Copycat Costco Chicken Melt Recipe

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With a little effort and some simple ingredients, you can whip up your very own version of these comforting chicken melts at home—complete with warm, fluffy pita bread, juicy chicken breast, and that irresistible melty goodness. The best part? You can customize the Costco Chicken Melt recipe to suit your taste buds by adding your favorite sauces, spices, or extra toppings!

How to make a Costco Chicken Melt

Costco Chicken Melt generally refers to a frozen snack/mini sandwich sold at Costco — it’s not (usually) the same thing as the old food court Chicken Melt that used to be a hot sandwich there.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (preferably organic or antibiotic-free)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Melt:

• 6 mini pita breads or flatbread (soft and pliable ones work best)
• 6 slices of mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone cheese, or whatever melts beautifully
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, to add creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a little zing)

Optional toppings:

• Baby spinach leaves or shredded lettuce
• Sliced tomato
• Pickles
• Ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or your favorite hot sauce for serving on the side.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. If using whole chicken breasts, pound them slightly with a meat mallet to ensure even thickness, or slice them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into smaller, bite-sized strips or chunks.

Step 2: Prep the Melt Base

1. Slice each pita bread or flatbread through the center to create a pocket (if the pita is pre-split, skip this step). Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard if you want to add a flavor base to your chicken melts.

Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Melts

1. Place a layer of sliced chicken inside the pita bread pocket.
2. Add optional toppings such as spinach leaves or tomato slices.
3. Lay a slice of cheese on top of the chicken and toppings, tucking it slightly inside the pita so it melts evenly.
4. If desired, smear a bit of the mayonnaise-mustard mix on the inside of the pita bread for added creaminess.

Step 4: Toast and Melt

1. Preheat a skillet, toaster oven, or air fryer to medium heat.
2. Skillet method: Lightly butter the outside of the pita. Place it on the skillet and cover with a lid to help the cheese melt. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until evenly golden.
3. Toaster oven/air fryer method: Place the assembled sandwiches inside and toast at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is toasty and the cheese has fully melted.

Tips to Perfect Your Costco Chicken Melt

• Customize the flavor: Add extra seasonings to your chicken, like Cajun spice, Italian herbs, or chili powder if you prefer bold flavors.
• Cheese matters: Costco uses American-style melting cheeses, but mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss add a great twist.
• Make it crispy: If you love a crispy exterior, brush the outside of the pita with melted butter or olive oil before toasting.
• Batch cooking: Make a large batch of seasoned chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it for quick assembly during the week.
• Add sauces: Costco melts are simple, but experimenting with sauces—like tzatziki, ranch, or sriracha mayo—can elevate this snack to a whole new level.

What to serve with

Costco Chicken Melts—or your homemade version of them—are a satisfying snack or meal on their own. But if you’re looking to turn them into a full-fledged feast or simply want to elevate the experience, pairing them with the right side dishes, beverages, and dips can make all the difference!

• French Fries: A classic option! Whether you prefer regular fries, sweet potato fries, or seasoned waffle fries, the crispy texture pairs perfectly with the warm, cheesy chicken melts.
• Onion Rings: Add a crunchy, golden-brown twist with onion rings on the side. Use your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
• Tater Tots: Bite-sized, crispy, and kid-friendly! These mini hash-browns are an all-around favorite.
• Potato Wedges: Season with paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of rosemary for flavorful homemade wedges that complement the chicken melts.

Ingredients Substitutes

One of the best things about recreating the Costco Chicken Melt recipe at home is how adaptable it can be.

1. Chicken Substitutes

The main star of the Costco Chicken Melt is, of course, the chicken. But if you don’t have chicken on hand, or if you’re looking for a vegetarian or lighter option, here are some substitutes:

Meat-Based Alternatives:

• Turkey Breast: Use sliced or shredded turkey meat. Ground turkey works too if formed into mini patties or cooked into crumbles.
• Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, grab a store-bought rotisserie chicken and shred it for an easy shortcut.
• Pulled Pork: If you’re craving a different texture or flavor, pulled pork (seasoned to your liking) can work wonderfully.
• Beef Strips: Thinly sliced and cooked beef or steak strips, seasoned lightly, can be a tasty protein substitute.

Vegetarian & Vegan Options:

• Plant-Based Chicken: Brands like Gardein, Beyond Meat, or MorningStar Farms offer plant-based chicken strips or patties that mimic the texture and flavor of chicken.
• Extra Firm Tofu: Press and slice tofu into strips, then season and pan-sear it for a chewy, savory texture.
• Tempeh: Similar to tofu, tempeh can be sliced and seasoned. It has a nutty flavor that pairs well with this dish when marinated in a savory sauce.
• Chickpeas: For a unique vegetarian twist, mash chickpeas with spices and a touch of olive oil to create a spreadable filling.
• Mushrooms: Sautéed portobello or button mushrooms make for a hearty, umami-rich substitute.

2. Cheese Substitutes

Melted cheese is key to the indulgent flavors of chicken melts. If you need a substitute, consider the following options:

Non-Dairy Cheese:

• Vegan Cheese Slices: Brands like Violife, Daiya, or Kite Hill offer non-dairy cheese slices that melt well. Opt for mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone styles.
• Nutritional Yeast: Sprinkle nutritional yeast inside the melt for a cheesy, nutty flavor without actual cheese.
• Cashew Cheese: For an artisan twist, spread creamy cashew cheese inside the pita pocket before adding your protein.

Other Dairy Cheeses:

• Swiss Cheese: If you don’t have mozzarella or cheddar, Swiss cheese offers a mild, creamy flavor.
• Pepper Jack: For some spice, opt for pepper jack cheese instead of the classic cheddar or provolone.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbles of feta work well, especially if you’re leaning toward Mediterranean flavors.
• Brie: For an upscale twist, brie cheese adds a creamy, rich texture.

3. Pita or Bread Substitutes

The soft pita bread or flatbread pocket is a big part of the Costco Chicken Melt experience. But sometimes, you might need to switch it up depending on what you have available.

Other Bread Options:

• Tortilla Wraps: Flour tortillas work great for rolling up the chicken melts burrito-style or folding them quesadilla-style.
• Naan Bread: Soft and pillowy, naan bread makes an ideal flatbread substitute.
• Plain Bread Slices: Turn this into a sandwich by layering the filling between two slices of regular sandwich bread and toasting it.
• Ciabatta or Panini Bread: Want a heartier bite? Ciabatta adds a rustic, crispy crust to your chicken melt experience.
• Bagels or English Muffins: If you’re out of flatbread, these can work as a “melt” base for open-faced or sandwich-style versions.

Gluten-Free Alternatives:

• Gluten-Free Pita Bread: Many grocery stores carry gluten-free pita or flatbread options.
• Corn Tortillas: For a naturally gluten-free alternative, corn tortillas can hold the filling in taco-style melts.
• Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread: Use it the same way you’d use regular bread, but make it work for gluten-free diets.

Final Thoughts

The beauty of recreating the Costco Chicken Melt is its flexibility! These substitutes prove that you can mix and match ingredients to fit your pantry, preferences, or dietary needs.

More Costco Recipes:

• Homemade Costco Prime Rib Roast Recipe
• Copycat Costco Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
• Copycat Costco Caramel Brownie Sundae Recipe