Pin it
Wrapped in a delicious golden-brown exterior, this homemade take on Costco's beloved Chicken Bake combines juicy chicken, crunchy bacon, and gooey cheese inside a perfectly cooked dough shell. Each mouthful offers a wonderful mix of tangy dressing, flavorful meats, and melted cheese all tucked inside a beautifully baked crust.
I tried many times to copy this popular food court item and finally figured out that good ingredients and the right layering technique really matter. The magic happens when you use quality dough and well-flavored chicken.
Key Components
- Room temperature pizza dough: Forms your wrapper - homemade or bought works fine as long as it's not cold. The stuff from Trader Joe's works amazingly well because it's got that perfect chewy texture.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken: Gives you the best flavor and moisture, though any cooked chicken works in a pinch. Pull it apart while it's still warm for easier mixing with other stuff.
- Thoroughly cooked bacon: Brings that must-have smoky taste and texture. Cook it until it's nice and crisp but not burnt, then break it into tiny bits so it spreads evenly.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella: Should be grated right before using - the bagged kind has things added that stop it from melting right. Let the cheese sit out a bit so it warms up and melts better.
- Block Parmesan cheese: Grate it yourself instead of buying pre-grated for sharper flavor that makes everything taste better. It's drier than mozzarella which helps make your crust extra crispy.
Detailed Preparation Guide
- Get Your Dough Ready
- Start with dough that's been sitting out awhile and roll it into a flat rectangle on a slightly floured counter. Try to keep the thickness the same everywhere so it cooks evenly.
- Add Your Fillings
- Smear your dressing all over the dough but leave a little space around the edges for closing it up. Scatter chicken and bacon pieces across evenly, then pile on lots of mozzarella. Everything should be spread out so each bite tastes the same.
- Roll It Up Right
- From the longer side, roll everything together like you would when making sweet rolls. Press the edges and ends firmly to keep everything inside during baking. Don't roll too loose or too tight - just enough to hold everything together.
- Finish The Outside
- Rub some olive oil all over and sprinkle Parmesan on the outside. This will turn golden and crunchy in the oven. Make a few small cuts on top so steam can escape while it's cooking.
- Cook Until Done
- Bake in a hot 415°F oven until it's deep gold all over. The high heat makes sure the outside gets crispy while keeping everything inside hot and melty.
Pin it
Keeping It Fresh
Store any leftovers properly to keep them tasting great. Pop them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to freeze them, wrap each one in baking paper first, then put them in freezer bags so they don't stick together.
Prep-Ahead Options
You can make several of these at once and stick them in the freezer before baking. Wrap them carefully and they'll stay good for up to three months. Just move them to the fridge the night before you want to cook them.
What To Eat With It
Make it a whole dinner by adding a fresh Caesar salad or some oven-roasted veggies. The smooth, creamy dressing inside the chicken bake tastes awesome with some crisp, fresh vegetables on the side.
What started as me trying to copy a food court snack has turned into one of my go-to recipes for quick dinners and batch cooking. The mix of that crispy outside, melted cheese, and tasty filling shows that homemade can actually beat the original version.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
- Definitely! It’s a timesaver and adds great flavor.
- → Can I make these ahead?
- Sure, but bake right before serving for the best results.
- → Which dressing is more authentic?
- Caesar has that Costco vibe, but Ranch is a yummy option too.
- → Can I freeze these?
- Yes! Wrap them up and freeze before baking. They keep for 3 months. Thaw and bake them fresh.
- → Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
- Of course! Fresh or frozen dough is perfect for this.