After countless trips to Costco just for their famous chicken bake I finally cracked the code in my kitchen. This homemade version brings all that cheesy bacon wrapped goodness right to your table. The moment that golden crust breaks open revealing the creamy chicken filling inside you'll know the hunt for the perfect copycat recipe is over.
Pure Comfort Food Magic
My kitchen fills with the most amazing smell while these bake up crispy on the outside and perfectly gooey inside. I love that I can tweak the ingredients to make them even better than the original. My family actually prefers these to the food court version now and they disappear in minutes whenever I make them.
What You Need
- Pizza Dough: Grab your favorite from the store or use homemade for that perfect wrap.
- Chicken Breasts: Season them well for the juiciest filling.
- Bacon: The smokier the better for amazing flavor.
- Cheese: My secret blend of mozzarella provolone and fresh Parmesan.
- Caesar Dressing: This brings everything together with creamy tanginess.
- Green Onions: Fresh bits of flavor in every bite.
Getting Started with Dough
Pull your dough out an hour before you start. This makes all the difference in how easy it rolls out. Dust your counter with flour and work the dough into a nice circle about 12 inches across. Keep it even so everything bakes up perfectly.
Making the Filling
Season those chicken breasts generously and get them nice and golden in your pan. Finish them in the oven until they're just right. While that's happening lay out your bacon on a sheet pan and let it crisp up in the oven. The smell alone will make your mouth water.
Putting It All Together
Now comes the fun part. Spread that creamy Caesar dressing all over your dough leaving just a little edge. Layer on your cheese mixture chicken bacon and those fresh green onions. Fold in the sides and roll it all up nice and snug making sure everything stays tucked inside.
The Final Touch
Brush some beaten egg all over the outside this gives you that beautiful golden color. Sprinkle extra cheese on top because who doesn't love more cheese? This is what makes the outside absolutely irresistible.
Time to Bake
Pop these beauties in your hot oven and let them work their magic for about 20 minutes. You want that crust golden and crispy and all that cheese melted to perfection. Give them a few minutes to cool so you don't burn your tongue on all that goodness.
Switch Things Up
Sometimes I use turkey when I want something lighter or toss in steak for a fancy twist. Playing with different cheese combinations is fun too. My vegetarian friends love it when I make them a mushroom and spinach version.
Perfect Pairings
We love these with a crisp Caesar salad on the side or some roasted veggies. Pour yourself a glass of wine or grab a cold iced tea and make it a meal. I always set out extra Caesar dressing because everyone loves to dip.
Save Some for Later
These keep beautifully in the fridge for a few days. Just wrap them up tight and reheat in the oven when you're ready. You can even freeze them before baking just add a few extra minutes in the oven when you're ready to enjoy them.
Better Than the Original
This recipe has become such a favorite in our house. The combination of that flaky crust oozy cheese and savory filling just can't be beat. Plus there's something so satisfying about creating this food court favorite right in your own kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble them ahead and refrigerate or freeze before baking. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
- → How do I know when the chicken is done?
- The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. When cut, it should be completely white with no pink in the center.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
- Yes, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works great as a time-saving alternative. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispy crust. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
- → Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
- Yes, any prepared pizza dough works well. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling.