When it comes to finding quick, satisfying meals that are easy to prepare and serve to a group, the Costco Chicken Bake stands out as a fan favorite. With its comforting combination of tender chicken, melted cheese, and flavorful sauce wrapped in a crispy dough shell, it’s no surprise that people love this dish. The best part? You can make a version of this beloved Costco treat at home with just a few simple ingredients, making it the perfect option for family dinners or when cooking for three. This article will walk you through how to make a copycat Costco Chicken Bake, and we’ll dive into why it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for best one-dish meals, unusual meal ideas, or a hearty dinner recipe for large groups.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bake Recipe
Before we jump into the specifics of the recipe, let’s take a moment to explore why the Costco Chicken Bake is such a hit. For starters, it’s one of those “best chicken dishes dinners” that satisfies both kids and adults. It’s easy to make, can be eaten with your hands, and is filled with flavorful ingredients that blend perfectly together. It’s a great way to turn simple chicken into something extraordinary.
If you’re looking for a meal that’s both filling and versatile, this recipe is a winner. You can make it in large batches for a dinner recipe for a large group, or simply prepare a smaller portion for a family of three. Plus, it’s a fantastic dish that reheats well, meaning you can enjoy it for leftovers, making it one of those “good reheatable meals” that will save you time on busy days.
But beyond convenience, this recipe is also a great way to get creative with unusual meal ideas. Instead of the traditional chicken casserole, this bake uses a dough shell that wraps everything up like a “chicken in a blanket” – a fun twist on the classic dinner!
Ingredients for the Copycat Costco Chicken Bake
The ingredients for this copycat Costco Chicken Bake are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (you can also use rotisserie chicken for added convenience)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or you can use Caesar dressing for a twist)
- 1/4 cup bacon bits (optional, but highly recommended for added flavor)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dough:
- 1 sheet of refrigerated pizza dough (store-bought, or you can use homemade dough if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the dough)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash to help the dough get golden and crispy)
Optional Sauce for Dipping:
- Ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce (optional but a great addition)
How to Make Copycat Costco Chicken Bake
Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s get into the steps for creating this mouth-watering copycat chicken bake.
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken. You can either use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. If you’re using raw chicken breasts, season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Grill, bake, or sauté the chicken breasts until they are fully cooked and golden brown. Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes, and then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
If you’re using rotisserie chicken, simply shred it into pieces, making it a perfect shortcut for those cooking for three or looking for quick and easy solutions.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, bacon bits (if using), chopped green onions, and ranch dressing. Stir everything together until the mixture is well-coated and evenly mixed. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to taste.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean, floured surface. Roll it out slightly to make sure it’s large enough to fold around the filling. You want the dough to be about 12 inches in diameter, as this will give you plenty of room to wrap the filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Bake
Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of the dough. Make sure to leave about an inch of space around the edges for sealing the dough. Carefully fold the dough over the chicken mixture, pinching the edges to seal it into a neat, closed parcel. The goal is to create a “chicken in a blanket” effect, so you want the dough to completely encase the filling.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken bake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Brush the top of the dough with olive oil or a beaten egg for a golden, crispy finish. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chicken bake is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it with ranch dressing, marinara, or any of your favorite dipping sauces.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Dinner
Best One Dish Meals
This recipe is ideal for anyone looking for best one-dish meals. With everything cooked in a single package, there’s no need for multiple pots or pans, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, the dough and filling are both hearty and filling, making it a satisfying dish for a family meal or when cooking for a small group.
Cooking for 3
If you’re cooking for three, this recipe is a great option. You can easily adjust the portion sizes by cutting the chicken bake into three equal pieces. It’s a simple meal that doesn’t require a lot of prep time, so it’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something tasty without the hassle.
Unusual Meal Ideas
Looking for an unusual meal idea that will surprise and delight your family? This copycat Costco Chicken Bake offers a unique twist on the traditional casserole or chicken dish. The combination of a crispy dough shell and flavorful chicken filling creates a fresh take on the classic “chicken in a blanket.” It’s sure to spark some excitement at the dinner table!
Dinner Recipe for Large Group
This recipe can be scaled up easily, making it a great option for dinner recipes for large groups. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing food for a family gathering, this dish can be made in multiple batches to serve a crowd. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it easy to prepare in advance and serve later.
Best Chicken Dishes Dinners
If you’re a fan of chicken, this is one of the best chicken dishes dinners you can make. The tender chicken, creamy cheese, and savory bacon come together in a comforting and flavorful combination that’s sure to please everyone.
Recipes That Reheat Well
One of the best things about this chicken bake is that it reheats wonderfully. Whether you have leftovers or want to prepare it ahead of time for the week, this dish holds up well after being stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to get that crispy finish back, and you’ll have a meal that tastes just as good as the first time you made it.
Good Reheatable Meals
If you’re someone who loves meal prepping or enjoys having leftovers on hand, this recipe is a great choice for good reheatable meals. You can slice the chicken bake into individual portions and store it in airtight containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Healthy Inexpensive Dinners
While this recipe isn’t the lightest option, it’s a relatively healthy and inexpensive dinner. It uses affordable ingredients like chicken, cheese, and store-bought pizza dough, making it a budget-friendly meal that won’t break the bank. If you want to make it even healthier, consider using a whole-wheat pizza dough or adding more vegetables to the filling.
Final Thoughts
The Copycat Costco Chicken Bake is the perfect solution for anyone looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family of three or hosting a large group, this dish is sure to please. It combines the best of savory chicken, melty cheese, crispy dough, and delicious seasonings in one simple package. Plus, it’s a meal that reheats well, making it a great choice for meal prep or leftovers. If you’re in search of the best one-dish meals, unusual meal ideas, or healthy inexpensive dinners, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Try it out for your next family dinner, and enjoy the comforting flavors of a true crowd-pleaser!
