copycat Costco Chicken Bake

Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

Okay, this Copycat Costco Chicken Bake? It’s warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor—just like the one from the food court, but homemade and even better. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy dressing, and melty cheese all wrapped in soft, golden dough.

I made it for dinner once, and wow… it disappeared fast. That cheesy, savory filling inside a warm roll? Total comfort food.

And guess what? It’s super easy to make. Just roll, stuff, and bake. Let’s do it together—you’re gonna want this in your weekly dinner lineup!

Keto Sweets Treats

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Tastes Like the Real Deal: This version has the same creamy, savory filling and chewy crust as the one sold at Costco.
  • Beginner-Friendly: With just a few steps—mix, roll, fill, and bake—it’s easy enough for new cooks or kids with supervision.
  • Simple, Familiar Ingredients: Uses basic items like cooked chicken, store-bought pizza dough, Caesar dressing, bacon, and shredded cheese.
  • Family Favorite: The creamy-cheesy-chicken combo is one that both kids and adults enjoy, making it a go-to dinner option.
  • Great for Prep & Freezing: You can assemble these in advance and freeze them unbaked or baked. Reheat them for busy nights or pack them for lunch.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

This is a flexible recipe, but there are a few helpful tips to keep in mind before you begin:

  • Use store-bought dough for ease. The refrigerated pizza crust dough in a can works perfectly and saves time. You can also use homemade if you prefer.
  • Chop your chicken finely. Small, even pieces help the filling stay well-distributed and easier to roll.
  • Drain bacon grease well. If the bacon is too greasy, the bake can become soggy on the inside.
  • Cheese matters. Mozzarella gives the signature melty texture, and provolone adds mild flavor. You can also mix in a bit of Parmesan for richness.
  • Don’t overfill. It’s tempting to add lots of filling, but overstuffing makes it hard to roll and seal. Stick to about ½ cup filling per bake.
  • Seal edges tightly. Pinch or roll the seams well to keep everything inside during baking.

Prep Time:

20 minutes — including mixing, chopping, and assembling

Cook Time:

25 minutes — until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly

Total Time:

About 45 minutes

Servings:

Makes 4 large chicken bakes (1 per person as a full meal, or slice each in half for 8 smaller servings)

Difficulty:

Easy. No special techniques required—just basic assembly and oven baking. If you can roll dough and layer ingredients, you can make this.

Required Kitchen Tools

  • Large baking sheet — lined with parchment for easier cleanup
  • Rolling pin — helpful for spreading dough, though your hands can work too
  • Pastry brush — for brushing on the egg wash
  • Mixing bowls — for combining chicken, bacon, dressing, and cheese
  • Cutting board and knife — for chopping chicken and bacon
  • Measuring cups and spoons — for portioning ingredients
  • Oven mitts — essential for safety when baking
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Ingredients for the Chicken Bake

Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need. These are pantry-friendly and widely available ingredients:

  • 1 can refrigerated pizza crust dough (13 oz)
    Soft, stretchy, and easy to roll. This will be your wrapper and forms the crispy golden shell once baked.
  • ¾ cup Caesar salad dressing, divided
    Adds the creamy, tangy base flavor. Use a thick-style dressing for best results.
  • 2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
    Leftover or rotisserie chicken works great here. Chop into small, bite-sized pieces.
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    Balances the flavors in the filling.
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    Adds just a hint of warmth and spice to the creamy interior.
  • ½ cup cooked and crumbled thick-cut bacon (about 4 slices)
    Adds a smoky crunch. Drain well and chop finely.
  • ½ cup shredded provolone cheese, divided
    Mild and melty—gives that rich, gooey interior.
  • 1 ¼ cups shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
    Helps create the iconic cheese pull and stretches beautifully when warm.
  • 1 egg, beaten
    Used for brushing the top of each chicken bake so they turn golden brown in the oven.
  • Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
    Sprinkle on top before baking for extra flavor and a crispier top.

Variations for the Chicken Bake

Want to customize your Chicken Bake? Here are a few easy ideas to change up the flavor or use what you have on hand:

  • Swap the Cheese: Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or gouda for a different flavor profile.
  • Add Vegetables: Finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions blend well and add nutrition.
  • Use Ranch Dressing: If you’re out of Caesar, ranch gives a similar creamy, tangy flavor.
  • Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the filling for a little heat.
  • Use Turkey or Ham: A great way to use up leftovers, and it still keeps the savory flavor.

How to Make Copycat Costco Chicken Bake: Step-by-Step

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the following:

  • 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
  • ½ cup of Caesar dressing
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella
  • ¼ cup shredded provolone
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon

Mix gently until everything is evenly coated and well combined.

