Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Inspired by the popular Costco food court favorite
Completely vegetarian
Cheesy, creamy, and satisfying
Great for meal prep and packed lunches
Easy to customize
Family-friendly recipe
Perfect handheld meal
Freezer-friendly

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Filling

2 cups plant-based chicken-style strips, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
⅓ cup Caesar-style dressing (vegetarian)
½ cup cooked bacon-style vegetarian crumbles (optional)

For the Dough

1 pound pizza dough, divided into 4 portions
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, for dusting

For Topping

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon melted butter
½ teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the plant-based chicken strips and season with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned.
Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the plant-based chicken, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Caesar dressing, and vegetarian bacon crumbles if using.
On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of pizza dough into a rectangle approximately 6×10 inches.
Divide the filling evenly among the dough rectangles.
Place the filling down the center of each piece of dough.
Fold the long sides over the filling and pinch the seams closed.
Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops with melted butter mixed with garlic powder.
Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Allow the bakes to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Mushroom Chicken Bake: Add sautéed mushrooms to the filling.
Buffalo Chicken Bake: Mix buffalo sauce into the filling.
Spinach Alfredo Bake: Replace the Caesar dressing with Alfredo sauce and add spinach.
Three Cheese Bake: Add provolone and fontina cheese.
Mediterranean Bake: Include roasted red peppers and olives.
Vegan Version: Use vegan cheese, dressing, and plant-based protein.
Broccoli Cheese Bake: Add finely chopped steamed broccoli.

Storage/Reheating

Storage

Store leftover bakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Wrap cooled bakes individually and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or in an air fryer for 5–7 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

What can I use instead of plant-based chicken?

Chopped mushrooms, soy curls, jackfruit, or extra vegetarian protein crumbles work well.

Is Caesar dressing vegetarian?

Not always. Traditional Caesar dressing often contains anchovies, so choose a vegetarian version.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble them ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I freeze them before baking?

Yes. Freeze assembled unbaked bakes and bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.

What dough works best?

Fresh pizza dough provides the closest texture to the original.

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely. Use vegan cheese, vegan Caesar dressing, and plant-based protein.

Why is my filling leaking out?

Avoid overfilling and make sure the seams are tightly sealed.

What can I serve with these bakes?

A green salad, roasted vegetables, soup, or fries pair perfectly.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes. Store-bought dough makes this recipe even easier.

How do I get a golden crust?

Brushing the dough with butter before baking helps create a beautifully golden exterior.

Conclusion

Vegetarian Costco Chicken Bake is a delicious meat-free recreation of the beloved food court classic. Filled with creamy dressing, gooey cheese, and savory plant-based protein, all wrapped in golden pizza dough, this recipe delivers comfort-food satisfaction in every bite. Perfect for lunches, dinners, meal prep, or entertaining, these homemade bakes are sure to become a favorite for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Vegetarian Costco Chicken Bake

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Vegetarian Costco Chicken Bake recreates the cheesy, creamy, and savory flavors of the famous food court favorite using plant-based chicken-style strips and vegetarian ingredients. Wrapped in golden pizza dough and baked until crisp, these handheld bakes are perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the plant-based chicken strips and season with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the plant-based chicken, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Caesar dressing, and vegetarian bacon crumbles if using.
On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of pizza dough into a rectangle approximately 6×10 inches.
Divide the filling evenly among the dough rectangles and place it down the center of each piece.
Fold the long sides over the filling and pinch the seams closed.
Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops with melted butter mixed with garlic powder.
Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Allow the bakes to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use store-bought pizza dough for a quicker preparation.
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture.
For a vegan version, use vegan cheese, vegan Caesar dressing, and vegan butter.
Assemble the bakes ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Wrap cooled bakes individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the crispiest texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bake
Calories: 620 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 1180 mg
Fat: 27 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 36 g
Cholesterol: 45 mg