If you’ve ever shopped at Costco, you’ve probably noticed the warm, cheesy, golden goodness of their famous chicken bake in the food court. It’s hard to resist that combination of savory chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese wrapped in perfectly baked dough. Now, imagine being able to recreate that magic right in your own kitchen. With this Copycat Costco Chicken Bake recipe, you can do just that! Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something nostalgic about the flavors of a Costco chicken bake. Maybe it’s the creamy Caesar dressing that ties it all together, or the irresistible blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. By making it at home, you can customize it to your liking, control the ingredients, and enjoy it fresh out of the oven. Plus, it’s easier to make than you might think!
Ingredients for Copycat Costco Chicken Bake
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this savory treat:
For the Filling
- 2 large chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 6 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Caesar dressing
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Dough and Baking
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken and Bacon
- Cook the Chicken: You can grill, bake, or sauté the chicken breasts until fully cooked. Let them cool slightly before shredding with two forks.
- Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Place it on a paper towel to drain, then crumble into small pieces.
2. Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Shredded chicken
- Crumbled bacon
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Caesar dressing
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning
Mix everything well to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed.
3. Roll Out the Dough
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle, roughly 12×8 inches.
- This size provides enough space to hold the filling while allowing you to fold the dough securely.
4. Assemble the Chicken Bake
- Add the Filling: Spread the chicken and bacon mixture evenly down the center of the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
- Fold the Dough: Carefully fold the sides of the dough over the filling, followed by the ends. Pinch to seal, creating a secure rectangle or log shape.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Place the chicken bake seam-side down on the baking sheet and brush the top with olive oil. This step helps create that signature golden, crispy finish.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbling.
6. Slice and Serve
- Let the chicken bake cool for a few minutes before slicing it into portions.
- Serve as a main dish with a side salad, or enjoy it as a standalone snack.
Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Bake
1. Customize the Filling
While this recipe mirrors Costco’s classic chicken bake, feel free to make it your own. Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for an extra twist.
2. Use Quality Ingredients
Freshly shredded cheese melts better and adds a creamier texture. Opt for high-quality Caesar dressing for a flavor boost.
3. Seal the Dough Properly
Ensuring the dough is sealed tightly around the filling prevents leaks and keeps the bake perfectly intact.
4. Avoid Overfilling
While it’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, leaving some space ensures the bake holds its shape and cooks evenly.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one chicken bake (serves 4):
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 520 |
Protein | 32g |
Fat | 25g |
Carbohydrates | 40g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugars | 3g |
Creative Variations
1. Low-Carb Version
Swap out the pizza dough for a low-carb or keto-friendly dough alternative, like almond flour dough.
2. Vegetarian Twist
Replace the chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and roasted red peppers for a vegetarian option.
3. Spicy Kick
Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick of heat.
4. Cheesy Upgrade
Mix in other cheeses like cheddar or Gouda for a unique flavor profile.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap each bake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through.
FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful alternative to cooking chicken from scratch.
2. What kind of pizza dough works best?
Both store-bought and homemade pizza dough work well. Just ensure it’s fresh and easy to roll out.
3. How do I prevent the filling from spilling out?
Seal the dough tightly and avoid overfilling. Brushing the edges with water before folding can help create a stronger seal.
4. Can I prepare the chicken bake ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the chicken bake and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.
5. Is there a gluten-free option?
Use a gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
6. Can I make mini chicken bakes?
Of course! Divide the dough into smaller portions and create individual-sized bakes. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Conclusion
The Copycat Costco Chicken Bake is a comforting, cheesy, and downright delicious dish that you can easily recreate at home. Perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or even a snack, it’s a versatile recipe that never disappoints. The best part? You don’t need a Costco membership to enjoy it.
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Copycat Costco Chicken Bake: A Homemade Favorite
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Recreate the magic of Costco’s famous chicken bake in your own kitchen! This savory dish features tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy Caesar dressing, and gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese wrapped in crispy pizza dough. Whether you’re craving a satisfying weeknight dinner or a fun gathering snack, this homemade version is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 large chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 6 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Caesar dressing
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Dough and Baking
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon
- Cook the chicken by grilling, baking, or sautéing until fully cooked. Let it cool slightly before shredding with two forks.
- Cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it into small pieces.
- Make the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, mozzarella, Parmesan, Caesar dressing, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine.
- Roll Out the Dough
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about 12×8 inches.
- Assemble the Chicken Bake
- Spread the chicken and bacon mixture evenly down the center of the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
- Fold the sides of the dough over the filling and pinch the ends to seal, forming a secure log shape.
- Bake to Perfection
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the chicken bake seam-side down on the baking sheet and brush the top with olive oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Slice and Serve
- Let the chicken bake cool for a few minutes before slicing it into portions. Serve with a side salad or enjoy as a stand-alone snack.
Notes
- Customize the Filling: Add spinach, mushrooms, or your favorite veggies for extra flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly shredded cheese and high-quality Caesar dressing make a big difference in taste.
- Seal the Dough Properly: A tight seal ensures no filling leaks out during baking.
- Don’t Overfill: Leaving some space around the edges helps the dough cook evenly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American