If you want an easy and tasty way to satisfy your craving for a cheesy, chicken-filled treat, this is it. It’s a copycat recipe for the Costco Chicken Bake (well, I mean how they used to be before Costco started lowering the quality). This classic comfort food is sure to become a regular staple in your home meal rotation.
A chicken bake is a hearty and comforting dish that has been gaining popularity over the years But what exactly makes up this mouthwatering creation? Let’s break down the key ingredients and flavors that come together to create the beloved chicken bake
A Closer Look at the Main Ingredients
The chicken in a chicken bake is clearly the star of the show. Most of the time, chicken breast is used because it is tender, but chicken thighs or drumsticks also work. For a lot of flavor, herbs and spices are used to season the chicken.
Cheese is another essential component. Goopy, melty cheese binds everything together and adds creaminess. Mozzarella is a popular choice for its meltability, but cheddar, fontina, and gouda also work nicely.
In terms of sauce, tangy tomato or marinara sauce features prominently, providing a robust, savory flavor. But pesto, barbecue sauce, or a creamy cheese sauce can also be used.
The chicken bake filling is wrapped up in a blanket of flaky, golden pastry dough. This provides a satisfying outer shell and textural contrast to the ooey-gooey interior. Store-bought puff pastry, pie dough, or crescent roll dough offer convenience.
Customize It with Creative Add-Ins
You can make any chicken bake you want by adding different things to the base of chicken, cheese, and tomato sauce.
Bacon is a common add-in, contributing smoky, salty, crispy bits. Adding mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions to a pan and cooking them adds flavor and nutrition. People who like spicy food can add hot sauce or chili flakes to make it even hotter.
Cooking the chicken with bold seasonings like garlic, paprika, cumin, and oregano allows you to build even more flavor. Fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or chives add vibrancy.
Baking to Perfection
To create the quintessential chicken bake, tenderly care for it from preparation to plate.
Start by sautéing aromatic vegetables like onions and garlic to deepen their flavor. Season the chicken generously and sauté until cooked through.
To avoid a soggy bottom crust, let the filling cool a bit before putting the chicken bake together. Put the filling on the dough that has been rolled out, then sprinkle cheese on top. Roll the dough into a log shape.
Brush the top with egg wash or melted butter for a glossy sheen. Bake at 375°F until the pastry is flaky and golden brown, about 30 minutes.
Allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing to let the molten cheese solidify. Serve warm right out of the oven for maximum comfort.
Creative Ways to Customize
Making chicken bakes for a crowd? Why not get creative with flavors and formats to please every palate?
For spice lovers, use buffalo chicken and top with blue cheese crumbles. To make it Mediterranean, use spinach, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes. For a Mexican twist, add corn, black beans, cumin, and monterey jack.
You can also do mini chicken bakes as party-perfect appetizers. Or make it pot pie-style by baking the filling in a casserole dish topped with pastry instead of sealing in a log.
With endless possibilities for customization, a chicken bake is a versatile canvas for culinary creativity.
Where to Find Crave-Worthy Chicken Bakes
If going through the effort of making chicken bakes at home seems daunting, you can always grab a ready-made version. Grocery stores like Trader Joe’s offer convenient frozen options.
But for fresh-from-the-oven chicken bakes, the Costco food court reigns supreme. Their famous chicken bakes have amassed a cult following for a reason. Plump with chicken, bacon, melty cheese, and tangy sauce wrapped in flaky pastry, they are the ultimate comfort food.
According to Costco members, the chicken bakes are absolutely worth buying and among the best food court items. They make for a satisfying quick meal or snack during shopping trips. Just be prepared to brave the lines!
Enjoy the Comfort of Chicken Bakes Anytime
There’s just something so warm and soothing about biting into a chicken bake, with its pillowy pastry crust giving way to an oozing cheese and chicken filling. It’s the type of hearty, indulgent dish we all crave on our toughest days.
Luckily, as we’ve discovered, chicken bakes are highly customizable and can be made conveniently at home. So whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting a crowd, or just in need of comfort food, a chicken bake always delivers. Dig into this cheesy bundle of joy and savor all its crave-worthy layers of flavors.
What’s In A Costco Chicken Bake?
To make this version of an easy chicken bake recipe you will need:
- Green Onion
- Pre-Made Pizza Dough / Rhodes Dinner Rolls
- Caesar Dressing
- Real Bacon Pieces
- Grilled Chicken
- Parmesan Cheese
- Mozzarella / Provolone Cheese Blend
This is definitely the simplified way to make these…but you can always make your own dough, grill your own chicken, and cook your own bacon if you have the time, budget, or would prefer to do so.
I hope that answers your questions if you were wondering what is in the chicken bake at Costco…lol.
How to make Chicken Bake? (Printable Recipe Card & Video Found Here)
You’re about to drool because these tasty shots will make you want to make them at home even more.
Chicken Bake | We Hit 800k
FAQ
How to make homemade shake n bake for chicken?
Mix flour, salt, paprika, sage, and pepper together in a resealable plastic bag. Place chicken parts into the bag; seal and shake until well coated. Melt butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish in the preheated oven. Arrange coated chicken pieces in the baking dish skin-side down and bake for 20 minutes.
What are the ingredients for baked chicken in the oven?
Ingredients4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness. 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil. 1 teaspoon kosher salt. 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.
What’s the sauce in a Costco chicken bake?
Inspired by the Costco chicken bake offering, our copycat version of these calzone-like treats comes stuffed with chicken, bacon, and cheese bound by a creamy Caesar dressing.
What ingredients are in a chicken bake?
A chicken bake typically consists of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses. The cheese is melted to perfection, creating a gooey and cheesy interior that complements the chicken and bacon. Additionally, a delicious sauce is often included.
What is a copycat Costco chicken bake?
This chicken bake from Costco is easier and tastes better than the original. It’s a pizza crust filled with chicken strips, creamy Caesar dressing, Italian cheese, bacon, and green onion. Oops! Something went wrong. Our team is working on it. This recipe was developed at its original yield.
What kind of chicken do you cook in a chicken bake?
Cooked chicken – It’s a key component of the chicken bake, offering a hearty, protein-packed filling. You can use rotisserie, grilled, or any preferred cooked chicken variety. Bacon – It adds a smoky depth of flavor and a satisfying crunch. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
How do you make a chicken bake?
Follow these simple steps to enjoy a scrumptious chicken bake tonight: Preheat the oven and prepare the dough. Set your oven to 400°F and divide the dough into four pieces. Roll out the dough. Once the dough is ready, roll it out into a large rectangle. Assemble the chicken bake. Spread a generous layer of Caesar dressing evenly on all four pieces.
Does chicken have to be cooked before baking?
It’s worth mentioning that the chicken in the Costco chicken bake is always fully cooked before being incorporated into the bake. To complement the chicken, a hearty portion of bacon is added.
What ingredients are in a Costco chicken bake?
Let’s dive in and uncover the mouthwatering ingredients that make up this beloved menu item. The main ingredient of a Costco chicken bake is, of course, chicken. The chicken used in this delectable treat is typically diced or shredded, providing a tender and flavorful filling.