You guys won't believe how excited I am to share this recipe! After countless trips to Costco just for their famous Chicken Bake, I finally cracked the code to make it at home. My version wraps juicy chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, and plenty of melted cheese in a golden pizza crust that's absolutely irresistible. Trust me, it tastes just like the real thing!
Why You Need To Try This
Making these at home has been such a game-changer for my family! Not only do we save on those Costco runs but I can adjust everything to our taste. My kids actually get excited when they smell these baking in the oven. Plus I love knowing exactly what goes into them and they're perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
What You'll Need
- Good pizza dough (about a pound). Let it hang out on the counter for an hour to get soft.
- Three chicken breasts we're going to season them really well.
- Some olive oil for getting that chicken nice and golden.
- Your favorite creamy Caesar dressing half a cup does the trick.
- A cup of that yummy Italian cheese blend I use mozz and provolone.
- Fresh Parmesan cheese because it makes everything better!
- Green onions for that perfect mild bite.
- One egg for that gorgeous golden crust.
Let's Make It Together
- First Things First:
- Get that dough warming up and preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cook Your Chicken:
- Season it well and get it nice and golden in some olive oil. A quick finish in the oven makes it perfect.
- Prep The Dough:
- Split it into three pieces and roll them into big circles. Spread on that Caesar goodness but leave a little border!
- Time to Build:
- Layer up with Parmesan chicken green onions and that cheese blend. Roll them up like little presents.
- Into The Oven:
- Brush with egg wash sprinkle with cheese and bake at 400°F until golden and gorgeous.
My Secret Tips
Here's what I've learned from making these countless times: splurge on good pizza dough it really makes a difference. And don't rush that dough rest it needs that time to get perfectly pliable. That egg wash might seem fussy but it gives you that beautiful Costco-worthy golden crust. Oh and always grate your own Parmesan!
Make It A Meal
We love serving these with a big crisp Caesar salad on the side it just feels right! Sometimes I warm up extra Caesar dressing for dipping or even some marinara sauce when we're feeling fancy. It's like having our favorite food court meal but even better!
Saving For Later
If you somehow have leftovers (we rarely do!) they'll keep in the fridge for about 3 days. Just reheat them in the oven at 350°F to keep that crust nice and crispy. Skip the microwave unless you like soggy crust!
Good To Know
For those keeping track each chicken bake packs about 573 calories with a nice balance of protein and carbs. It's definitely heartier than a salad but hey that's why we love it! Perfect for those days when you need something really satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why let the pizza dough rest?
Resting the dough at room temperature makes it easier to work with and roll out into the required shape.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can substitute pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience. Just chop and season before using.
- → How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Make sure to leave a border when spreading ingredients and seal the edges well when rolling. Place seam-side down when baking.
- → Can I freeze these?
Yes, they can be frozen before baking. Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before baking.
- → What cheese blend works best?
A combination of mozzarella and provolone provides the best melting qualities and authentic flavor.
Conclusion
This homemade version of Costco's chicken bake combines pizza dough with seasoned chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, and a blend of Italian cheeses for a satisfying meal.