Best Chicken Bake Recipe (2024)

Jump to Recipe

Looking for an easy but delicious way to satisfy your craving for a cheesy, chicken-filled delight? Look no further than the best chicken bake recipe out there, it’s a Copycat recipe for the Costco Chicken Bake (well…I mean more how they were before Costco cut down on the quality in recent years). This classic comfort food is sure to become a regular staple in your home meal rotation.

Best Chicken Bake Recipe (1)

Table of Contents, Skip Ahead To What You're Looking For

What is a chicken bake?

Before I show you how to make one of the most delicious and filling chicken bake meals…I thought it may be a good idea to introduce to you what they even are…because I realize that some of you haven’t tried one yet.

A chicken bake is a savory dish that typically features grilled boneless chicken, a blend of cheeses, a sauce, some vegetables/herbs, and other flavorful ingredients wrapped or baked in bread.

This versatile dish can take many forms, & I have actually heard that it has many different names including chicken melts, chicken wraps, and even chicken bread bakes…whatever you call it may just be what the locals call it in the area that you are.

One very popular version of the dish is the chicken bake Costco has at the food court (I’m totally griping here, but I am referring to the ones that Costco made before 2020…they were much larger, more flavorful, and just plain super tasty…the new ones they make actually kind of suck…lol).

The original chicken bakes Costco made (also referred to as a Kirkland chicken bake) featured juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, & Caesar dressing wrapped in a warm bread dough. It’s also topped with some yummy cheese that is baked right into the bread.

That is what I’m going to teach you how to make today!

  • To see all of my recipes, go here.
  • To see all of my main dish recipes, go here.

Where did this easy chicken bakes recipe come from?

How did I get this knock-off recipe for the original Costco Chicken Bakes you may be wondering? There is this amazing website (recipegoldmine.com) that I have been using off and on for many many years and I found it by searching for some of her CopyCat restaurant recipes.

Anyway, that is where I found this recipe (I got her permission to share this with you all too) and you can check out her post for this recipe by going here.

Sometimes that page doesn’t load properly so make sure to try again if you really want to see it…also stick around her really cool site and check out some of the other neat recipes on there.

I very nearly always tweak every single recipe that gets put in front of me, to make it even better, but this one I am of course leaving as is because it is already PERFECTION.

The only thing that I changed is making it more user friendly because the original recipe lists all of the ingredients in ounces and I don’t know about you, but my American brain has a hard enough time working in a kitchen with several little ones underfoot.

So, when it comes time to actually bake, I need a recipe to be as simplified as possible so that my multi-tasking brain doesn’t mess it up.

What’s In A Costco Chicken Bake?

Chicken Bakes Ingredients List:

Best Chicken Bake Recipe (2)

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)

Now get ready to drool because here are some yummy shots to get you even more excited to try making them yourself at home.

Best Chicken Bake Recipe (3)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (4)

Costco Chicken Bakes Recipe

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 33 minutes

This recipe lists the amounts of ingredients needed for each individual chicken bake. It can easily be multiplied to however many chicken bakes you desire.

Ingredients

  • ½ Cup Pizza Dough (or the dough for 4.5 Rhodes Rolls)
  • ¾ Cups Grilled, Seasoned, & Chopped Boneless Chicken Breast
  • ⅓ Cup Mozzarella/Provolone Blend Shredded Cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons + 1 teaspoon Bacon Crumbles
  • ¼ Cup Green Onion (washed and chopped)
  • 2 Tablespoons Caesar Dressing (plus a little more for marinating chicken)
  • 2 & ½ Tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

How to assemble a chicken bake/wrap:

*If using frozen dough, set out of freezer one hour or so prior to assembling chicken bakes.*