3. Roll the Dough

Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a floured surface. Cut into 4 equal rectangles (or 2 for larger bakes). If the dough is too thick, gently roll it out with a rolling pin to thin it slightly.

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4. Fill the Dough

Spoon about ½ cup of the chicken mixture down the center of each dough rectangle, leaving a small border on the sides. Drizzle a little extra Caesar dressing (from the reserved ¼ cup) on top. Sprinkle with a bit more mozzarella and provolone if desired.

5. Fold and Seal

Fold the long edges of the dough over the filling, then pinch or roll the seams to seal them closed. Tuck in the ends. Place each roll seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.

6. Add Egg Wash

Brush the tops of the dough with the beaten egg. This helps them brown beautifully. Optional: Sprinkle the tops with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and crunch.

7. Bake

Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling slightly at the seams. If your rolls are larger or thicker, they may need an extra 3–5 minutes.

8. Rest and Serve

Let the Chicken Bakes rest for 5 minutes before serving. This gives the filling time to settle and makes slicing cleaner if you’re planning to share.

How to Serve Costco Chicken Bake

These cheesy chicken rolls are satisfying on their own but pair well with simple sides:

  • With a green salad – Try romaine, tomatoes, and cucumbers with a light vinaigrette.
  • Alongside soup – A bowl of tomato basil or broccoli cheddar complements the rich filling.
  • Cut into pieces – Serve as a snack or party food by slicing into 2–3 pieces per roll.
  • Lunchbox ready – Wrap in foil and pack for school or work lunches.

Storing Chicken Bake

Refrigeration:

  • Let the Chicken Bakes cool fully before storing.
  • Wrap each roll tightly in foil or place in an airtight container.
  • Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, which can make the dough soggy.

Freezing:

  • Wrap unbaked or baked bakes individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top freezer bag.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • To reheat from frozen, bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, loosely covered with foil.

Tips and Tricks for Success

  • Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting, but too much filling makes sealing tricky and may cause leaking.
  • Seal Well: Use a pinch-and-roll motion or press seams with a fork to prevent the cheese and sauce from escaping.
  • Chop Everything Small: This helps the filling stay compact and easier to wrap.
  • Brush with Egg Wash: This gives your bake a shiny, golden crust.
  • Use Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Nutrition

Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown per serving (1 large Chicken Bake):

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NutrientAmount (Per Serving)
Calories530–580 kcal
Protein36g
Carbohydrates35g
Fat30g
Saturated Fat11g
Sodium950mg
Fiber1g
Sugar2g

Note: Values may vary depending on the brands and exact quantities used.

Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

Recipe by Jordi RocaCourse: Uncategorized
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

530

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 (13-ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
    ¾ cup Caesar salad dressing, divided
    2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
    ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    ½ cup cooked and crumbled thick-cut bacon (about 4 slices)
    ½ cup shredded provolone cheese
    1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
    1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
    Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
    Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, mix chicken, bacon, ½ cup Caesar dressing, mozzarella (1/2 cup), provolone (1/4 cup), salt, and pepper.
    Roll out the dough: Unroll pizza dough and cut into 4 equal rectangles. Flatten slightly with a rolling pin.
    Assemble: Spoon about ½ cup of filling onto each rectangle. Drizzle a bit of extra Caesar dressing and sprinkle more cheese if desired.
    Fold and seal: Fold dough over the filling lengthwise and pinch to seal all edges. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
    Brush with egg wash. Sprinkle Parmesan on top, if using.
    Bake 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Copycat Chicken Bake FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of canned pizza crust?
Yes, absolutely. Any soft pizza dough will work. Just make sure it’s rolled out thin enough to fold and seal around the filling.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The oven is best. Wrap in foil and reheat at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes. This keeps the crust from getting soggy, unlike the microwave.

Can I make these in advance?
Yes. You can assemble them and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Or freeze them (baked or unbaked) for later.

Is there a substitute for Caesar dressing?
If Caesar isn’t available, ranch dressing works well too. You could also try a garlic aioli or creamy Italian dressing.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Make sure not to overfill and take care to seal the seams tightly. Press down the edges or roll them gently inward before baking.

Conclusion

This Copycat Costco Chicken Bake recipe brings the beloved food court favorite to your home oven with ease. It’s packed with familiar flavors—creamy dressing, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese—all wrapped in a golden crust. The steps are beginner-friendly, and the results are always satisfying.

Whether you’re prepping meals for the week, packing lunchboxes, or just craving something cozy and filling, this recipe fits the bill. Once you’ve made it at home, you may never need to line up at Costco again.

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