Costco continues to be a treasure trove for food enthusiasts, especially when it comes to frozen or ready-to-cook chicken products. Here are seven chicken products from Costco that have captured the hearts of customers.
1. Foster Farms Classic Buffalo Crispy Take Out Wings
Foster Farms’ crispy wings come with a sauce packet and are available in Chipotle BBQ and Classic Buffalo flavors. Some shoppers enjoy them even without the sauce for their crispy texture.
Nutrition per 3 oz.:
160 calories, 9g fat, 1,790mg sodium, 7g carbs, 12g protein.
Look Review:
The Sweet Chipotle BBQ wings from Costco come out of the air fryer looking exceptionally appealing. They are nicely browned with a dark reddish-tinted glaze that gives them a glossy and rich visual appearance. This inviting look promises a tasty treat that is as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Taste Review:
Flavor-wise, these wings are a delightful blend of tangy, smoky, and sweet notes, balanced with just the right level of heat. The meat is tender and easy to chew, while the outer crust provides a satisfying crunch. The sauce is notably crave-worthy, enhancing the overall experience and leaving you eager to savor every last morsel down to the bone.
Heating Methods:
Conventional Oven
- Temperature: Preheat to 425 °F.
- Preparation: Use a foil-lined baking sheet sprayed with non-stick spray or lined with parchment paper.
- Cooking Time: Heat frozen wings for 20-22 minutes. For extra crispiness, cook for an additional 5 minutes at 450 °F.
Air Fryer
- Temperature: Preheat to 390°F.
- Preparation: Arrange frozen wings in a single layer in the basket.
- Cooking Time: Heat for 16 minutes or until heated through.
2. Authentic Asia Japanese Inspired Tatsuta-Age Chicken
These breaded dark meat chicken nuggets marinated in garlic and ginger sauce have been a hit. Fans recommend air frying and pairing them with lemon and Kewpie mayonnaise or a homemade sesame sauce.
Nutrition per 3 oz.:
160 calories, 6g fat, 220mg sodium, 12g carbs, 14g protein.
Taste Review
The newest chicken nuggets at Costco offer a delightful departure from the typical nugget. Made from dark meat chicken and marinated in a rich garlic and ginger sauce, these nuggets deliver a taste akin to the traditional Japanese karaage but with an added depth of flavor. They are praised for their succulence and unique seasoning, though they have slightly less crunch than their traditional counterpart. According to fans on Reddit, these nuggets shine especially when cooked in an air fryer, enhancing their flavor and texture, making them a must-try for aficionados of Japanese cuisine.
Look Review:
These chicken nuggets stand out in the frozen aisle with their distinctive appearance, a hybrid between popcorn chicken and chicken tenders. They are lightly breaded with tapioca starch, giving them a subtle, golden finish that crisps nicely when cooked. While they maintain a visually appealing look typical of comfort food, their dark meat composition offers a more authentic and gourmet experience compared to standard white meat nuggets.
Availability
Costco’s latest addition to their frozen section isn’t uniformly available at all locations. Presently, these Japanese-inspired nuggets have been spotted in specific stores like those in upstate New York and Charlottesville. Due to their popularity and the niche demand, availability might depend on regional preferences for Asian products. Shoppers are advised to check platforms like Instacart or Uber Eats to verify stock before heading to the store. For those who can’t find them locally, Costco’s feedback form is an excellent tool for requesting these or other desired products.
3. Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast Chunks
Resembling a fast-food favorite, these breaded chicken chunks are versatile. They’re great for tossing in salads, stir-fries, or simply snacking right out of the air fryer.
Nutrition per 3 oz.:
140 calories, 5g fat, 530mg sodium, 9g carbs, 16g protein.
Taste Review
The new Kirkland Signature Lightly Breaded Chicken Chunks at Costco have quickly become a customer favorite, drawing comparisons to Chick-fil-A’s renowned chicken nuggets. Praised for their tender, moist, and juicy interior with a crispy, lightly breaded exterior, these nuggets deliver a delightful savory flavor that sets them apart from sweeter alternatives. Fans on platforms like Reddit and Instagram rave about their quality, noting the absence of any chewy pieces and the excellent seasoning, suggesting they surpass other brands available at Costco.
Look Review
Visually, the Kirkland Signature Lightly Breaded Chicken Chunks have a golden, crispy coating that entices the appetite. Their presentation mimics that of high-quality restaurant-style nuggets, appealing to those who enjoy an aesthetically pleasing and appetizing appearance in their food. When cooked using preferred methods like air frying or baking, these nuggets achieve an optimal level of crispness that enhances their visual appeal and texture.
Heating Directions for Kirkland Signature Lightly Breaded Chicken Chunks
The Kirkland Signature Lightly Breaded Chicken Chunks are fully cooked, offering convenience and ease for quick meals. To enjoy them at their best, follow these simple reheating instructions:
Microwave:
- Quick Reheat: Place the desired amount of chicken chunks on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover: Lightly cover with a paper towel to avoid splattering.
