Family-Style Costco Chicken Bake (Clear & Easy Recipe)
This recipe makes big, bakery-style chicken bakes like the ones from Costco:
-
Chewy golden bread
-
Creamy chicken filling
-
Crispy bacon
-
Lots of melty cheese
Perfect for family dinner, meal prep, or sharing.
Recipe Overview
-
Makes: 6–8 large chicken bakes
-
Serves: 6–10 people
-
Prep Time: ~45 minutes
-
Rise Time: 1 hour
-
Bake Time: 18–22 minutes
-
Total Time: About 2½ hours
THE DOUGH (Soft & Chewy)
Ingredients
-
4½ cups all-purpose flour
-
1 tablespoon sugar
-
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
-
1½ teaspoons salt
-
1½ cups warm water (warm, not hot)
-
3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
-
Pour warm water into a large bowl.
-
Stir in sugar.
-
Sprinkle yeast on top.
-
Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
-
Add olive oil and salt.
-
Slowly mix in flour.
-
When dough forms, place on a floured surface.
-
Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth.
-
Put dough in an oiled bowl.
-
Cover and let rise 1 hour, until doubled.
The dough should feel soft and stretchy.
THE CHICKEN
Ingredients
-
2½–3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
1 teaspoon black pepper
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
-
Season chicken on all sides.
-
Cook in a pan or bake at 400°F (205°C) until done.
-
Let rest 5 minutes.
-
Cut into small bite-size pieces.
Rotisserie chicken works great if you want to save time.
THE BACON
Ingredients
-
12–16 slices bacon
Instructions
-
Cook bacon until crispy.
-
Drain on paper towels.
-
Chop into small pieces.
Crispy bacon keeps the filling from getting soggy.
THE CREAMY FILLING
Ingredients
-
1¼ cups creamy Caesar dressing
-
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1½ cups shredded provolone or Italian blend
-
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
-
Add chicken, bacon, and all cheeses to a large bowl.
-
Pour in Caesar dressing.
-
Add seasonings.
-
Mix until thick and creamy.
The filling should be cheesy, not runny.
ASSEMBLING THE CHICKEN BAKES
-
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
-
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
Punch down dough.
-
Divide into 6–8 equal pieces.
-
Roll each piece into a rectangle (about 8–9 inches long).
-
Spoon filling down the center.
-
Fold dough over filling.
-
Pinch edges tightly.
-
Place seam-side down on tray.
Do not overfill or the cheese will leak out.
THE TOPPING
Ingredients
-
1 egg, beaten
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Brush tops with egg wash.
-
Sprinkle Parmesan evenly on top.
BAKING
-
Bake at 425°F for 18–22 minutes.
-
Rotate trays halfway.
-
Chicken bakes are done when:
-
Golden brown
-
Puffy
-
Bottoms are firm
-
Let cool 5–10 minutes before eating.
The filling will be very hot.
SERVING IDEAS (Family Style)
-
Cut in half for kids
-
Serve with:
-
Caesar salad
-
Steamed vegetables
-
Soup or fruit
-
STORAGE & REHEATING
Refrigerator
-
Store up to 4 days
Freezer
-
Freeze baked chicken bakes up to 2 months
Reheating
-
Oven: 350°F for 10–15 minutes
-
Air fryer: 350°F for 5–7 minutes
Helpful Tips
-
Use whole-milk mozzarella for best melt
-
Seal dough tightly
-
Smaller chicken pieces = better texture
-
Let dough rest if it shrinks while rolling