Few dishes inspire as much nostalgia as Costco’s iconic chicken bake. For many, it’s a beloved treat after a shopping trip—a warm, savory, cheesy delight that’s satisfying and indulgent. But what if you could recreate this culinary classic at home? Enter the Copycat Costco Chicken Bake (with Turkey Bacon), a recipe that’s not only easier on your wallet but also offers healthier and more customizable options.
By making this dish at home, you can control every aspect of the ingredients, from choosing leaner proteins like turkey bacon to using fresh, high-quality chicken breast. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare! The combination of savory chicken, crispy turkey bacon, creamy Caesar dressing, and melted cheese wrapped in soft pizza dough will have you wondering why you didn’t try this sooner. Whether you’re making it for dinner, meal prep, or a crowd-pleasing snack, this recipe delivers every time.
Why This Recipe Works
The Copycat Costco Chicken Bake hits all the right notes, blending comfort and indulgence with a homemade twist. The balance of flavors is key: creamy Caesar dressing provides tangy richness, while turkey bacon offers a crisp, smoky contrast. Tender chicken breast adds heartiness, and the cheese combination melts beautifully for gooey, irresistible bites.
One of the standout features of this recipe is its simplicity. With a handful of accessible ingredients—most of which you might already have in your kitchen—you can whip up a dish that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant. The use of pre-made pizza dough saves time, making this an approachable recipe even for busy weeknights.
Another reason this recipe shines is its oven-baked preparation. Unlike fried alternatives, baking creates a golden, puffed exterior while sealing in the flavorful, cheesy filling. This method ensures a healthier dish without compromising on taste or texture. Perfectly crispy outside, deliciously tender inside—this recipe has it all.
Ingredients Overview
To create the perfect Copycat Costco Chicken Bake, each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering flavor, texture, and satisfaction. Here’s a closer look at the key components:
- Pizza Dough: Whether you use store-bought or homemade, pizza dough forms the base of this recipe. It’s soft, pliable, and bakes into a beautifully golden exterior that holds the delicious filling. Store-bought dough offers convenience, while homemade dough adds a personal touch.
- Chicken Breasts: Lean, protein-packed, and versatile, chicken breasts are the ideal choice for this recipe. Properly seasoned and cooked, they become tender and juicy, adding heartiness to every bite.
- Turkey Bacon: This lighter alternative to regular bacon adds a crispy, smoky flavor without the excess fat. Baking it ensures even crispiness and keeps the preparation simple.
- Caesar Dressing: Creamy Caesar dressing ties all the flavors together. Its tangy, savory notes complement the chicken and cheese, creating a rich and cohesive filling.
- Cheese: A mix of Italian blend (mozzarella and provolone) and Parmesan cheese provides creamy richness and a gooey texture. The Parmesan adds a nutty, salty finish.
Substitutions and Variations
- Regular Bacon: For a more indulgent version, use crispy pork bacon.
- Dressing Alternatives: Ranch or Alfredo sauce can replace Caesar dressing, adding unique flavor profiles.
- Dietary Adjustments: Make it vegan or gluten-free by using alternative pizza dough, plant-based cheese, and meat substitutes. Gluten-free pizza dough ensures everyone can enjoy this treat without compromise.
This recipe is versatile, allowing you to adjust ingredients to your preferences while still achieving a delicious result.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Pizza Dough
Start by removing your pizza dough from the refrigerator and letting it rest at room temperature for about an hour. This step is crucial—it relaxes the gluten in the dough, making it easier to roll out without springing back. Dust your work surface lightly with flour before rolling to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into equal portions, ensuring each one is ready for assembly later.
Cooking Turkey Bacon
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the turkey bacon slices in a single layer and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy. Baking ensures even cooking and reduces the need for extra oil. Once done, transfer the slices to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. This step can be done ahead of time to streamline the process.
Cooking the Chicken
Season your chicken breasts generously with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder for optimal flavor. Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken, seasoned side down, for about 5 minutes, allowing it to develop a golden crust. Flip the chicken, season the other side, and cook for another minute. Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the skillet, then transfer it to the oven.
Bake the chicken at 350°F (175°C) for 17-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken cool slightly before chopping it into bite-sized pieces—this prevents the juices from escaping and keeps the meat tender.
Assembling the Chicken Bakes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out each portion of pizza dough into a circle about 12-13 inches wide. Spread a generous layer of Caesar dressing over the surface, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese over the dressing, then layer on the chopped chicken, crumbled turkey bacon, and most of the Italian cheese blend, reserving a small amount for topping.
To roll, fold the left and right edges of the dough slightly over the filling. Starting from the bottom edge, roll the dough tightly, ensuring the seams are pinched shut. This helps keep the filling inside during baking. Shape into a log and place it seam-side down on the baking sheet, ready for the final bake.
Baking and Serving
Baking to Perfection
The final baking step is where all the elements come together, creating a golden, crispy, and irresistible chicken bake. Before baking, brush the top of each roll with beaten egg. This step isn’t just aesthetic—it helps create a shiny, golden crust that enhances the bake’s visual appeal while locking in moisture.
Sprinkle the reserved Italian cheese blend and a touch of Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and texture. This topping melts into a deliciously bubbly crust during baking.
