Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

This Copycat Costco Chicken Bake tastes just like the one from the food court—but even better at home. It’s stuffed with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and creamy dressing, all wrapped in golden dough. Warm, cheesy, and super satisfying.

I made it one night when I was missing that classic Costco flavor, and it hit the spot. The inside is rich and savory, and the outside bakes up soft with a little crunch. It’s one of those meals that feels like fast food but made with love.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day. I’ll show you how I make it step by step. Trust me—once you try it, you won’t miss the food court.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Costco Classic, Made at Home: Recreates the exact combination of ingredients, textures, and flavors people love about the original.
• No Special Equipment Needed: Just standard kitchen tools, basic ingredients, and an oven.
• Freezer-Friendly: Bake once, freeze individually, and reheat later with great results.
• Satisfying Meal-in-One: It’s protein-rich, filling, and portable—perfect for lunchboxes, game days, or dinner on the go.
• Customizable: You can adjust cheeses, dressings, dough type, and fillings to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes (including cooling)
Servings: 4 large bakes
Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate

While this recipe isn’t difficult, assembling and sealing the dough neatly takes some care. If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, allow it to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes so it’s easier to roll without shrinking.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Baking Sheet: A standard sheet pan works fine. Lining it with parchment helps prevent sticking.
• Rolling Pin: For flattening the dough to a consistent thickness.
• Mixing Bowls: For prepping the filling ingredients.
• Sharp Knife or Bench Scraper: To cut and seal the dough properly.
• Pastry Brush: Useful for applying olive oil (or egg wash if preferred).
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision helps the flavor stay balanced.
• Cooling Rack (optional): Keeps the crust from getting soggy post-bake.

Ingredients for the Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

Below is a breakdown of what goes into each component. Quantities will be listed clearly in the recipe card at the end.

Main Components

• Chicken Breast (Cooked): Use about 2 large breasts, either poached, grilled, or baked, then diced or shredded. Avoid overcooking—juicy chicken matters here. Season simply with salt and pepper.
• Bacon (Crispy, Crumbled): You’ll need 5–6 slices. Cook until golden and fully crisped, then drain on paper towels. This adds smoky, salty depth to the filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded): Melts into the creamy dressing and gives that signature stretchy texture. Use whole milk mozzarella if possible.
• Parmesan Cheese (Grated): Adds a sharp, nutty kick to balance the mild mozzarella.
• Caesar Dressing (Thick & Creamy): Avoid thin dressings—they make the filling watery. A mayo-based Caesar is ideal for clinging to the chicken and bacon.
• Pizza Dough (Store-Bought or Homemade): Each bake uses a 6×8-inch rectangle of dough. Let dough rest at room temperature before rolling to make it pliable.

For Brushing and Seasoning

• Olive Oil: Brushed on top for browning and moisture.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a toasted aroma without raw garlic bite.
• Italian Seasoning: Enhances the savory profile with herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Salt & Pepper: Always season to taste—lightly over the top or within the filling.

Optional Add-Ins

These are not in the original, but work beautifully in homemade versions:

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add chew and tang.
• Baby Spinach (Chopped): For extra nutrition.
• Crushed Red Pepper: To boost the heat level.
• Smoked Gouda or Provolone: Mix with mozzarella for a deeper cheese flavor.
• Roasted Garlic: Blends well with the Caesar dressing for added complexity.

How to Make Costco Chicken Bake – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Filling

Start by preparing all the internal components before handling the dough.

• Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook the chicken breasts (grilled, poached, or roasted) and dice or shred into small pieces. You want roughly 2–2½ cups. Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the cheese when mixed.
• Bacon: Cook 6 slices of bacon until crisp. Let it drain on paper towels, then crumble into small bits. This adds that signature salty crunch.
• Cheese Blend: In a bowl, mix shredded mozzarella with grated Parmesan. This blend balances stretchiness with flavor.
• Dressing: Use a thick Caesar dressing, ideally chilled. It will act as a binder.

2. Combine the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the following:

• Cooked chicken
• Crumbled bacon
• ¾ of the mozzarella-Parmesan mixture
• ½ cup Caesar dressing
• Pinch of black pepper

Mix until well combined. The mixture should be moist but not runny. If it seems too loose, add a bit more cheese.

