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A golden-brown crust wrapped around tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese creates this irresistible homemade version of Costco's famous Chicken Bake. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of creamy dressing, savory meat, and gooey cheese, all encased in perfectly baked pizza dough.
After countless attempts to recreate this food court favorite, I discovered that the secret lies in the quality of ingredients and proper assembly technique. Using fresh pizza dough and properly seasoned chicken makes all the difference.
Essential Ingredients
- Fresh pizza dough: Serves as the foundation - whether homemade or store-bought, it should be at room temperature for easy rolling. Trader Joe's brand offers excellent results with its perfect balance of chewiness and flavor.
- Rotisserie chicken: Provides the ideal texture and seasoning, though any cooked chicken will work. Shred it while still warm for the best texture and to help it combine with other ingredients.
- Crispy bacon: Adds essential smoky flavor and crunch. Cook it until well-done but not burnt, then crumble into small pieces for even distribution throughout the filling.
- Quality mozzarella cheese: Should be freshly shredded - pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting. The cheese should be at room temperature for optimal melting.
- Fresh Parmesan cheese: Grated from a block rather than pre-grated, provides sharp, salty notes that enhance all other flavors. Its lower moisture content helps create a crispy crust.
Step By Step Instructions
- Perfect Your Base
- Begin by rolling room temperature pizza dough into an even rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Aim for consistent thickness to ensure even baking.
- Layer the Filling
- Spread your chosen dressing evenly across the dough, leaving a small border for sealing. Layer shredded chicken and crumbled bacon evenly, then top with a generous amount of mozzarella. The key is distributing ingredients evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Master the Roll
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly around the filling, similar to making cinnamon rolls. Pinch the seams and ends firmly to seal - this prevents the filling from leaking during baking. The roll should be firm but not so tight that it tears the dough.
- Create the Perfect Finish
- Brush the exterior with olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. This creates a golden, crispy crust during baking. Cut small slits in the top to allow steam to escape and prevent bursting.
- Bake to Perfection
- Place in a preheated 415°F oven until deeply golden brown. The high temperature ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and melty.
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Storage Success
Keep leftover chicken bakes properly stored to maintain quality. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. When freezing, wrap individually in parchment paper before placing in freezer bags to prevent sticking.
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare multiple chicken bakes at once and freeze before baking. Wrap well and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking according to recipe instructions.
Serving Suggestions
Transform this into a complete meal by pairing with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables. The creamy dressing in the chicken bake pairs particularly well with crunchy, fresh vegetables.
What began as an attempt to recreate a food court favorite has become a reliable recipe for both quick dinners and make-ahead meals. The combination of crispy crust, melted cheese, and savory filling proves that homemade versions can be even better than the original.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
- Yes! Rotisserie chicken works great and adds extra flavor while saving time.
- → Can I make these ahead?
- You can assemble them ahead and refrigerate, but they're best baked fresh and served hot.
- → Which dressing is more authentic?
- Caesar dressing is closer to the original Costco version, but Ranch makes a delicious alternative.
- → Can I freeze these?
- Yes, freeze before baking. Wrap well and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw before baking.
- → Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
- Absolutely! Any fresh or frozen pizza dough works well in this recipe.