Bake the chicken bakes in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 18-20 minutes, keeping a close eye as oven temperatures can vary. You’re aiming for a crispy exterior with a gooey, perfectly melted interior. For even cooking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through if your oven has hot spots.
Once the bakes are puffed, golden brown, and slightly crispy on the outside, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes to allow the filling to settle, ensuring each bite is as satisfying as the last.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
Serve your chicken bakes warm to fully appreciate their crisp exterior and cheesy interior. The creamy Caesar dressing and smoky turkey bacon are at their best when fresh from the oven. Pair these hearty bakes with a light, refreshing green salad or a warm bowl of tomato soup for a complete meal. For a snack or party platter, serve with dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness. To freeze, wrap the bakes tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. When reheating from frozen, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Customizing Your Chicken Bakes
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—you can adapt it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Add a layer of spinach, roasted peppers, or mushrooms to incorporate vegetables, boosting both nutrition and flavor. If you enjoy spice, consider sprinkling in diced jalapeños or drizzling hot sauce into the filling for a kick.
For a fun twist, turn these into mini chicken bakes for kids or party snacks. Roll smaller portions of dough into individual-sized logs, adjusting the baking time to 12-15 minutes. Alternatively, slice a full-sized bake into bite-sized pieces to serve as appetizers.
The filling is also highly adaptable—try using barbecue sauce and cheddar for a smoky twist or swap out the Caesar dressing for pesto to create a Mediterranean-inspired bake. The possibilities are endless, making this a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
FAQs and Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover chicken is a great time-saver. Rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken works perfectly, as long as it’s already seasoned. Simply shred or chop it into small pieces before assembling your chicken bakes. This not only reduces prep time but also helps minimize food waste.
2. Can I make the chicken bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken bakes ahead of time. Assemble the bakes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best flavor and texture.
3. Can I substitute the Caesar dressing?
If Caesar dressing isn’t your favorite or you’re looking to switch things up, ranch dressing, Alfredo sauce, or even garlic butter are excellent alternatives. Each adds a unique twist to the flavor profile while maintaining the creamy richness of the filling.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For crispy results, reheat leftovers in an oven or air fryer rather than a microwave. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the chicken bakes for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. In an air fryer, reheat at 350°F for about 8 minutes. This helps restore the crispy exterior without drying out the filling.
5. Can I freeze chicken bakes?
Yes, these chicken bakes freeze beautifully! Wrap each bake tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until crispy and warmed through. They’re perfect for meal prep or quick dinners.
Conclusion
The Copycat Costco Chicken Bake (with Turkey Bacon) is an easy, versatile recipe that combines the flavors of creamy Caesar dressing, savory chicken, and gooey cheese in a golden, crispy crust. Whether you’re recreating the nostalgia of Costco’s classic or putting your own twist on it, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions.
Give this recipe a try, experiment with the suggested variations, and share it with friends and family. Pro tip: double the recipe to have extras on hand for a family feast or quick snacks during the week. You’ll love having this in your rotation!
Print
Copycat Costco Chicken Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Description
This lighter twist on the Costco classic uses turkey bacon for a flavorful and slightly healthier option. These cheesy, savory chicken bakes are still packed with all the deliciousness you love!
Ingredients
- 1 pound prepared pizza dough
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
- ¾ cup water, or more as needed
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- ½ cup creamy Caesar dressing
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend (mozzarella and provolone), divided
- ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the pizza dough: Let the dough rest at room temperature for 1 hour to make it easier to roll out.
2️⃣ Cook the turkey bacon:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lay the turkey bacon strips on a foil-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until crisp. Drain on paper towels, crumble, and set aside. Leave the oven on.
3️⃣ Cook the chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, seasoned side down, and cook for about 5 minutes, undisturbed, until golden brown.
Flip, season the other side, and cook for 1 more minute. Add enough water to cover the bottom of the skillet and transfer to the oven.
Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let cool, then chop into small pieces.
4️⃣ Increase oven temperature: Raise the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5️⃣ Prepare the dough:
Dust a large work surface with flour. Divide the pizza dough into 3 equal portions.
Roll each portion into a circle about 12-13 inches wide.
6️⃣ Assemble the chicken bakes:
Spread Caesar dressing evenly over each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border.
Sprinkle 2 tbsp of Parmesan cheese over the dressing.
Top each with chopped chicken, crumbled turkey bacon, green onions, and most of the Italian cheese blend (reserve 2 tbsp for topping).
7️⃣ Roll the bakes:
Fold the left and right edges of the dough slightly over the filling.
Starting from the bottom edge, roll the dough tightly over the filling until fully wrapped. Pinch the seams to seal and shape into a log about 12 inches long. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
8️⃣ Top and bake:
Brush the tops of the logs with beaten egg. Sprinkle with the reserved Italian cheese blend and 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese per bake.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
9️⃣ Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Turkey Bacon Tips: For extra crisp turkey bacon, cook a few additional minutes under a broiler.
- Cheese Options: Swap the Italian cheese blend with cheddar or gouda for a unique flavor.
- Make Ahead: Assembled bakes can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 large chicken bakes
