Homemade Costco Chicken Bake Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself lingering a little too long at the Costco food court, eyeing that warm, golden, cheesy masterpiece known as the Chicken Bake, you’re not alone—and now you can satisfy that craving at home! This Homemade Costco Chicken Bake is everything you love about the original, but made with simple ingredients in your very own kitchen. Picture juicy shredded chicken, crispy bacon, gooey mozzarella, and a creamy Caesar kick, all wrapped up in soft pizza dough with a glossy, golden crust. It’s pure comfort and nostalgia, perfect for sharing with your favorite people (or, let’s be honest, savoring solo).

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of a Homemade Costco Chicken Bake is in its honest, recognizable ingredients—each one plays a special part, making the bake irresistible from top to bottom. Gather these essentials for maximum flavor and that signature texture!

• Chicken breast: Use about 1 pound of cooked and shredded chicken for moist, hearty protein—rotisserie chicken works like a dream here!
• Bacon: Crisp, chopped bacon (about 1/2 cup) brings that smoky, salty hit you expect from the original.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella (1 cup) turns wonderfully gooey and helps hold everything together.
• Caesar dressing: Creamy Caesar dressing (1/3 cup) delivers bold, tangy flavor that ties the filling together like nothing else.
• Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle (1/4 cup) of grated Parmesan adds nutty, salty depth in every bite.
• Garlic powder: Just 1/4 teaspoon gives the filling subtle, savory warmth.
• Black pepper: A pinch (1/4 teaspoon) enhances the flavors without overpowering them.
• Pizza dough: One pound of pizza dough—store-bought or homemade—wraps up everything in pillowy goodness.
• Egg: A single beaten egg makes a shiny golden egg wash for irresistible color and a little crunch.

How to Make Homemade Costco Chicken Bake

Step 1: Boil and Shred the Chicken

Start by poaching or boiling your chicken breast if it’s not already cooked—this keeps it juicy. Once cooled slightly, shred it with two forks or your fingers. You want those strips that catch the sauce, much like the famous Homemade Costco Chicken Bake you remember.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Mix together the shredded chicken, chopped cooked bacon, mozzarella, Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper in a large bowl. Stir until the mixture is evenly coated and every bite packs all the flavors you love.

Step 3: Roll Out and Cut the Dough

Lightly flour your countertop, then roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle about ¼-inch thick. This is key to getting that tender yet sturdy wrap—the hallmark of a true Homemade Costco Chicken Bake. Cut it in half so you have two equal pieces ready for stuffing.

Step 4: Add the Filling and Shape

Spoon half of the filling down the center of each piece of dough. Fold the long edges over the filling, then pinch and tuck the seams to completely seal each log. Place them seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet for a neat, bakery-fresh look.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Parmesan Finish

Brush the tops generously with the beaten egg for that oven-glossy glaze. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan over the top is optional, but so worth it—it crisps up beautifully and looks irresistible.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the chicken bakes at 400°F (200°C) for 18 to 22 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and cooked through. The aroma alone will have everyone lurking around the kitchen. Let them cool just a touch before slicing and serving so the filling stays nice and tidy inside.

How to Serve Homemade Costco Chicken Bake

Garnishes

A final flourish of freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or even a drizzle of extra Caesar dressing turns your Homemade Costco Chicken Bake from a meal into a celebration. Serve with lemon wedges for a fresh, zippy touch if you like!

Side Dishes

Pair your chicken bakes with crisp green salads tossed in light vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or even classic potato wedges for a throwback food court vibe. These sides cut the richness and make dinner (or lunch!) feel extra satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken bakes into smaller rolls for party appetizers or even lunchbox treats. Or, serve with a “dipping trio”—think Caesar dressing, spicy ranch, and warm marinara—for a DIY experience that makes guests feel like VIPs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have extras (not easy, but possible!), let your Homemade Costco Chicken Bake cool completely before storing. Wrap tightly in foil or transfer to airtight containers—they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days while retaining most of their texture and flavor.

Freezing

These chicken bakes freeze like a dream. Once cooled, wrap each log or individual portions in plastic wrap followed by foil, then stash them in a labeled freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for Homemade Costco Chicken Bake happiness on demand.

Reheating

To reheat, place thawed or refrigerated chicken bakes on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes. This brings back the signature crispy crust and gooey filling—skip the microwave if you can, as it makes the dough rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this Homemade Costco Chicken Bake. It’s flavorful, juicy, and eliminates a whole step—just shred and mix with the other filling ingredients.

What’s the best pizza dough to use?

You can use either store-bought or homemade pizza dough for the Homemade Costco Chicken Bake. Fresh dough from the bakery section yields excellent results, but ready-made dough in a tube also works if you’re pressed for time.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the chicken bakes up to 1 day ahead—just cover tightly and refrigerate before baking. When ready, bake straight from the fridge, adding a couple extra minutes to the cooking time.

Are there any good vegetarian swaps?

Certainly! Omit the chicken and bacon and use roasted veggies, sautéed mushrooms, or a blend of cooked spinach and artichokes for a tasty vegetarian twist that still hits those creamy, cheesy notes.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Make sure to firmly pinch and seal the seams, and always place the logs seam-side down on the baking sheet. Chilling the filled bakes in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking can also help maintain their shape.

Final Thoughts

Few things are as comforting or crowd-pleasing as a Homemade Costco Chicken Bake, and there’s just something magical about making it from scratch. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love to help, and fill your kitchen with that legendary, savory aroma—you’ll wonder why you ever waited in line for the original!