  1. Best Chicken Bake Recipe (5) Pre-marinate the grilled and sliced chicken breast in a small amount of Caesar dressing prior to assembly. This is easy to do by placing it in a bowl, drizzling it with Caesar dressing, and mixing well. Cover and refrigerate until you are ready to use it.
  2. Best Chicken Bake Recipe (6) Preheat oven to 400 Degrees Fahrenheit.
  3. Best Chicken Bake Recipe (7) Using a clean floured surface, roll out,, or press dough into a large rectangle, or as close to a rectangle as you can get (it will be easier to stretch it out once it has heavy ingredients on top of it).
  4. Best Chicken Bake Recipe (8) Spread the Caesar dressing on the dough with a basting brush. Add the previously marinated chicken on top, then layer the mozzarella / provolone cheese blend, sliced green onion, and chopped bacon pieces.
  5. Best Chicken Bake Recipe (9) Wrap the dough around the ingredients like a burrito (you can watch this tutorial if you need to know how to do that). Placing the seam of the dough on the bottom, set the uncooked chicken bake on a parchment paper lined baking sheet pan. Baste the top with more Caesar dressing, and sprinkle it with parmesan cheese (and any other desired toppings).
  6. Best Chicken Bake Recipe (10) Best Chicken Bake Recipe (11) Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool a bit and it's ready to serve. Enjoy!

Notes

You can typically fit two chicken bakes per half sheet pan if you place them on a slant. Keep in mind that the dough does puff up quite a bit in the baking process.

The recipe calls for pizza dough, but the Rhodes premade rolls are quick and do the trick, so I recommend just using roll-dough unless you are trying to restrict your sugar intake. I do even tell you exactly how many roles you're going to need to use per bake if you use the roll-dough.

A good rule of thumb, so that you will know that they are done, is to check and see when they are a beautiful golden brown along the edges... and your whole house smells heavenly at that point too!

The do not consider the caloric estimation on the bottom of this recipe card to be accurate for this particular recipe (it autopopulates from an app on my website), further below in the post (in the FAQ's section) I have a link to the best resource that I could find to provide more accurate nutritional data for a Costco Chicken Bake dupe recipe.

You can use as much dough as you prefer in your chicken bake ,to make it as thick as you would like, but I do not recommend going below the 1/2 cup mark. That is because it's too hard to work with the dough when you're wrapping it too thinly, and then as they bake the filling ingredients may seep out.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size 1
Amount Per ServingCalories 1028Total Fat 54gSaturated Fat 20gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 30gCholesterol 211mgSodium 1613mgCarbohydrates 57gFiber 3gSugar 4gProtein 75g

These caloric amounts are automatically estimated by a plugin on my site.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

If you’re like me…because I was beyond skeptical that it was really going to taste like the chicken bread bakes at Costco, you’ve probably been skeptical too, until you bite into one.

Holy Canoli! When I bit into my first one of these bad boys my eyes just about bugged out of my head because I knew without a doubt that it tastes just like the actual recipe…which is beyond AWESOME!

My only complaint is that they are a little on the time consuming side to make, which means that I reserve making them for the weekends when I have a little bit more time for meal prep.

*Please note that the bulk of the updated photography for this post was provided by the super-talented Asher Swan Photography.

Chicken Bake Variations

BBQ Chicken Bake:

For a sweet and tangy twist on the classic chicken bake, try making a BBQ chicken bake. To make this variation, cook some chicken breast in a skillet and then cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Mix the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce and shredded cheese, and then wrap it in dough. Bake in the oven until golden brown and enjoy.

Pizza Flavored Bake

To turn this recipe into a pizza flavored bake you could easily swap out the chicken for your desired pizza meats, swap the ceasar dressing for marinara sauce, and then use mozzarella cheese instead of the cheese blend.

Philly Cheese Steak Bread Bake

You can turn this into a Philly Cheese Steak melty bread bake by prepping your steak as you normally would for a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich.

Use provolone cheese, sauteed onions and green peppers, and desired sauce. This sauce can be a simple mixture of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce, or a creamy cheese sauce made with cream cheese, sour cream, and milk.

Chicken Bake Recipe FAQ’s

Calories in a Costco Chicken Bake?

I mentioned earlier in this post that the chicken bakes made in the Costco food court used to be much bigger and much more flavorful… so obviously the newer version of them would have a smaller number of calories than they did previously.

Myfooddiary.com has what I consider the best estimate for the calories / the nutrition facts they provide for chicken wraps at Costco. This should also give you a good estimate as to how many calories and such are in this recipe too.

Is Costco Chicken Bake Healthy?

