Can I use a different type of cheese inside the chicken bake?

Absolutely! While mozzarella gives that authentic stretch, you can experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone. Each will bring a different flavor profile to your chicken bake. For the best results, stick with good melting cheeses rather than hard varieties.

What if I don't have rotisserie chicken?

No problem! You can use any cooked chicken - leftover grilled chicken, poached chicken breasts, or even canned chicken in a pinch. Just make sure to shred or chop it into small pieces and season well if it's not already flavored. About 3 cups of shredded chicken from any source will work for this recipe.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

These are perfect make-ahead party food! You can either fully prepare them the day before and refrigerate unbaked (just add a few minutes to the baking time), or bake them earlier in the day and reheat just before serving. You can even freeze them weeks in advance and bake them from frozen for ultimate convenience.

Is there a way to make this recipe lower in calories?

While this isn't a low-calorie dish by nature, you can make some adjustments. Try using reduced-fat cheese, light Caesar dressing, turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, and whole wheat pizza dough. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious, with a significant reduction in calories.

Costco Chicken Bake Copycat Recipe

Name: Costco Chicken Bake Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Pizza dough: enough for two 12-inch pizzas (store-bought or homemade); ½ cup Caesar salad dressing; 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; ½ cup crumbled bacon; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated

This irresistible Costco Chicken Bake copycat brings the beloved food court favorite right into your kitchen! Packed with juicy rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, and melty cheese all wrapped in a golden pizza dough crust, this recipe delivers that signature Costco flavor with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s perfect for when those Costco food court cravings hit but you don’t want to make the trip!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant-Quality at Home: Satisfy your Costco food court cravings without leaving your house! This copycat tastes remarkably similar to the original.
Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy required – just basic items you can find at any grocery store (or might already have in your fridge).
Customizable: Once you master the basic recipe, you can easily add your own twist with different ingredients or adjust flavors to your preference.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike go crazy for these chicken bakes. They’re perfect for family dinners, game days, or casual get-togethers.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare these in advance and bake when needed – great for busy weeknights or meal prep!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pizza dough: The foundation of our chicken bake. Store-bought saves time, but homemade works beautifully too if you’re feeling ambitious. It creates that perfect chewy-yet-crispy exterior.
Caesar dressing: This is our secret flavor weapon! It adds tanginess and creaminess while binding all the filling ingredients together. Choose a high-quality dressing for best results.
Rotisserie chicken: The star protein that makes this dish hearty and satisfying. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves enormous time and adds that juicy, seasoned flavor.
Mozzarella cheese: Provides that stretchy, melty goodness we all love. It helps bind the filling ingredients together and creates pockets of gooey deliciousness.
Bacon: Adds smokiness and that irresistible crispy texture contrast. Pre-cooked and crumbled bacon works perfectly here.
Butter: Creates that gorgeous golden exterior when brushed on top before baking. It also adds richness and helps the parmesan stick.
Parmesan cheese: Forms a beautiful savory crust on top. It’s the finishing touch that gives authentic Costco chicken bake vibes with its nutty flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Try these delicious twists:

Different Fillings

Buffalo Chicken: Swap Caesar dressing for buffalo sauce and add blue cheese crumbles
Mediterranean: Use Greek dressing instead of Caesar, add feta cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes
BBQ Chicken: Replace Caesar with BBQ sauce and add caramelized onions
Veggie Loaded: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach to the filling

Dough Options

Try refrigerated crescent roll dough for an even quicker version
Use garlic-flavored pizza dough for extra flavor
Whole wheat pizza dough works great for a healthier spin

Serving Size

Make mini chicken bakes by dividing dough into smaller portions for appetizers
Create one large family-style chicken bake in a casserole dish

How to Make the Costco Chicken Bake

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This moderate temperature allows the chicken bake to cook through properly without burning the exterior. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Caesar dressing, shredded rotisserie chicken, mozzarella cheese, and crumbled bacon. Mix everything thoroughly so the dressing coats all ingredients evenly. This creates a cohesive filling where every bite has the perfect balance of flavors.

