Easy Costco Chicken Bake Recipe to Try Today
The Easy Costco Chicken Bake Recipe to Try Today takes the beloved Costco Chicken Bake and transforms it into a homemade favorite you can whip up anytime. This recipe captures all the creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors of the original, packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melty cheese inside a golden, flaky crust. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal, a satisfying lunch, or a crowd-pleasing dinner, this easy version of the Costco Chicken Bake delivers big taste with simple ingredients and no fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Convenient: Ready to bake in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Homemade Comfort: Freshly made with quality ingredients, so you avoid preservatives and additives often found in store-bought options.
- Kid-Friendly: Mild flavors combined with cheesy goodness make it a hit with little ones and picky eaters.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite veggies, cheeses, or spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Great for Meal Prep: Makes excellent leftovers and reheats beautifully, saving you time throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this homemade Costco Chicken Bake recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role—the chicken provides the hearty protein, bacon adds savory crispness, cheese delivers the creamy melt, and the dough sets the perfect golden crust.
- Cooked Chicken: Use shredded or chopped chicken breast for tender, lean protein.
- Crispy Bacon: Adds smoky, salty flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For gooey, melty richness that binds everything together.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Boosts savory umami notes and adds a subtle sharpness.
- Caesar Dressing: Imparts a creamy, tangy flavor reflecting the original Costco bake.
- Puff Pastry or Pizza Dough: Choose your favorite crust base for a perfectly flaky or chewy exterior.
- Green Onions: For fresh brightness and a mild onion kick.
- Garlic Powder and Black Pepper: Simple seasoning that rounds out the flavor profile.
Variations for Costco Chicken Bake
This recipe is easily adaptable to fit your family’s dietary needs or flavor preferences. Feel free to experiment and make it your own creation anytime!
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a meat-free bake.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to wake up the flavors.
- Cheese Swap: Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a unique twist.
- Gluten-Free Dough: Use gluten-free puff pastry or dough to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil into the filling for an herby boost.
How to Make Costco Chicken Bake
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Bacon
Cook and dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then crisp up the bacon in a skillet until golden and crunchy. Set both aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked bacon, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and Caesar dressing. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly coated and well combined.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your chosen dough to a rectangle roughly 12 by 8 inches. This will be the shell for your filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Bake
Spoon the filling evenly onto one half of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the other half over the filling and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal, creating a pocket.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Transfer the assembled bake onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the top with a little beaten egg or milk for a shiny crust, then bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the chicken bake rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes serving easier.
Pro Tips for Making Costco Chicken Bake
- Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid tearing the dough by keeping the filling amount moderate.
- Seal Edges Well: Use a fork or pinch dough edges firmly to prevent leaks during baking.
- Apply an Egg Wash: Brushing with egg wash creates a beautiful golden and shiny crust.
- Rest Before Slicing: Cooling slightly lets the filling set for cleaner slices.
How to Serve Costco Chicken Bake
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or extra green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness that contrasts the warm, rich filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your chicken bake with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light tomato soup to balance the richness and complete the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut into bite-sized squares for a party appetizer or serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping to delight guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover chicken bake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked assembled chicken bake by wrapping it well in plastic and foil; freeze for up to one month and bake straight from frozen by adding extra bake time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep the crust crispy, or use a toaster oven for smaller servings.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect because it’s already cooked and flavorful, saving you prep time.
What type of dough works best for Costco Chicken Bake?
Puff pastry or pre-made pizza dough both work wonderfully – puff pastry offers a flaky texture, while pizza dough gives a chewier crust.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the cheeses with dairy-free alternatives and use a dairy-free Caesar dressing to keep all the flavor without dairy.
Can I prepare the filling a day ahead?
You can prepare and store the filling in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; just assemble and bake when ready.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or some hot sauce to the filling for a spicy twist that suits your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Costco Chicken Bake recipe is the perfect homemade take on a fan favorite that delivers comforting flavors and simplicity all in one. Whether you want a quick dinner, a filling lunch, or a recipe to impress guests, this dish ticks all the boxes. Give it a try today and enjoy a delicious, cozy meal that your whole family will love.
Related Posts
PrintCostco Chicken Bake
This Easy Costco Chicken Bake recipe recreates the popular Costco classic with a homemade touch. Featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, gooey mozzarella, and a golden flaky crust, it’s perfect for a quick, comforting meal, lunch, or crowd-pleasing dinner made with simple, quality ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free dough)
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 6 slices crispy bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Crust
- 1 sheet puff pastry or 1 ball pre-made pizza dough (about 12x8 inches rolled out)
For Baking
- 1 egg, beaten (or 2 tablespoons milk) for egg wash
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Cook and dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then crisp up the bacon in a skillet until golden and crunchy. Set both aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked bacon, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and Caesar dressing. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly coated and well combined.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your chosen dough to a rectangle roughly 12 by 8 inches. This will be the shell for your filling.
- Assemble the Chicken Bake: Spoon the filling evenly onto one half of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the other half over the filling and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal, creating a pocket.
- Bake Until Golden: Transfer the assembled bake onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the top with beaten egg or milk for a shiny crust, then bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Let the chicken bake rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken to save time.
- Don’t overfill the dough to prevent tearing during baking.
- Seal edges firmly with a fork to avoid leaking filling.
- Apply egg wash for a golden, shiny crust.
- Let the bake rest before slicing for cleaner pieces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Costco Chicken Bake, homemade chicken bake, easy chicken bake, baked chicken pocket, chicken and bacon pastry