If you’ve ever wandered the aisles of Costco and spotted their famous Chicken Bake, you know it’s hard to resist, that golden, flaky crust filled with tender chicken, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a creamy, savory sauce all wrapped into one delicious handheld meal. Now, imagine recreating that irresistible combo right in your own kitchen! This Costco Chicken Bake recipe lets you enjoy that comforting, flavorful treat anytime you want, with the satisfaction of homemade goodness. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. Let’s dive in and bake up some happiness!
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How to Make Costco Chicken Bake at Home
Making a homemade version of the iconic Costco Chicken Bake is easier than you might think—and the results are just as satisfying. This recipe starts with simple ingredients like cooked chicken, crispy bacon, mozzarella cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing, all wrapped inside soft pizza dough and baked until golden and melty. The key to capturing that classic Costco flavor lies in the balance of savory fillings and the golden crust brushed with Parmesan cheese for that signature finish. Whether you’re making them fresh for a meal or prepping ahead for the freezer, these chicken bakes deliver comfort and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients for Costco Chicken Bake
- Pizza dough – 1 pound (homemade or store-bought)
- Cooked chicken breast – shredded or chopped – 1 ½ cups
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded – 1 ½ cups
- Cooked bacon, crumbled – ½ cup
- Caesar dressing – ⅓ cup
- Parmesan cheese, grated – ¼ cup (for topping)
- Olive oil or melted butter – for brushing
- Salt and black pepper – to taste
Instructions for Costco Chicken Bake
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. If using store-bought dough, let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before rolling.
- Spread Caesar dressing evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Layer the fillings: Sprinkle the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and mozzarella cheese over the dressing. Season lightly with salt and pepper if needed.
- Roll it up like a burrito: Start from one long edge and gently roll the dough into a log. Tuck in the sides and pinch the seams to seal.
- Transfer to baking sheet, seam-side down. Brush the top with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.
Tips for Making the Perfect Costco Chicken Bake
- Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience. It’s juicy, well-seasoned, and saves prep time.
- Let the dough rest before rolling if it feels too elastic. Resting makes it easier to shape without shrinking back.
- Don’t overfill the dough. Too much filling can cause the bake to burst open while baking.
- Brush with butter or olive oil before baking for that golden, glossy crust just like the original.
- Use a pizza stone if you have one. It helps the bottom crisp up nicely and cook evenly.
- Cool slightly before slicing so the filling sets a bit and doesn’t ooze out too much.
What to Serve with Costco Chicken Bake
The Costco Chicken Bake is filling on its own but pairing it with the right sides can turn it into a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some tasty ideas:
- Simple side salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the bake.
- Roasted or steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make great healthy companions.
- Potato wedges or fries: For a heartier option, crispy potato sides are always a win.
- Soup: A warm bowl of tomato soup or creamy potato soup can be a cozy, comforting match.
- Pickles or coleslaw: Something tangy or vinegary adds contrast and cuts through the richness.
Ingredient Substitutes for Costco Chicken Bake
Here are some easy swaps to customize the recipe based on what you have on hand:
- Crescent roll dough, puff pastry, pre-made flatbread: These can be used instead of pizza dough for a quicker or different texture. Crescent dough is soft and buttery, puff pastry is flakier, and flatbread works for a thinner, crispier version.
- Rotisserie chicken: turkey breast, grilled tofu – These are great substitutes for cooked chicken. Rotisserie adds extra flavor, turkey is a leaner option, and tofu makes it vegetarian-friendly.
- Cheddar: Monterey Jack: provolone – Any of these cheeses can replace mozzarella. They all melt well and add their own unique flavor.
- Turkey bacon, beef bacon: vegetarian bacon bits – These are suitable swaps for traditional bacon. Use what fits your dietary needs or taste preferences.
- Ranch dressing: garlic aioli: Greek yogurt with lemon juice and Parmesan – These can replace Caesar dressing if you’re looking for a similar creamy base with different flavor profiles.
- Asiago: Grana Padano: nutritional yeast – These are excellent alternatives to Parmesan cheese for the topping. Nutritional yeast also works as a dairy-free option.
Costco Chicken Bake Recipe Variations
Looking to change things up or tailor the recipe to different tastes? Here are some delicious variations to try:
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Buffalo Chicken Bake
Swap Caesar dressing with buffalo sauce and add a bit of blue cheese crumbles for a spicy, tangy twist that’s perfect for heat lovers.
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BBQ Chicken Bake
Use barbecue sauce instead of Caesar and add red onions and smoked Gouda for a sweet and smoky flavor profile.
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Vegetarian Chicken Bake
Replace chicken with grilled tofu or plant-based chicken strips and use vegetarian bacon bits to keep all the flavor without the meat.
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Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Bake
Add a handful of chopped spinach and marinated artichokes to the filling along with a little cream cheese for a creamy, veggie-packed version.
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Breakfast Chicken Bake
Fill the dough with scrambled eggs, cooked chicken or sausage, cheese, and a touch of cream for a hearty breakfast-inspired twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make Costco Chicken Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bakes ahead and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. They also freeze well—just wrap tightly and freeze before baking, then thaw and bake when ready.
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What’s the best dough to use?
While pizza dough is traditional, crescent roll dough or puff pastry also work great if you prefer a softer or flakier texture. Store-bought or homemade dough both deliver tasty results.
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Can I make this recipe without bacon?
Absolutely. You can leave it out entirely or use substitutes like turkey bacon, beef bacon, or vegetarian bacon bits for a similar smoky flavor.
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How do I reheat leftover chicken bakes?
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes or until heated through. This helps keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the texture.
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Is there a healthier version of this recipe?
Yes. You can use whole wheat dough, low-fat cheese, grilled chicken breast, and light dressing to make a lighter version without compromising flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Costco Chicken Bake is a comforting, flavorful treat that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. With its golden crust, savory filling of chicken, cheese, bacon, and creamy dressing, it’s perfect for any meal or snack craving. Plus, the recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to customize it with different fillings, doughs, and flavor twists to suit your taste. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or just indulging yourself, this homemade version delivers all the deliciousness of the original Costco classic with the added joy of making it yourself. Give it a try and enjoy a warm, satisfying bite anytime!
Ingredients
Ingredients for Costco Chicken Bake
- Pizza dough – 1 pound (homemade or store-bought)
- Cooked chicken breast – shredded or chopped – 1 ½ cups
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded – 1 ½ cups
- Cooked bacon, crumbled – ½ cup
- Caesar dressing – ⅓ cup
- Parmesan cheese, grated – ¼ cup (for topping)
- Olive oil or melted butter – for brushing
- Salt and black pepper – to taste
Instructions
Instructions for Costco Chicken Bake
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. If using store-bought dough, let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before rolling.
- Spread Caesar dressing evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Layer the fillings: Sprinkle the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and mozzarella cheese over the dressing. Season lightly with salt and pepper if needed.
- Roll it up like a burrito: Start from one long edge and gently roll the dough into a log. Tuck in the sides and pinch the seams to seal.
- Transfer to baking sheet, seam-side down. Brush the top with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.
