Copycat Costco Chicken Bake Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Meal!

Are you craving the delicious, cheesy goodness of Costco’s chicken bake but don’t want to make a trip to the warehouse store? Look no further! This copycat recipe allows you to recreate this beloved treat in the comfort of your own kitchen. It’s surprisingly simple, customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. This recipe provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to achieving that perfect Costco chicken bake experience. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s get baking!

## Why This Copycat Recipe Works

Many copycat recipes fall short, but this one aims for authenticity by focusing on key elements:

* **The Right Dough:** We’re using pre-made pizza dough to mimic Costco’s slightly chewy yet soft crust. It’s a convenient shortcut without sacrificing texture.
* **Flavorful Chicken Filling:** Rotisserie chicken (or leftover cooked chicken) is the star. We combine it with bacon, cheese, ranch dressing, and Caesar dressing to replicate that signature savory flavor profile.
* **Cheesy Goodness:** A blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese creates a gooey, melty topping that’s irresistible.
* **The Bake:** Achieving the right level of browning and crispness is crucial. We’ll guide you through the perfect baking time and temperature.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* 1 pound pre-made pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
* 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup ranch dressing
* 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
* 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)
* All-purpose flour (for dusting)

### Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

* **Pizza Dough:** You can use your favorite brand of store-bought pizza dough or make your own from scratch. If using frozen dough, thaw it completely before using. For a slightly different flavor, try using garlic herb pizza dough.
* **Chicken:** Rotisserie chicken is the most convenient option and offers a great flavor. However, you can also use leftover grilled, baked, or pan-fried chicken. Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before shredding.
* **Bacon:** Pre-cooked bacon bits can save time, but freshly cooked and crumbled bacon will provide the best flavor. Turkey bacon can be used as a substitute for pork bacon.
* **Cheese:** Mozzarella is essential for the cheesy pull, but you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack for added flavor. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty note. Feel free to use a Parmesan-Romano blend.
* **Dressings:** Ranch and Caesar dressings are key components of the Costco chicken bake flavor. Use your favorite brands. Light or low-fat versions can be used to reduce calories.
* **Green Onions:** These add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color. Chives can be used as a substitute.
* **Olive Oil:** Any neutral oil can be used to grease the baking sheet, such as canola oil or vegetable oil.

## Equipment Needed

* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
* Rolling pin
* Mixing bowl
* Pizza cutter or knife
* Measuring cups and spoons

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make your own delicious Costco chicken bakes:

**Step 1: Prepare the Dough**

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or line it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Lightly flour a clean work surface. This will prevent the pizza dough from sticking while you roll it out.
3. Divide the pizza dough in half. This recipe makes two chicken bakes. If you want to make more, adjust the ingredients accordingly.
4. Roll out one piece of dough into a rectangle approximately 12×8 inches. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Thinner dough will result in a crispier crust, while thicker dough will be chewier.
5. Transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared baking sheet. Gently stretch it if needed to fit. Repeat steps 4 and 5 with the second piece of dough.

**Step 2: Make the Chicken Filling**

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, ranch dressing, and Caesar dressing. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You can add a pinch of salt and pepper, or a dash of garlic powder for extra flavor.

**Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Bakes**

1. Divide the chicken filling evenly between the two pieces of dough. Spread the filling over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. This border will allow the crust to puff up and brown nicely.
2. Carefully roll up each dough rectangle, starting from one of the longer sides. Pinch the seam to seal it tightly. This will prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
3. Place the rolled-up dough seam-side down on the baking sheet. This will help the seam stay closed during baking.
4. Gently curve each roll into a crescent shape. This is the signature shape of Costco’s chicken bakes.
5. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, make several diagonal slits across the top of each bake. These slits will allow steam to escape during baking, preventing the crust from becoming soggy.

**Step 4: Bake the Chicken Bakes**

1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the bakes.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the filling to set slightly, making it easier to slice.
3. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. This adds a fresh flavor and a pop of color.

## Tips for the Perfect Chicken Bake

* **Don’t overfill the dough:** Too much filling can make the bakes difficult to roll and may cause them to burst during baking.
* **Seal the seams tightly:** This will prevent the filling from leaking out.
* **Make sure the oven is preheated:** This ensures that the bakes cook evenly.
* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking can result in a dry crust.
* **Let cool slightly before slicing:** This will allow the filling to set and prevent it from being too runny.
* **Get creative with the fillings**: Add jalapeños for a spicy kick, diced tomatoes for freshness, or different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve the chicken bakes hot, fresh from the oven.
* Pair them with a side salad for a complete meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the chicken bakes.
* Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, Caesar dressing, or honey mustard.
* Chicken bakes are also great for parties and gatherings. Cut them into smaller pieces and serve as appetizers.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerating:** Leftover chicken bakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken bakes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the crust may become soggy.
* **Freezing:** Chicken bakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed above. You can also bake them from frozen, but the baking time will be longer.

## Variations and Customization

* **Spicy Chicken Bake:** Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken filling for a spicy kick.
* **Buffalo Chicken Bake:** Use buffalo wing sauce instead of ranch dressing for a buffalo chicken flavor.
* **BBQ Chicken Bake:** Use BBQ sauce instead of ranch dressing and add some diced red onion.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Replace the chicken with cooked mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions for a vegetarian version.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or cheddar.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add diced tomatoes, spinach, or other vegetables to the chicken filling.

## Making it Ahead

You can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This will save you time when you’re ready to assemble and bake the chicken bakes. You can also assemble the chicken bakes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before baking. However, it’s best to bake them fresh for the best results.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 600-800 per bake (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Fat: 30-40 grams
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Carbohydrates: 50-70 grams

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

* **Can I use different types of dough?**
Yes, you can use puff pastry, crescent roll dough, or even naan bread as a base for the chicken bakes. However, the baking time may need to be adjusted.
* **Can I make these gluten-free?**
Yes, use a gluten-free pizza dough and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
* **Can I make these vegan?**
Yes, use a vegan pizza dough, vegan chicken substitute, vegan cheese, and vegan ranch and Caesar dressings.
* **How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?**
Make sure to make slits on top of the bake to allow steam to escape and avoid overfilling.
* **Why are my chicken bakes dry?**
Avoid overbaking. Consider adding more dressing to the filling to increase moisture.

## The Final Verdict

This copycat Costco chicken bake recipe is a winner! It’s easy to make, customizable, and tastes just like the real thing. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness of Costco’s iconic chicken bake without ever leaving your kitchen!

## Recipe Card

**Copycat Costco Chicken Bake**

**Yields:** 2 bakes
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound pre-made pizza dough
* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
* 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup ranch dressing
* 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
* 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* All-purpose flour (for dusting)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet.
2. Flour a surface. Divide dough in half.
3. Roll out each piece to a 12×8 inch rectangle.
4. Transfer to baking sheet.
5. Combine chicken, bacon, mozzarella, Parmesan, ranch, and Caesar dressing in a bowl.
6. Divide filling between the dough.
7. Roll up each rectangle, pinching the seam to seal.
8. Place seam-side down, curve into a crescent shape.
9. Make diagonal slits on top.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Let cool slightly, garnish with green onions, and serve.

Enjoy your homemade Costco Chicken Bake! This recipe brings all the deliciousness of Costco’s famous bake to your own kitchen, making it easy to satisfy your cravings any time. It’s a fun and rewarding cooking experience that will surely impress your friends and family.