A chicken bake is a hearty and comforting dish that has been gaining popularity over the years But what exactly makes up this mouthwatering creation? Let’s break down the key ingredients and flavors that come together to create the beloved chicken bake
A Closer Look at the Main Ingredients
The star of the show in a chicken bake is obviously succulent chicken. Chicken breast is most commonly used for its tenderness but thigh or drumstick work too. The chicken is seasoned with herbs and spices for a flavor punch.
Cheese is another essential component. Goopy, melty cheese binds everything together and adds creaminess. Mozzarella is a popular choice for its meltability, but cheddar, fontina, and gouda also work nicely.
In terms of sauce, tangy tomato or marinara sauce features prominently, providing a robust, savory flavor. But pesto, barbecue sauce, or a creamy cheese sauce can also be used.
The chicken bake filling is wrapped up in a blanket of flaky, golden pastry dough. This provides a satisfying outer shell and textural contrast to the ooey-gooey interior. Store-bought puff pastry, pie dough, or crescent roll dough offer convenience.
Customize It with Creative Add-Ins
While chicken, cheese, and tomato sauce form the base, the fun lies in incorporating other ingredients to make each chicken bake unique.
Bacon is a common add-in, contributing smoky, salty, crispy bits. Sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions pack extra flavor and nutrition. For spice lovers, hot sauce or chili flakes can be added to amp up the heat.
Cooking the chicken with bold seasonings like garlic, paprika, cumin, and oregano allows you to build even more flavor. Fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or chives add vibrancy.
Baking to Perfection
To create the quintessential chicken bake, tenderly care for it from preparation to plate.
Start by sautéing aromatic vegetables like onions and garlic to deepen their flavor. Season the chicken generously and sauté until cooked through.
Let the filling cool slightly before assembling the chicken bake to prevent a soggy bottom crust. Spoon the filling onto the rolled out dough, top with cheese, and roll it up into a log shape.
Brush the top with egg wash or melted butter for a glossy sheen. Bake at 375°F until the pastry is flaky and golden brown, about 30 minutes.
Allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing to let the molten cheese solidify. Serve warm right out of the oven for maximum comfort.
Creative Ways to Customize
Making chicken bakes for a crowd? Why not get creative with flavors and formats to please every palate?
For spice lovers, use buffalo chicken and top with blue cheese crumbles. To make it Mediterranean, use spinach, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes. For a Mexican twist, add corn, black beans, cumin, and monterey jack.
You can also do mini chicken bakes as party-perfect appetizers. Or make it pot pie-style by baking the filling in a casserole dish topped with pastry instead of sealing in a log.
With endless possibilities for customization, a chicken bake is a versatile canvas for culinary creativity.
Where to Find Crave-Worthy Chicken Bakes
If going through the effort of making chicken bakes at home seems daunting, you can always grab a ready-made version. Grocery stores like Trader Joe’s offer convenient frozen options.
But for fresh-from-the-oven chicken bakes, the Costco food court reigns supreme. Their famous chicken bakes have amassed a cult following for a reason. Plump with chicken, bacon, melty cheese, and tangy sauce wrapped in flaky pastry, they are the ultimate comfort food.
According to Costco members, the chicken bakes are absolutely worth buying and among the best food court items. They make for a satisfying quick meal or snack during shopping trips. Just be prepared to brave the lines!
Enjoy the Comfort of Chicken Bakes Anytime
There’s just something so warm and soothing about biting into a chicken bake, with its pillowy pastry crust giving way to an oozing cheese and chicken filling. It’s the type of hearty, indulgent dish we all crave on our toughest days.
Luckily, as we’ve discovered, chicken bakes are highly customizable and can be made conveniently at home. So whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting a crowd, or just in need of comfort food, a chicken bake always delivers. Dig into this cheesy bundle of joy and savor all its crave-worthy layers of flavors.
What’s In A Costco Chicken Bake?
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.
Chicken Bake | We Hit 800k
FAQ
How to make homemade shake n bake for chicken?
Mix flour, salt, paprika, sage, and pepper together in a resealable plastic bag. Place chicken parts into the bag; seal and shake until well coated. Melt butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish in the preheated oven. Arrange coated chicken pieces in the baking dish skin-side down and bake for 20 minutes.
What are the ingredients for baked chicken in the oven?
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.
What’s the sauce in a Costco chicken bake?
Inspired by the Costco chicken bake offering, our copycat version of these calzone-like treats comes stuffed with chicken, bacon, and cheese bound by a creamy Caesar dressing.
What ingredients are in a chicken bake?
A chicken bake typically consists of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses. The cheese is melted to perfection, creating a gooey and cheesy interior that complements the chicken and bacon. Additionally, a delicious sauce is often included.
What is a copycat Costco chicken bake?
This copycat Costco chicken bake is an easier, better home version of the iconic sandwich, a pizza crust filled with chicken strips, creamy Caesar dressing, Italian cheese, bacon, and green onion. Oops! Something went wrong. Our team is working on it. This recipe was developed at its original yield.
What kind of chicken do you cook in a chicken bake?
Cooked chicken – It’s a key component of the chicken bake, offering a hearty, protein-packed filling. You can use rotisserie, grilled, or any preferred cooked chicken variety. Bacon – It adds a smoky depth of flavor and a satisfying crunch. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
How do you make a chicken bake?
Follow these simple steps to enjoy a scrumptious chicken bake tonight: Preheat the oven and prepare the dough. Set your oven to 400°F and divide the dough into four pieces. Roll out the dough. Once the dough is ready, roll it out into a large rectangle. Assemble the chicken bake. Spread a generous layer of Caesar dressing evenly on all four pieces.
Does chicken have to be cooked before baking?
It’s worth mentioning that the chicken in the Costco chicken bake is always fully cooked before being incorporated into the bake. To complement the chicken, a hearty portion of bacon is added.
What ingredients are in a Costco chicken bake?
Let’s dive in and uncover the mouthwatering ingredients that make up this beloved menu item. The main ingredient of a Costco chicken bake is, of course, chicken. The chicken used in this delectable treat is typically diced or shredded, providing a tender and flavorful filling.