If you love the chicken bakes from Costco, you’ll be thrilled to learn how to make your own version at home! This recipe brings the delicious flavors of tender chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in a warm, fluffy dough. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. Let’s dive into the details and make this mouthwatering treat!
Why Make This Recipe
Making your own chicken bakes at home is a great way to enjoy a Costco favorite anytime you want. Not only can you customize the ingredients to fit your taste, but you also get the satisfaction of making it from scratch. Plus, it’s often more affordable than buying them ready-made. This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. You’ll impress your family and friends with your cooking skills!
How to Make The Best Copycat Costco Chicken Bake
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups bread flour (scooped and leveled)
- 1 cup warm water (80-90°F)
- 1 tsp dry active yeast
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp olive oil (or any neutral-flavored oil)
- 9 oz cooked chicken breast
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (half of it mixed with grated provolone cheese. It should equal 5 oz.)
- 1/2 cup bacon bits (toasted)
- 1/4 cup creamy Caesar dressing
- 2 Tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese (for tops)
- 4 Tbsp creamy Caesar dressing (smeared on top)
Directions:
- To make the pizza dough, mix 1 cup of warm water and 1 tsp of yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Add 2 tsp of sugar, 2 tsp of salt, and 2 1/2 cups of flour. Stir well and add 2 tsp of olive oil.
- Knead for 4 minutes, then cover and let it rest for 15 minutes. At this point, it’s ready and can be refrigerated if you want. The dough should be tacky and very pliable.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F and lightly grease a 16-inch perforated pizza pan.
- Cut the pizza dough into four equal pieces and roll each piece into a thin 11×8-inch rectangle. Smear 1 Tbsp of Caesar dressing inside, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- In a bowl, combine the filling ingredients: 9 oz cooked chicken, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella (mixed with provolone), 1/2 cup of toasted bacon bits, and 1/4 cup of Caesar dressing.
- Place 1 cup of this filling across the center of each rolled-out dough piece.
- Fold in the sides and roll up like a jelly roll, pinching the seams to seal.
- Place all the chicken bakes onto the prepared pizza pan. Brush each one with 1 Tbsp of Caesar dressing and sprinkle with 1/2 Tbsp of shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 450°F for 20 minutes on the bottom rack of the oven.
How to Serve The Best Copycat Costco Chicken Bake
These chicken bakes are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the oven. You can serve them with extra Caesar dressing on the side for dipping, or pair them with a simple salad for a complete meal. They’re great for sharing or meal-prepping for the week.
How to Store The Best Copycat Costco Chicken Bake
To store the leftovers, let the chicken bakes cool completely and place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to store them longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
Tips to Make The Best Copycat Costco Chicken Bake
- Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Feel free to add different fillings like spinach or other cheeses for added flavor.
- Don’t skip the resting time for the dough; it helps develop a better texture.
Variation
You can customize the filling by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Switching out the cheese can also give a different flavor profile; try adding cheddar cheese for a twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use a store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using a rotisserie chicken can save you time and still taste great.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour?
You can, but the texture might be a bit different. Bread flour gives a chewier texture.
3. How can I reheat the chicken bakes?
You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warm.
Enjoy making and sharing your very own Copycat Costco Chicken Bakes!
Copycat Costco Chicken Bake
Ingredients
Dough
- 2.5 cups bread flour (scooped and leveled)
- 1 cup warm water (80-90°F) Make sure it’s warm, not hot.
- 1 tsp dry active yeast
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp olive oil (or any neutral-flavored oil)
Filling
- 9 oz cooked chicken breast Shredded or diced.
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese (half mixed with grated provolone cheese) Total cheese should equal 5 oz.
- ½ cup bacon bits (toasted)
- ¼ cup creamy Caesar dressing
- 2 Tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese (for tops)
- 4 Tbsp creamy Caesar dressing (smeared on top)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Mix 1 cup of warm water and 1 tsp of yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Add 2 tsp of sugar, 2 tsp of salt, and 2.5 cups of flour. Stir well and add 2 tsp of olive oil.
- Knead for 4 minutes, then cover and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- The dough should be tacky and very pliable; it can be refrigerated if desired.
Assemble the Bakes
- Preheat the oven to 450°F and lightly grease a 16-inch perforated pizza pan.
- Cut the pizza dough into four equal pieces and roll each piece into a thin 11×8-inch rectangle.
- Smear 1 Tbsp of Caesar dressing inside, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- In a bowl, combine the filling ingredients: 9 oz cooked chicken, 1.5 cups of mozzarella (mixed with provolone), 1/2 cup of toasted bacon bits, and 1/4 cup of Caesar dressing.
- Place 1 cup of this filling across the center of each rolled-out dough piece.
- Fold in the sides and roll up like a jelly roll, pinching the seams to seal.
- Place all the chicken bakes onto the prepared pizza pan.
- Brush each one with 1 Tbsp of Caesar dressing and sprinkle with 1/2 Tbsp of shredded Parmesan cheese.
Bake
- Bake at 450°F for 20 minutes on the bottom rack of the oven.
