baking.
• Underseasoning: Don’t skimp on the seasoning; it brings the flavors together.
• Skipping the Egg Wash: This gives the bake its golden, appetizing appearance.
• Not Sealing Properly: Ensure the edges are sealed to prevent leakage.

Variations & Customizations

• Buffalo Chicken Bake: Swap Caesar dressing for buffalo sauce and add blue cheese crumbles.
• BBQ Chicken Bake: Use BBQ sauce instead of Caesar dressing and add sliced red onions.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

A1: Absolutely! It saves time and works just as well.

Q2: Can I freeze the chicken bakes?

A2: Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Q3: What other cheeses can I use?

A3: Feel free to experiment with cheddar, gouda, or any cheese that melts well.

Q4: Can I make these ahead of time?

A4: Yes, assemble them and refrigerate for up to a day before baking.

Q5: Is there a low-carb version?

A5: You can use low-carb dough alternatives or wrap the filling in lettuce leaves.

Q6: Can I add vegetables?

A6: Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers make great additions.

Q7: How do I prevent the bottom from getting soggy?

A7: Ensure your filling isn’t too wet and bake on a preheated baking sheet.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a homemade Costco Chicken Bake that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, this recipe brings the beloved food court favorite right to your kitchen. Give it a try and let the cheesy, bacon-filled goodness speak for itself!