Description
Copycat Costco Chicken Bake
Recreate the iconic Costco Chicken Bake at home! This savory delight features tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy Caesar dressing, and a blend of gooey cheeses, all wrapped in golden pizza dough. Perfect for a quick meal or an impressive homemade treat, it’s easily customizable for every palate!
1 lb prepared pizza dough
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1½ tbsp olive oil
6 slices cooked, crumbled bacon
½ cup Caesar dressing
1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 egg, beaten
Directions:
1. Cook seasoned chicken and bacon.
2. Roll out dough, spread Caesar dressing, and layer with chicken, bacon, cheese, and onions.
3. Fold, seal, brush with egg, and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.
Prep Time: 30 min
Kcal: 450/serving
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken breasts evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. While the chicken cooks, prepare the bacon until crisp, then crumble it. On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches. Spread the Caesar dressing evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Evenly distribute the chopped chicken, crumbled bacon, Italian cheese blend, Parmesan, and green onions over the dressing. Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log, pinching the seam and ends to seal completely. Place the log seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the entire surface generously with the beaten egg. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the crust is a deep, golden brown. Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Chicken Bake fresh from the oven for the best texture. Slice it into thick portions and pair with a simple green salad or a cup of tomato soup for a complete meal. For a true Costco experience, offer extra Caesar dressing or marinara sauce on the side for dipping. It also makes excellent party food; slice it into smaller pieces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Leftovers reheat well in an air fryer or toaster oven to restore crispiness.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Season and cook chicken and bacon. Roll out dough, spread with dressing, and top with fillings. Roll tightly into a log, seal edges, brush with egg wash, and bake at 400°F until golden brown. Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken? Absolutely. Using about 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Simply skip the chicken cooking step and mix the seasoning into the chicken.
How can I make this ahead of time? You can assemble the unbaked log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Brush with egg wash just before baking. You may need to add 2-3 extra minutes to the bake time.
Can I freeze the Chicken Bake? Yes, for up to 3 months. Wrap the baked and cooled log tightly in foil and plastic. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
What’s a good substitute for Caesar dressing? Ranch dressing or a garlic aioli work very well. For a lighter option, try a mixture of light mayo with a squeeze of lemon and grated Parmesan.
Why is my dough soggy? Sogginess is usually from undercooking or overfilling. Ensure your oven is fully preheated, don’t over-saturate the dough with dressing, and make sure the bake time is sufficient for a deep golden crust.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: Do not overfill the dough, as it will be difficult to seal and may burst open. Ensure the seam is tightly pinched to prevent cheese leakage. Do not skip the egg wash, as it is crucial for that beautiful golden color. Let the baked log rest for a few minutes before slicing; cutting immediately will cause the hot filling to gush out. Finally, do not roll the dough too thin, or it may tear under the weight of the fillings.
Conclusion
Homemade Copycat Costco Chicken Bakes deliver all the savory, cheesy goodness of the original right from your kitchen. With this detailed guide, you can master the technique, customize the fillings to your liking, and avoid common errors. It’s a versatile and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners, game days, or meal prep. Enjoy the delicious results of your homemade effort!