Step 3: Shape the Chicken Bakes

Roll your pizza dough into two rectangles, approximately 6×14 inches each. The dough should be thin but not so thin it tears easily. Place half of your chicken filling down the center of each dough rectangle, leaving about an inch of space around the edges.

Step 4: Fold and Seal

Fold the short ends of the dough over the filling first, then fold the long sides over, overlapping them slightly like you’re closing a box or wrapping a present. Gently press the seams to seal. This folding technique ensures no filling escapes during baking.

Step 5: Arrange for Baking

Carefully flip your assembled chicken bakes over so the seam side is down on your parchment-lined baking sheet. This step is crucial – placing them seam-side down prevents them from opening during baking.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Melt the butter and brush it generously over the tops of your chicken bakes. This creates a beautiful golden color and helps the parmesan cheese stick. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese evenly across the tops of both chicken bakes.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken bakes are golden brown and the dough is fully cooked. The cheese inside should be completely melted and the exterior should have a beautiful crust.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cold Dough Works Best: Keep your pizza dough refrigerated until ready to use – cold dough is easier to work with and holds its shape better.
Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to stuff these with more filling, overfilling will cause them to burst during baking. Stick to the recommended amount per chicken bake.
Seal Thoroughly: Take extra time to properly seal all edges of your dough. Any openings will allow cheese to leak out during baking.
Rest Before Cutting: Let your chicken bakes rest for 5 minutes after baking. This allows the filling to set slightly so it doesn’t all spill out when you cut into them.
Even Thickness: Try to roll your dough to an even thickness throughout to ensure consistent baking.
Filling Temperature: Make sure your filling isn’t hot when you add it to the dough, as this can make the dough difficult to work with.

How to Serve

These chicken bakes are hearty enough to be a meal on their own, but they pair beautifully with sides to round out your dinner:

Perfect Pairings

A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing cuts through the richness
Roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts add color and nutrition
Caesar salad (of course!) for a thematic pairing

Dipping Options

Extra Caesar dressing
Ranch dressing
Marinara sauce
Hot sauce for heat lovers

Presentation Ideas

Slice diagonally for a more elegant presentation
Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley before serving
Serve on a wooden board for a rustic, appealing look

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing in Advance

You can assemble these chicken bakes up to 24 hours ahead of time. Simply prepare through Step 5, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the butter and parmesan, then bake as directed (you may need to add 3-5 minutes to the baking time).

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken bakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor and texture surprisingly well.

Freezing

These chicken bakes freeze beautifully! You can freeze them either before or after baking:

Before baking: Assemble completely, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
After baking: Cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Refrigerated: Reheat in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
From frozen (unbaked): Bake from frozen at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
From frozen (pre-baked): Thaw in refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese inside the chicken bake?

Absolutely! While mozzarella gives that authentic stretch, you can experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone. Each will bring a different flavor profile to your chicken bake. For the best results, stick with good melting cheeses rather than hard varieties.
What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?

No problem! You can use any cooked chicken – leftover grilled chicken, poached chicken breasts, or even canned chicken in a pinch. Just make sure to shred or chop it into small pieces and season well if it’s not already flavored. About 3 cups of shredded chicken from any source will work for this recipe.
Can I make these ahead for a party?

These are perfect make-ahead party food! You can either fully prepare them the day before and refrigerate unbaked (just add a few minutes to the baking time), or bake them earlier in the day and reheat just before serving. You can even freeze them weeks in advance and bake them from frozen for ultimate convenience.
Is there a way to make this recipe lower in calories?

While this isn’t a low-calorie dish by nature, you can make some adjustments. Try using reduced-fat cheese, light Caesar dressing, turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, and whole wheat pizza dough. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious, with a significant reduction in calories.

Final Thoughts

This Costco Chicken Bake copycat recipe brings all the comfort and satisfaction of the food court favorite right to your dinner table. It’s one of those rare copycat recipes that truly captures the essence of the original – that perfect combination of chewy crust, savory chicken, smoky bacon, and melty cheese that keeps Costco members lining up at the food court. Give it a try next time you’re craving that iconic chicken bake but don’t want to make the trip. Your family will be impressed, and you might just find yourself making these even more often than you visited the Costco food court!