Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Recipe

The Best Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Recipe Ever Made at Home

Sinking your teeth into a copycat Costco chicken bake that rivals the original’s legendary status.

This iconic handheld marvel packs serious flavor into every single bite.

Crispy golden dough wraps around tender chicken pieces with precision and care.

Melted cheese and creamy sauce create a mouthwatering combination that feels both familiar and exciting.

Restaurant-quality results await with minimal kitchen effort and maximum satisfaction.

Recreating this beloved snack promises a delightful culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.

Grab your ingredients and let’s transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Tips To Get The Perfect Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

  • Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Pat chicken dry before mixing to remove excess moisture and ensure crispy, golden-brown crust.
  • Customize Cheese Blend: Swap mozzarella and Parmesan with your favorite cheese combinations like cheddar or provolone for unique flavor profiles.
  • Seal Edges Carefully: Use fork tines to crimp and seal dough edges, preventing filling from leaking during baking.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare chicken bakes up to 24 hours in advance, store covered in refrigerator, and bake just before serving for convenient meal prep.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute pizza dough with gluten-free alternatives like cauliflower crust or low-carb tortilla wraps for dietary restrictions.

Store And Reheat Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken bakes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing to prevent soggy texture.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual chicken bakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain optimal flavor and quality.
  • Reheating Oven Method: Warm refrigerated chicken bakes at 350F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they're heated through. For frozen bakes, thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Microwave Option: Reheat refrigerated chicken bakes on medium power for 1-2 minutes, rotating halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

Best Pairings For Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

  • Perfect Wine Partner: Choose a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, cheesy chicken filling and complement the savory bacon notes.
  • Refreshing Beverage Companion: Pair with a cold craft beer, particularly a light lager or pale ale, which balances the hearty flavors and provides a clean, refreshing contrast.
  • Zesty Side Salad Match: Serve with a tangy mixed green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to add brightness and cut through the heaviness of the chicken bake, creating a well-rounded meal experience.
  • Complementary Dipping Sauce: Offer a creamy ranch or garlic aioli on the side for an extra flavor dimension that enhances the chicken bake's already delicious profile.

Fun Ways To Tweak Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

  • Mediterranean Breeze: Swap chicken with grilled lamb, add feta cheese, kalamata olives, and sprinkle with oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Replace chicken with shredded beef, mix in jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and drizzle with chipotle ranch dressing for a bold southwestern flavor profile.
  • Veggie Power Pack: Substitute chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, incorporate spinach, and use a blend of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses for a hearty vegetarian option.
  • Asian Fusion Fold: Use shredded teriyaki chicken, add green onions, water chestnuts, and swap traditional cheese with a light cream cheese, then brush with sesame oil before baking for an exciting east-meets-west creation.

FAQs About Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

  • What makes this Costco Chicken Bake recipe special?

This homemade version captures the exact flavor and texture of the famous Costco favorite, letting you enjoy the classic comfort food right in your own kitchen without waiting in long lines.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan work perfectly, you can experiment with cheddar or provolone for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! These chicken bakes freeze wonderfully. You can prepare them ahead of time, freeze before baking, and cook directly from frozen, making them a convenient meal option for busy weeks.

  • Do I need any special baking skills to make this?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic kitchen skills. Just follow the steps carefully, and you’ll create delicious chicken bakes that taste just like the Costco version.

Why Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Tastes Just Like The Original

  • Craving Convenience: Recreate the beloved Costco Chicken Bake at home with minimal effort, saving time and satisfying your comfort food desires in one delicious package.
  • Flavor Explosion: Packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, melty cheeses, and zesty seasonings, this recipe delivers a mouthwatering combination that keeps you coming back for more.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Easily adaptable for family dinners, quick lunches, or game day gatherings, these chicken bakes are sure to impress both kids and adults with their handheld, hearty goodness.
  • Quick and Customizable: Whip up these chicken bakes in under 30 minutes, with the freedom to swap ingredients or add personal twists to match your taste preferences.

What You’ll Need For Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

Main Protein and Cheese:
  • Cooked Chicken: The star protein, perfect for a hearty filling with a tender texture.
  • Bacon: Adds smoky flavor and crispy richness to the chicken mixture.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Provides creamy melting texture and mild cheese flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, salty depth to the overall taste.
Dough and Seasoning:
  • Pizza Dough: The flexible wrapper that holds the delicious filling, creating a portable meal.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, aromatic seasoning throughout the filling.
  • Italian Seasoning: Introduces herbal complexity to the chicken mixture.
Binding and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Caesar Dressing: Helps bind the filling and adds tangy, creamy moisture.
  • Egg: Creates a beautiful golden-brown exterior when brushed on top.

Steps To Make Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

Step 1: Set Up Your Cooking Station

Warm up your oven to 375F (190C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Shredded cooked chicken
  • Crispy crumbled bacon
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Creamy caesar dressing
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning

Stir everything together until the ingredients are perfectly blended.

Step 3: Prepare Pizza Dough

Take your pizza dough and divide it into four equal portions. Using a rolling pin, shape each piece into a rectangular canvas about 6×8 inches wide.

Step 4: Craft Your Chicken Masterpiece

Spread a generous scoop of the chicken mixture right in the center of each dough rectangle. Leave a small border around the edges to prevent spillage. Carefully fold the sides of the dough over the filling, then roll from one end to the other like a delicious burrito. Pinch the seams closed to lock in all the amazing flavors.

Step 5: Add Golden Finishing Touch

Place your rolled chicken bakes seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Grab a beaten egg and lovingly brush the tops to create a stunning golden crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dough transforms into a beautiful golden-brown color and the filling is heated through.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the chicken bakes to cool for a few minutes. This helps the filling set and prevents burning your mouth. Slice, serve, and watch everyone devour these copycat treats!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Recipe

Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Costco chicken bake delivers comfort and nostalgia in every delicious bite. Classic Italian-American flavors merge perfectly with crispy cheese crust, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled

Cheese and Base:

  • 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Finishing:

  • ½ cup Caesar dressing or ranch dressing
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
  2. Craft the savory filling by thoroughly blending cooked chicken, crispy bacon crumbles, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, creamy dressing, aromatic garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a mixing bowl until ingredients are harmoniously combined.
  3. Transform the pizza dough into four equal portions, carefully rolling each section into rectangular shapes that provide ample space for generous filling.
  4. Distribute the chicken mixture precisely in the center of each dough rectangle, maintaining a strategic border around the edges to prevent spillage during baking.
  5. Execute a precise folding technique by gently pulling the dough sides over the filling, then tightly rolling from one end to create a sealed cylindrical package, meticulously pinching any potential openings to secure the contents.
  6. Position the assembled chicken bakes with their seam facing downward on the prepared baking sheet, then delicately brush the exterior with beaten egg to achieve a luxurious golden-brown finish.
  7. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the dough transforms into a rich, golden color and reaches complete doneness.
  8. Allow the chicken bakes a brief resting period to stabilize their structure, then serve while warm, inviting immediate enjoyment of this delectable culinary creation.

Notes

  • Customize the filling by swapping chicken with shredded turkey or plant-based protein for dietary variations.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar or smoked gouda to enhance flavor complexity.
  • Ensure dough is rolled thin and evenly to prevent thick, doughy sections and maintain consistent texture throughout the chicken bake.
  • Prevent soggy bottoms by preheating the baking sheet or using a pizza stone for extra crispiness and even heat distribution.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star