Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

Step-by-Step Instructions for Seasoning and Cooking Chicken Breasts

1. Seasoning the Chicken:
   • Start by seasoning the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. This simple seasoning blend enhances the natural flavors of the chicken without overpowering the other ingredients in the chicken bake.
2. Searing the Chicken:
   • Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil, and once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the chicken breasts in the skillet, seasoned side down. Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes, until a golden-brown crust forms. This searing process locks in the juices, helping to keep the chicken moist during baking.
3. Finishing in the Oven:
   • Flip the chicken breasts over, season the top side if needed, and cook for an additional minute. Add just enough water to fill the bottom of the pan—this will create steam, which helps keep the chicken juicy. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven set at 350°F (175°C). Bake the chicken for 17 to 20 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before chopping into bite-sized pieces.

Achieving Crispy Bacon in the Oven

1. Preparing the Bacon:
   • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, then lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the sheet. This setup not only makes for easy cleanup but also helps the bacon cook evenly.
2. Baking the Bacon:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bacon for about 15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Check the bacon halfway through to ensure it’s cooking evenly and adjust the time as needed.
3. Draining and Crumbling:
   • Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the oven and transfer the strips to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess grease. Allow the bacon to cool slightly before crumbling it into small pieces.

Tips for Ensuring Juicy, Fully Cooked Chicken

• Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. This ensures the chicken is cooked through but not overdone.
• Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat, resulting in tender, juicy chicken.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: When searing the chicken, make sure there is enough space between each piece. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear, leading to a less flavorful result.

Assembling the Chicken Bakes

Rolling Out the Dough

1. Prepare Your Work Surface:
   • Lightly flour your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking. Divide the 1 pound of prepared pizza dough into three equal portions. Working with one portion at a time, gently press the dough into a small flat circle with your fingers.
2. Rolling the Dough:
   • Using a rolling pin, roll out each dough portion into a large circle, approximately 12 to 13 inches in diameter. Aim for an even thickness across the entire circle to ensure uniform baking. If the dough resists stretching or shrinks back, allow it to rest for a few more minutes and then continue rolling.
3. Checking the Size:
   • The dough should be large enough to hold all the filling ingredients while still leaving a 1-inch border around the edges for sealing. Adjust the size as needed, ensuring the dough remains thin but not too fragile.

Distributing Ingredients Evenly

1. Start with the Sauce:
   • Spread about 2 to 3 tablespoons of creamy Caesar dressing evenly over each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. This sauce adds moisture and flavor to the filling.
2. Layering the Cheese:
   • Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded Parmesan cheese over the dressing. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the shredded Italian cheese blend for the topping, then evenly distribute the remaining cheese blend (about ⅓ cup per bake) over the sauce layer.
3. Add the Chicken and Bacon:
   • Evenly scatter the chopped, cooked chicken breast pieces over the cheese layer. Follow with the crumbled bacon, ensuring both ingredients are distributed uniformly across the dough.
4. Finish with Green Onions:
   • Sprinkle the thinly sliced green onions evenly over the chicken and bacon. The green onions add a subtle bite and freshness to the bake.

Folding and Sealing the Dough

1. Folding the Dough:
   • To begin assembling the bake, fold the outer left and right sides of the dough slightly over the filling, about 1 to 2 inches inwards. This step helps to encase the filling and prevent it from spilling out during baking.
2. Rolling the Dough:
   • Start at the bottom edge of the dough circle and carefully roll it over the filling towards the top edge, similar to rolling a burrito or jelly roll. Continue rolling until the filling is fully enclosed in the dough, and you have a long log shape about 12 inches in length.
3. Sealing the Edges:
   • Once the dough is rolled, pinch the seams and edges together to seal the bake. Gently tuck the ends under to create a neat, uniform shape. Use your hands to shape the roll evenly, ensuring there are no gaps where the filling could leak out.
4. Preparing for Baking:
   • Place the assembled bakes seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This orientation helps maintain the shape during baking and prevents the seam from opening.
5. Egg Wash and Cheese Topping:
   • Brush the tops of each chicken bake with beaten egg using a basting brush. This egg wash will give the finished bakes a beautiful golden-brown color. Finally, sprinkle the reserved shredded Italian cheese blend and 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese over each bake for an extra cheesy crust.