Everyone has a different definition about what is and what isn’t a healthy meal…I would say that Costco Chicken Bakes are moderately healthy as they have a very good amount of protein in them, but there are also some junky ingredients in there too.

However, if you would like to make them a bit healthier I would say to make some dough from scratch and use a whole grain flour to do so.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best chicken bake recipe is a tasty and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of forms….plus, you can switch it up however you want it.

With its combination of juicy grilled chicken, melty cheese, bacon crumbles, and flavorful toppings and sauces, a chicken bakes are a filling and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

So why not try out some of the best easy chicken bakes recipe today and enjoy a delicious and comforting meal that’s sure to please!

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and supporting my endeavors to make people’s lives a little easier/better.

If you liked this recipe post, or found it helpful in any way, please make sure to share it with your family, friends, and co-workers via social media…

Or you could even send them the direct link via email. Whichever way you choose to spread the love, I super appreciate it! ~Sarah

Best Chicken Bake Recipe (18)

How to follow & support this site

  • If you would like to subscribe to my email list, go here.
  • Make sure to follow along via social media, by going here.
  • If you would like to learn how to really show your support to this site (at no cost to you), go here.
  • If you would like to make a direct donation to the site, go here.

Check out my other related posts

  • To see all of my main dish recipes, go here.
  • To see all of my recipes, go here.

Here are direct links to some of my most popular recipes that you’re definitely going to want to try:

Other main dish recipes

Costco Chicken Bake Recipe (Video)
Easy Egg Salad Sandwich Recipe (Video)
Easy Tuna Sandwich Melt Recipe
The Best Tater Tot Casserole
Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac ‘N Cheese
Easy Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo (Video)
Easy Crock Pot Spaghetti (Video)
Instant Pot Ham Potato Soup
Easy Mexican Chicken Casserole With Tortilla Chips
Easy CrockPot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Instant Pressure Cooker Italian Roast Beef Recipe
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Mac ‘N Cheese
Easy Chicken Alfredo French Bread Pizza (video)

Other Recipe Chicken Bake/Chicken Bread Bake Recipes To Try:

*Please note that this recipe was originally shared to this website on 09/20/2018, however it was in great need of a refresher, so it now is more user friendly/shareable, has a free printable recipe card, better photography all around, and now Video! This post will continually be updated to remain relevant.

**The following are just old images from the post that I have to keep around so that no links get broken:

Best Chicken Bake Recipe (19)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (20)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (21)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (22)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (23)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (24)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (25)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (26)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (27)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (28)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (29)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (30)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (31)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (32)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (33)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (34)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (35)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (36)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (37)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (38)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (39)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (40)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (41)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (42)
Best Chicken Bake Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What keeps chicken moist when baking? ›

Brine. Like a marinade, a brine helps chicken breast soak up as much moisture as possible before cooking. It only requires three ingredients: water, salt, and a pinch of sugar.

What makes baked chicken taste better? ›

It's best to marinate your chicken overnight to give the flavours plenty of time to infuse. A faster way to add flavour is to simply brine your chicken in salty water prior to cooking. This will help tenderise the meat and add extra flavour.

Is it best to cover chicken when baking? ›

Larger cuts, such as whole chickens or bone-in pieces, often benefit from covered baking to ensure thorough and even cooking. Smaller cuts, like chicken breasts or tenders, can be baked uncovered for quick results.

Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400? ›

Given the fact that drumsticks and thighs are dark meat and won't dry out as easily as breasts, the range from 350 to 450 degrees is okay for baking them. 350 to 375 is generally best for breasts. The best answer to these questions? Simply check the chicken for doneness using an instant read thermometer.

Why do people put mayonnaise on chicken before cooking? ›

The magic of mayo is that it helps your other marinade ingredients spread evenly across the surface of the meat, delivering more consistent flavor, while improving browning. (Don't worry, the cooked meat doesn't taste like mayo.)

Why does mayonnaise keep chicken moist? ›

Most recipes use butter or oil for cooking chicken, but mayo is the better fat option when it comes to producing juicy chicken. While it cooks, the chicken will absorb fat from the egg and oil in the mayo, keeping it moist while adding flavor.

