The Best (and Worst) Chicken Costco Has to Offer

As we know, Costco is one of the best stores for stocking up. The major warehouse retailer has a wide selection of goods—from fresh produce and bakery to cleaning supplies and kitchenware—as well as deals and savings when you buy in bulk. And, it’s also known for its delicious rotisserie chicken, which easily feeds a small family and acts as a handy meal-prep staple.

However, Costco's famous rotisserie chicken isn’t the only poultry option offered on shelves. There are more chickens to choose from and try—and, while some are undeniably better than others, it’s worth exploring new and different varieties to see which chicken we enjoy and prefer most.

From whole chickens to pre-marinated cuts, Costco’s selection is vast, which means it’s easy to avoid getting bored. Still, it’s a good idea to do a little research first, so you know which chicken products tend to be highly rated (and thus more likely to be satisfying and worth the money) and which are ranked lower and may leave you disappointed.

These are the best and worst chicken choices when shopping at Costco.

The Best Chicken to Buy at Costco

Kirkland Signature Organic Chicken Breasts

If you're looking for high-quality organic chicken, Kirkland Signature's version is a top choice. “It's known for its freshness and is raised without antibiotics or added hormones,” says registered dietitian and frequent Costco shopper Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD. The organic option is uncooked and contains three packets total, each with two chicken breasts per pouch.

The pack is around six pounds and is a great choice for families and people who often cook at home or meal prep for the week. “Purchasing chicken in bulk can be cost-effective and save money in the long run, as the per-unit price often beats that at traditional grocery stores,” Best notes. This chicken is good quality and has garnered positive reviews from customers.

Costco Rotisserie Chicken

Of course, the pre-cooked, packaged, and prepared rotisserie chicken offered at Costco is a top winner and an undeniable crowd-pleaser. The whole chicken is tasty and affordable, and it’s a good buy for busy people in need of an instant meal or who can’t cook at home much. “They're incredibly convenient and flavorful, making them a great option for quick and easy meals,” Best says.

A single rotisserie chicken costs $4.99 and serves plenty. “The chicken is ideal in its size and price point for individuals or smaller households, where it can be a struggle to use and consume large quantities of chicken before it spoils,” Best explains. Although still a beloved option among customers, people have recently complained about its taste and flavor, suggesting a change and decline as a result of a potential new use of chemicals. So, it’s ranked as second-best.

Kirkland Signature Chicken Breasts

“These boneless, skinless chicken breasts are individually packed, making portion control easy,” Best says. They're versatile, meaning you can use them in a wide range of recipes and ways. If organic isn’t a concern for you, then these uncooked, raw chicken breasts are just what you need. Weighing around six pounds, the chicken breasts are packaged nicely and securely—air-chilled, vacuum-sealed, and leak-proof. They are lean and contain very little fat, and are additive-free.

The Worst Chicken to Buy at Costco 

Hand-Pulled Rotisserie Chicken

While the whole rotisserie chicken at Costco is a winner, the pre-shredded version or alternative tends to receive mixed reviews and can be rather disappointing, according to customers. “It can be dry and lacks the same level of flavor as the whole chicken,” Best explains. The good news is, you can avoid this by purchasing a fresh rotisserie chicken and shredding it yourself at home. It’s an easy process that provides more flavorful and tender chicken meat to use for shredded chicken dishes, including enchiladas, tacos, and rotisserie chicken casseroles.

Frozen Chicken Tenders

While buying in bulk can be a great way to save money and make convenient meals at home, the money can’t be put to good use with a lackluster product. The frozen chicken tenders at Costco might be a disappointing purchase. “Some Costco shoppers have found that the frozen chicken tenders can be overly processed and may not meet the expectations of people who are looking for higher-quality poultry,” Best says.

Chicken Wings Platter

Platters are perfect for parties and big social gatherings; however, not all of Costco’s platters have received the best feedback among customers—the chicken wings platter being one to note. “While Costco's chicken wings platter might seem like a convenient choice for parties, some consumers have reported inconsistent quality, where they’ve found some wings to be overly fatty or undercooked,” Best explains. You’re better off getting a platter of baked goods or snacks instead, such as this delicious pretzel party tray platter, which debuted on shelves this summer.