Vegetarian Costco Chicken Bake

These vegetarian Costco-style chicken bakes deliver all the nostalgia of the food court favorite without any meat. Creamy seasoned chickpeas take the place of chicken for a filling that is hearty and packed with flavor, all bundled up in chewy golden pizza dough with plenty of melty cheese. I find these the ultimate grab-and-go lunch for busy days, thanks to how well they freeze and reheat.

The first time I made these, I could not believe how convertible the chickpea filling was in place of the traditional chicken. When I shared them at a neighborhood get-together, not one person missed the meat.

Ingredients

• Vegan bacon: look for a smoky, crisp variety with good structure I use Morningstar which tastes great and holds up well in the filling
• Canned chickpeas: choose firm, intact beans avoid mushy or overcooked cans
• Shredded mozzarella: fresh pre-shredded cheese melts consistently check for freshness
• Smoked provolone: gives that classic flavor pair with mozzarella for stringy results
• Green onions: slice them thin and use both white and green parts for freshness
• Vegetarian Caesar dressing: creamy bottled Caesar makes this extra savory select one without anchovies
• Italian seasoning: try a blend with oregano thyme and basil for deep flavor
• Salt and pepper: adjust to taste fresh ground if possible
• Pizza dough: use fresh or store-bought dough with a tight but soft texture I prefer a ball sized for one and a half pizzas
• Egg: for brushing to enhance the crust’s color and crunch ensure fresh eggs for best effect
• Shredded parmesan: adds richness and umami sprinkle right before baking

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

Cook vegan bacon until crisp following package instructions let cool then chop into bite-sized pieces. Drain chickpeas thoroughly and pour into a large bowl. Using a potato masher or fork roughly smash about half the chickpeas for a mix of creamy and textured bits. Add shredded mozzarella smoked provolone green onions dressing Italian seasoning salt and pepper. Stir together until fully combined.

Roll Out Dough:

Divide pizza dough into four equal pieces. Dust your surface and rolling pin with flour then roll each portion into a 9 by 5 inch rectangle. Gently stretch the dough to ensure even thickness use your hands to shape any uneven edges.

Fill and Shape:

Take a scoop of filling and place along the center of each dough rectangle forming a long mound. Using lightly floured palms compact the mixture to keep it neat and even.

Seal the Bake:

Lift the long sides of dough over the filling to meet in the middle pinching the seam and ends to fully enclose the mixture. Place each filled bake seam side down on a parchment lined sheet pan spacing evenly to prevent sticking.

Brush and Top:

In a small bowl whisk the egg until frothy. Brush a thin even layer of egg wash over each bake’s surface covering all exposed dough. In another bowl mix mozzarella and parmesan cheeses then sprinkle over the egg-washed tops for a cheesy crust.

Bake:

Slide the baking tray into a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and fragrant cheese is fully melted and the dough is firm to the touch.

Rest and Serve:

Let the bakes cool for a few minutes before slicing or serving to set the crust and filling. The inside will be hot and melty. Slice and enjoy while still warm or cool completely for meal prep.

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The smoked provolone is by far my favorite part of this recipe because it gives that signature smoky layer found in the original. There is something irresistible about slicing these open at the table sharing with friends and waiting for the cheese to stretch just like those food court days with my family.

Storage Tips

Cool leftovers completely before packing into airtight containers for the fridge for up to three days. If making ahead freeze fully baked bakes individually wrapped in foil for up to three months. To reheat microwave straight from frozen for three to four minutes then air fry or bake for a few minutes more if you want the crust crisp again.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap vegan bacon for roasted mushrooms if you prefer a lighter meatless option. Try shredded vegan cheese if you need a dairy-free alternative. For gluten-free needs choose a compatible gluten-free pizza dough and check your Caesar dressing for wheat ingredients.

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Serving Suggestions

These bakes are hearty on their own but pair perfectly with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette or some extra Caesar dressing for dipping. For a school lunchbox treat slice into portions and wrap tightly for easy transport.

Cultural and Historical Context

Costco’s chicken bake became iconic for its combo of tender chicken creamy dressing and loads of cheese wrapped in pizza dough all at an unbeatable price. Turning this classic into a vegetarian treat means everyone gets a taste of that shopping trip ritual without sacrificing any comfort or flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ What is used instead of chicken in these bakes?

Chickpeas are used as the hearty base, providing texture and protein in place of chicken. They’re mashed and mixed with cheese and seasonings for a satisfying filling.

→ How can I get the dough golden and crispy?

Brushing the dough with whisked egg before baking helps achieve a shiny, golden-brown crust. Finish baking until nicely crisp on the outside.

→ Can these bakes be made ahead and frozen?

Yes, once baked and cooled, they can be frozen for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave, then crisp in an air fryer for best texture.

→ What type of vegan bacon works best?

Look for vegan bacon with a smoky profile and crisp texture; Morningstar is a popular choice for its flavor and consistency.

→ Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works well and saves time, but homemade dough can add an extra touch if you prefer.