What gives chicken the most flavor? ›

Marinating not only adds flavor, but the combination of healthy fat and acid in most recipes also helps tenderize the meat. A good marinade is roughly three parts oil to one part acid, plus salt and other seasonings like spices, crushed garlic, or a little natural sugar.

How do chefs get chicken so tender? ›

Low and slow cooking methods like braising, stewing, or smoking are most effective when trying to create tender, succulent chicken.

How can I increase the flavor of my chicken? ›

Whether brined, rubbed with spices, basted or marinated, there are endless ways to add more flavour to your chicken.
  1. Make a marinade. ...
  2. Wrap in bacon. ...
  3. Make a pot roast. ...
  4. Citrus-scented. ...
  5. Use a brine. ...
  6. Rub with spices. ...
  7. Fire up the barbecue. ...
  8. Serve with gravy.

Should you put water in the pan when baking chicken? ›

It's usually not necessary to add water to the pan for a roast chicken: the steam created by the water can prevent the skin from becoming browned and crisp.

What is the best temperature to bake chicken? ›

You can roast or bake anywhere between 325 and 450 degrees F. When roasting a whole chicken, a nice rule of them is to start at 400 to 425 degrees F and then turn the oven down to 350 after 15 minutes and cook until the internal temp of the chicken is 165 – 175 degrees F on an instant read thermometer.

Should I use aluminum foil when baking chicken? ›

Many people opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease, but you can bake any cut of chicken in foil. Chicken breasts work well with the foil treatment, as steaming keeps the meat juicy and it cooks quickly even with the addition of veggies or starches. Chicken tenders would be a great cut to bake in foil, too.

Will baking chicken at 350 dry it out? ›

To ensure your oven-baked chicken breast is juicy, cook it for a short time at a high temperature, and it will emerge from the oven perfectly cooked. Baking the chicken for a short time in a hot 450°F oven helps seal the juices, while prolonged cooking in a moderate 350°F oven can dry it out.

How long does it take to bake chicken at 350? ›

How Long to Bake Every Cut of Chicken
PartOven TempTime
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts350°F20 to 30 minutes
Chicken breasts, bone-in, skin-on350°F30 to 40 minutes
Whole chicken legs or thighs, bone-in350°F40 to 50 minutes
Chicken drumsticks350°F35 to 45 minutes
2 more rows
Nov 15, 2022

How many minutes do you bake chicken at 350? ›

The right temperature and time
Type of chickenWeightRoasting: 350°F (177˚C)
breast halves, bone-in6 to 8 oz.30 to 40 minutes
breast halves, boneless4 oz.20 to 30 minutes
legs or thighs4 to 8 oz.40 to 50 minutes
drumsticks4 oz.35 to 45 minutes
1 more row

How do I keep chicken from drying out in the oven? ›

Using a method called “dry-poaching” is best. It involves covering the breasts with a piece of parchment paper before they go in the oven. This allows them to baste in their own juices so they cook up to be tender and juicy.

What is the best way to cook chicken to keep it moist? ›

Instructions
  1. Flatten the chicken breasts. ...
  2. Season the chicken breasts. ...
  3. Heat the pan. ...
  4. Cook the chicken breasts over medium heat for 1 minute without moving. ...
  5. Flip the chicken breasts. ...
  6. Turn the heat down to low. ...
  7. Cover the pan and cook on low for 10 minutes. ...
  8. Turn off the heat and let sit for an additional 10 minutes.

How do you cook chicken without losing moisture? ›

Place a flat-bottomed frying pan on a medium-high heat and drizzle in a good amount of olive oil. When the oil is nice and hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan and leave to cook for 5 -7 minutes, untouched until a nice golden crust forms. If you have a lid for the pan, pop it on to help retain all that moisture.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Greg O'Connell

Last Updated:

Views: 6480

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg O'Connell

Birthday: 1992-01-10

Address: Suite 517 2436 Jefferey Pass, Shanitaside, UT 27519

Phone: +2614651609714

Job: Education Developer

Hobby: Cooking, Gambling, Pottery, Shooting, Baseball, Singing, Snowboarding

Introduction: My name is Greg O'Connell, I am a delightful, colorful, talented, kind, lively, modern, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.