If you’ve ever indulged in a Costco Chicken Bake, you know it’s a savory, cheesy, crispy, and comforting meal all in one. The good news is that you don’t have to make a special trip to Costco to enjoy it anymore! With this simple recipe, you can recreate the delicious chicken bake right at home. Packed with tender chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, crispy bacon, and melty cheese, this homemade version of the Costco classic is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Costco-Style Comfort at Home

This homemade chicken bake perfectly replicates the flavors and textures you love from Costco’s version, but you can enjoy it without leaving the house.

2. Simple and Quick

The recipe is simple to follow, and with just a few ingredients, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal in under an hour.

3. Cheesy Goodness

With a combination of shredded Italian cheeses and Parmesan, each bite is rich and cheesy, providing the perfect balance of flavors.

4. Customizable

Feel free to modify the ingredients—add vegetables, swap out the cheese, or even use a different dressing to suit your taste.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This recipe makes multiple servings, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers for an easy lunch or dinner the next day.

Ingredients

1 pound prepared pizza dough
3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
¾ cup water, or more as needed
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, or as needed for surface
½ cup creamy Caesar dressing
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded Italian cheeses (such as mozzarella and provolone), divided
¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
1 large egg, beaten

Variations

1. Add Vegetables

Feel free to add some sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to your chicken bake for added flavor and texture.

2. Spicy Kick

Add some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy version of the chicken bake.

3. Low-Carb Version

For a low-carb alternative, replace the pizza dough with a cauliflower crust or a low-carb flatbread.

4. Dairy-Free Option

To make the chicken bake dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese and swap the Caesar dressing with a non-dairy version.

5. Herbed Dough

Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the pizza dough for extra flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken breasts with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, then shred the chicken using two forks.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out the prepared pizza dough into a rectangle or oval shape, about 12 inches in length. You may need to use a bit of flour to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Bake

Spread the creamy Caesar dressing evenly on the center of the dough. Layer the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, green onions, and half of the shredded Italian cheeses and Parmesan cheese on top of the dressing. Fold the sides of the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal the chicken bake.

Step 4: Brush and Bake

Brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Place the assembled chicken bake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with extra Caesar dressing for dipping if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Use a Rolling Pin

If you find it difficult to roll the dough, use a rolling pin to help achieve an even thickness.

2. Ensure Proper Sealing

Make sure to pinch the edges of the dough tightly so the filling doesn’t spill out while baking.

3. Check Chicken Temperature

For perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached 165°F (75°C) internally.

4. Crispy Bacon

For the best flavor and crunch, make sure the bacon is crispy before crumbling it into the chicken bake.

5. Customize Your Fillings

Feel free to get creative with the ingredients! Add sautéed vegetables, use different types of cheese, or swap the Caesar dressing for ranch or blue cheese dressing.

How to Serve

Serve your homemade Costco chicken bake with a side salad, some crispy fries, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also serve it with extra Caesar dressing for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the chicken bake has cooled to room temperature, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooled chicken bake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken bake in the oven or microwave. For the best results, reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy texture of the dough.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of dough?

Yes, you can use puff pastry, croissant dough, or a gluten-free dough as an alternative to traditional pizza dough.

2. Can I make the chicken bake without bacon?

Yes, you can skip the bacon or substitute it with turkey bacon or another protein of your choice.

3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.

4. How do I make the dough less sticky?

Use flour on your hands and work surface when rolling out the dough to prevent it from sticking.

5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the chicken and bacon with plant-based alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

6. How can I adjust the seasoning?

Feel free to add more or less garlic powder, salt, or pepper according to your taste preferences.

7. Can I add more cheese?

Yes, feel free to increase the amount of cheese for an extra cheesy bake.

8. Can I use a different dressing?

Yes, you can substitute Caesar dressing with ranch, blue cheese, or another creamy dressing of your choice.

9. How do I know when the chicken bake is done?

The dough should be golden brown, and the cheese inside should be melted and bubbly. Use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

10. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the chicken bake and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just bake it as directed when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Making a homemade Costco Chicken Bake is easier than you think, and the result is a savory, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. With crispy dough, tender chicken, bacon, and a creamy Caesar filling, this recipe will definitely become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this delicious homemade version of a Costco classic is sure to impress!