Copycat Costco Chicken Bake
Copycat Costco Chicken Bake is a tasty and filling dish that brings together tender chicken, gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and a soft, golden crust. It’s a wonderful mix of creamy,…
Tip: save now, cook later.Copycat Costco Chicken Bake is a tasty and filling dish that brings together tender chicken, gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and a soft, golden crust. It’s a wonderful mix of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors all wrapped up in a flaky bread shell. If you love those hearty, easy-to-handle bites from Costco, this recipe gives you that same great taste right in your own kitchen.
I really love making this chicken bake when I want something simple yet satisfying for dinner or a weekend snack. It’s one of those dishes that’s perfect for feeding a crowd because everyone seems to enjoy biting into that cheesy, meaty filling wrapped in bread. My little trick is to make sure the cheese melts just right so every bite is nice and gooey — it makes such a difference!
One of my favorite ways to serve this is warm out of the oven with a side of fresh green salad or even some roasted veggies. It’s also great packed up for lunches or road trips because it’s easy to eat without making a mess. Whenever I make this, it reminds me of those fun Costco food court snacks, but homemade, which always feels a bit more special and personal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Using thinly pounded, butterflied chicken helps the rolls cook evenly and stay juicy. If you want a quicker option, pre-sliced chicken cutlets work well too.
Bacon: Bacon adds that smoky crunch we all love. If you prefer less grease, try turkey bacon or a vegetarian bacon substitute. Just keep the smoky flavor.
Cheese blend: The combo of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese creates creamy, melty filling. You can swap mozzarella for provolone or cheddar for more sharpness.
Dijon mustard & mayo: These keep the filling moist and add tanginess. If Dijon feels strong, mild yellow mustard works fine, and Greek yogurt is a fresh alternative to mayo.
How Do You Roll and Cook the Chicken Without It Falling Apart?
Rolling thin chicken breasts can be tricky, but these tips help keep everything together and juicy:
- After spreading the filling, roll the chicken tightly but gently to avoid tearing.
- Secure each roll with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the shape while cooking.
- Brown the rolls in a hot pan first to seal the outside and develop flavor before baking.
- Baking on medium heat gently finishes cooking without drying the chicken.
- Let the rolls rest a few minutes after baking to lock in juices before slicing.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven-safe skillet or baking dish – perfect for browning chicken on the stove and finishing it in the oven without extra pans.
- Meat mallet or rolling pin – helps you pound the chicken evenly thin so it rolls up nicely.
- Mixing bowl – for combining the cheese, bacon, and seasonings smoothly.
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine – keeps the chicken rolls securely together while cooking.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – makes butterflying the chicken and slicing it after cooking easier.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for turkey breasts – a leaner choice that still pairs well with the creamy filling.
- Add sautéed spinach or finely chopped broccoli – adds a pop of green and extra nutrients.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella – gives the bake a mild spicy kick.
- Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers – adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
How to Make Copycat Costco Chicken Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Filling:
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied and pounded thin
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 5-6 slices)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 25-30 minutes to bake. Including some time for browning the chicken rolls on the stove, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in under an hour. It’s perfect for a fun yet easy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Filling:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or an oven-proof skillet. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon.
2. Assemble and Brown the Chicken Rolls:
Place each butterflied and pounded chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Spread an even layer of the cheese and bacon filling over each chicken piece. Roll the chicken tightly and secure with toothpicks if needed. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then brown each chicken roll for 2-3 minutes on each side to get a golden crust.
3. Bake and Serve:
Transfer the browned chicken rolls to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining bacon on top. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked, and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Remove toothpicks before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy your homemade Costco-style chicken bake!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight before butterflying and pounding them thin. This helps the chicken cook evenly and roll up nicely.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you want to skip bacon or need a substitute, turkey bacon or smoked sausage work well for a similar smoky flavor. For a vegetarian option, try smoked tempeh or sautéed mushrooms for added texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the chicken juicy and the cheese melty.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the chicken rolls a few hours in advance, keep them covered in the fridge, and bake just before serving. This makes for easy entertaining or weekday meal prep.