- Heat: Microwave on high for about 2-3 minutes, or until heated through, turning halfway through heating.
Oven:
- Preheat: Set your oven to 375°F.
- Prepare: Arrange chicken chunks in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Place in the oven and heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even heating.
Air Fryer:
- Preheat: Set your air fryer to 350°F.
- Arrange: Place chicken chunks in the air fryer basket in a single layer for optimal crispiness.
- Cook: Heat for about 7-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to promote even browning and crispiness.
4. Aidell’s Chicken & Apple Sausage
These fully-cooked sausages are perfect for the grill and are loved for their juicy, flavorful taste. They pair wonderfully with skewered veggies or a simple rice and peas dish.
Nutrition per link:
170 calories, 12g fat, 690mg sodium, 4g carbs, 13g protein.
Cooking Directions for Smoked Sausage
Stove Top:
- Preparation: Place the smoked sausage in a large sauté pan and add 1 cup of water.
- Cooking: Heat over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until the sausage is hot, turning occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Finishing Touch: Once hot, drain the water and continue to cook the sausage for an additional 2 minutes to brown it evenly.
Grill:
- Preparation: Preheat the grill to medium-low heat and lightly grease the grill grates.
- Grilling: Place the smoked sausage on the grill. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes or until hot, turning frequently to achieve even browning.
Get Inspired
For a Savory and Sweet Dinner:
- Glaze and Serve: Grill the smoked sausage whole and brush it with a glaze made of Dijon mustard, garlic, and honey during the last few minutes of grilling. Serve alongside roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty meal.
For a Gourmet Salad:
- Salad Creation: Heat and slice the smoked sausage. Toss it with mixed field greens, slices of crisp Granny Smith apple, toasted pecans, crumbled blue cheese, and your choice of vinaigrette for a refreshing and satisfying salad.
Customer Reviews:
- Frequent User for Breakfast: “Always keep a pack or two in the fridge! Makes for a quick breakfast apple sausage over white rice, yum. It’s your responsibility to check the ingredients for any dietary restrictions, typical people always blaming others! Do your part and read before you buy. These are delicious, pork casing or not. I consume this product once a week.”
- Versatile in Recipes: “These are so delicious and can be enjoyed alone or in all sorts of recipes. Tonight I included them in a soup full of veggies, garlic & power greens with homemade croutons & parmesan cheese sprinkled on top….perfect! All of Aidell’s products are great, but these are my family’s favorite!”
- Quick Meal Solution: “These are my go-to quick meal. I take a frozen pack, cut the 4 pack in 2, and microwave on high for 1 minute 45 seconds. I then remove them from the pack, serrate them in 1-inch cuts, microwave again for 1 minute 45 seconds. Then cut them at the serrations into bite-size pieces. The best protein addition alongside a small green salad for a light lunch with good protein.”
- Enjoying with Dietary Restrictions: “I’ve bought the Chicken and Apple flavored smoke sausage several times—whenever I catch it on sale! This week I cut it up with veggies, used Italian seasoning, and baked in the oven. Sprinkled fresh, grated parmesan on at the end of baking. Yum! (I have a pork allergy, so I love trying something different! It has more flavor than the turkey smoked sausage.)”
5. Kirkland Signature Parmesan & Black Pepper Chicken Sausages
Newly introduced, these chicken sausages have quickly become a favorite for their rich flavors and easy cooking options, from grilling to microwaving.
Nutrition per link:
150 calories, 10g fat, 640mg sodium, 1g carb, 14g protein.
Taste Review
The new Kirkland Signature Parmesan and Cracked Black Pepper Chicken Sausage from Costco has quickly garnered attention and anticipation among culinary enthusiasts. These sausage links promise a rich blend of savory Parmesan cheese and the bold, sharp bite of cracked black pepper, creating a flavor profile that’s both refined and robust. Initial reactions from the online community suggest these sausages are a hit, with many expressing eagerness to try them, indicating they’re expected to be a tasty addition to any meal.
Look Review
Visually, the Kirkland Signature Parmesan and Cracked Black Pepper Chicken Sausages are designed to impress. Once grilled, they exhibit a golden-brown exterior with visible specks of black pepper and hints of melted Parmesan, enhancing their gourmet appeal. These sausages are perfect for presenting a more upscale version of the traditional barbecue fare, likely to stand out on any dinner plate or backyard cookout.
Cooking Directions
Skillet:
- Preparation: Lightly oil a skillet or use a non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Heat: Warm the skillet over medium heat.
- Cook: Place the sausage links in the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and have a nice external browning.
Grill:
- Preparation: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill: Place the sausage links on the grill. Cover and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning and to achieve crisp, flavorful skins.
