The Costco Chicken Bake is a fan-favorite that brings comfort and flavor in every bite. Now, you can recreate this iconic dish right at home with this simple and delicious recipe. Made with tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy Caesar dressing, and loads of cheese, this homemade version is sure to become a new staple in your kitchen. The pizza dough provides the perfect base, giving it that soft yet slightly crisp texture, while the filling is rich, savory, and satisfying.

This recipe takes all the goodness of the beloved Costco Chicken Bake and elevates it with fresh, high-quality ingredients that you can customize to suit your tastes. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s simple to make with minimal effort required, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Familiar Comfort Food

This homemade version of the Costco Chicken Bake gives you the same flavors and satisfaction as the original but from the comfort of your own kitchen.

2. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal prep time. It’s perfect for a quick, comforting meal.

3. Customizable

You can easily adjust the filling by adding your favorite ingredients, such as extra veggies or different types of cheese, to make it your own.

4. Tasty and Filling

The combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, tangy Caesar dressing, and melted cheese creates a rich and satisfying meal that will fill you up without feeling overly heavy.

5. Make Ahead and Freezable

This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the chicken bakes ahead of time and freeze them for a quick meal whenever you need it.

Ingredients

Prepared pizza dough
Skinless, boneless chicken breasts
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Garlic powder
Olive oil
Water (or more as needed)
All-purpose flour (for surface)
Creamy Caesar dressing
Cooked and crumbled bacon
Green onions, thinly sliced
Shredded Italian cheeses (such as mozzarella and provolone)
Shredded Parmesan cheese
Beaten large egg (for egg wash)

Variations

Add Vegetables: Incorporate some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Version: Add a little hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the Caesar dressing for a spicy kick.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and substitute the Caesar dressing with a dairy-free option to make this recipe dairy-free.
Grilled Chicken: For extra flavor, consider grilling the chicken before adding it to the bake, giving it a smoky depth.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Roll out the prepared pizza dough onto a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to stretch it into a rectangle or oval shape, depending on your preference.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, half of the shredded Italian cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix everything until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Bake

Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the center of the rolled-out dough. Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket or roll it up like a log, ensuring the edges are sealed well.

Step 5: Add the Egg Wash

Brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg for a golden, crispy finish when baking.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled chicken bake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dough is golden and cooked through, and the cheese is bubbling and melted.

Step 7: Serve

Let the chicken bake rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy it with your favorite side dishes or a simple salad.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Rest the Dough: Let the dough rest for a few minutes before rolling it out if it’s too elastic and hard to shape.
Don’t Overstuff: Be sure to leave enough space on the edges of the dough to seal it properly. Overstuffing may cause the filling to leak during baking.
Check for Doneness: Make sure the dough is fully golden brown and crisp to ensure it’s cooked through.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, substitute the cooked chicken breasts with shredded rotisserie chicken.

How to Serve

The homemade Costco chicken bake is perfect on its own, but you can pair it with a few simple sides to complete the meal:

Fresh Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken bake.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or sweet potatoes pair beautifully with this dish.
Garlic Bread: If you want something extra indulgent, serve the chicken bake with a side of garlic bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results, or in the microwave if you’re in a hurry.

Freezing

To freeze the chicken bake, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat individual slices, simply place them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken works great in this recipe and will save you time.

2. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough is a convenient option, but feel free to use homemade dough if you prefer.

3. Can I make this recipe without bacon?

Yes, you can leave out the bacon for a lighter version or substitute it with another ingredient like sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables.

4. Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Absolutely! If you don’t have Italian cheese blend, you can use mozzarella, provolone, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.

5. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe gluten-free.

6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the chicken bake in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just be sure to bake it the same day for the best results.

7. Can I make this without Caesar dressing?

If you’re not a fan of Caesar dressing, you can substitute it with ranch dressing, creamy Italian dressing, or a simple combination of mayo and mustard.

8. How do I know when the chicken bake is fully cooked?

Check that the dough is golden brown and crisp. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for the chicken.

9. Can I add more veggies to the filling?

Yes, feel free to add some spinach, bell peppers, or any other vegetables you like. Just make sure they’re cooked before adding them to the filling to avoid excess moisture.

10. Can I freeze the chicken bake before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled chicken bake before baking. Just be sure to wrap it tightly and bake from frozen when ready.

Conclusion

This homemade version of the Costco Chicken Bake is sure to impress with its savory, cheesy, and satisfying flavor. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that brings the same deliciousness as the one you love from the store, but with the added bonus of being made fresh in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion, this chicken bake is guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy this delicious comfort food with minimal effort!