3. Prep the Dough

If using refrigerated or frozen pizza dough:

• Bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes so it rolls easily.
• Lightly flour your work surface.
• Divide dough into 4 equal pieces.

Shape each portion into a rectangle approximately 6×8 inches—about the length of a folded piece of paper.

Tip: Don’t roll the dough too thin; it should be about ¼-inch thick to hold the filling without tearing.

4. Assemble the Bakes

Now you’re ready to build:

1. Place filling down the center of each dough rectangle, leaving about 1 inch of space around all edges. Use about ¾ to 1 cup of filling per bake.
2. Top with remaining cheese, sprinkling over the filling.
3. Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal tightly. Tuck the ends under to form a neat log.
4. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

5. Season the Tops

Before baking, brush each roll with:

• Olive oil (or egg wash for a glossier finish)
• A sprinkle of garlic powder
• A pinch of Italian seasoning
• A small handful of extra Parmesan (optional for a crusty top)

This step adds a golden color and savory flavor to the finished crust.

6. Bake

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and fully cooked through. The filling should be hot and bubbling slightly at the edges.

Tip: If the tops brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil in the last 5–8 minutes.

7. Cool Slightly Before Serving

Let the chicken bakes rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set slightly and prevents burning your mouth.

How to Serve Costco Chicken Bake

These are best served warm, straight from the oven, but they’re also great at room temperature.

Serving Ideas:

• Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or green side salad for balance.
• Serve with extra Caesar dressing or a garlic aioli for dipping.
• Slice into smaller pieces and serve as a party appetizer or potluck dish.

Texture Tip: For extra crispness, reheat leftovers in the oven or toaster oven instead of the microwave.

How to Store and Reheat

Storage:

• Let cool completely, then wrap each bake individually in foil or plastic wrap.
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Wrap tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

To Reheat:

• From Fridge: Place in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes until warmed through.
• From Frozen: Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, unwrapped, until hot in the center and crisp on the outside.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Cold Ingredients for Assembly: Cold Caesar dressing and cooled chicken will help prevent the dough from becoming soggy during assembly.
• Don’t Overfill: Resist the urge to pack in too much filling—it can cause leaks during baking. Keep to about ¾–1 cup of filling per dough rectangle.
• Seal Edges Properly: Press the seams firmly and pinch ends tightly. A bit of water or egg wash on the edges can help the dough stick together if it’s dry.
• Rest Before Slicing: Allow each bake to cool for at least 5 minutes to firm up before cutting—this helps the cheese and dressing settle.
• Reheat in Oven for Best Texture: While microwaving is faster, reheating in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes preserves the crisp crust.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount (per chicken bake)
Calories	590–620 kcal
Protein	38g
Carbohydrates	34g
Total Fat	35g
Saturated Fat	12g
Cholesterol	110mg
Sodium	980mg
Fiber	1g
Sugars	2g
Calcium	220mg

Note: Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion size.

Costco Chicken Bake FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Yes, absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option and adds great flavor. Just make sure to remove the skin and shred or dice the meat before mixing.

What’s the best store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Look for fresh or refrigerated pizza dough at the grocery store, usually near the deli or bakery section. Avoid canned crescent or biscuit dough, as the texture won’t match the original Costco version.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. You can fully assemble the bakes and refrigerate them (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, bring to room temperature for 15–20 minutes, then bake as directed.

How do I keep the dough from tearing or shrinking while rolling?
Let the dough sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before rolling. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to stretch evenly.

Can I freeze these before baking?
It’s better to freeze them after baking. While freezing raw yeast dough can be done, the texture is more reliable when you freeze fully cooked bakes.

Conclusion

This Copycat Costco Chicken Bake recipe brings the famous food court favorite right into your own kitchen. With just a few everyday ingredients—chicken, bacon, cheese, Caesar dressing, and dough—you get a savory, cheesy, handheld meal that’s comforting and satisfying. The best part? You can tweak it to fit your tastes, freeze extras for later, and enjoy the same delicious results without a Costco trip.

Whether you serve it for lunch, dinner, or meal prep for the week ahead, this homemade chicken bake is a reliable go-to that’s always worth making.