Oh, the mighty rotisserie chicken at Costco. For a mere $4.99, you get a bird that’s been spinning on its axis, bathing in its own juices, tempting shoppers since 2009.
The price hasn’t budged a cent since then. Impressive, right? But let’s cut through the grease and find out if this deal is as good as it sounds or if it’s just a clever ploy to lure you deeper into the aisles of Costco.
The Irresistible Price Tag
Costco’s rotisserie chickens have been the same price forever. It’s been at $4.99 for over 10 years now. I’m guessing the plan is to lure people in with the cheap chicken, then hope customers fill their carts with other stuff, too.
People see that $4.99 chicken and all of a sudden, they’re wandering all over the store, tossing everything else they see into their cart. Smart.
- Consistent Pricing: Locked at $4.99 since 2009.
- Comparison Shopping: At $1.66 per pound, this chicken is cheaper than a cup of coffee in most places. Compare that to Whole Foods or Safeway, where the cost per pound can make you cluck in despair.
The Strategic Chicken Placement
Ever wondered why you have to trek to the farthest corner of Costco to get that chicken? It’s not because they think you need the exercise.
It’s a calculated move to tempt you into filling your cart with more than what you came for. You went in for cheap chicken and came out with a new TV, a set of tires, and enough snacks to feed a small army.
But How Does It Taste?
Here’s where things get a bit… funky. Some customers have started to notice that their beloved chicken tastes a bit off. Reports range from a “chlorine-like taste” to something akin to “licking the plastic wrapper.” Delicious, right?
To be honest, I never had such an experience. I’ve been buying Costco chicken for years, and it tasted good every time. For the price tag, the quality you are getting is more than decent.
What’s Going On With The Taste?
- Phosphate: One culprit might be the phosphates used to keep the chicken looking perky and moist. If you’re sensitive to it, you might get a hint of your dish soap’s bouquet in your dinner. Again, I haven’t experienced this so far, but when customers complain about Costco chicken taste, this might be something they’re referring to.
- Saline Solution: Yes, they inject these chickens with a saline solution. It’s like a spa treatment but for poultry, designed to plump them up and make them juicier. It’s pretty common in the industry, and I’m not shocked that a huge chain such as Costco does this.
Popularity Contest
Despite the weird taste some folks are reporting, these chickens aren’t warming the benches—they’re flying off the shelves. With about 117 million sold last year alone, it’s clear that price might just trump taste for most shoppers.
So, Is It Worth It?
So, here’s the scoop: If you want a cheap, no-cook dinner without being too picky about a little chlorine smell, Costco’s rotisserie chicken just might do the trick. Just know it ain’t just about the bird. It’s about seeing how long you can last before buying everything else they put in front of you on the way to the back of the store.
When it comes to exploring different options at Costco, I’ve also found their brisket to be surprisingly good, especially if you’re looking for a hearty meal without much effort.
When it comes down to it, is Costco’s chicken really worth the cash if you care about taste over convenience? For five bucks, are you gonna complain? Probably not. But next time something tastes funky, you might think twice about what you’re really paying for.
I will definitely continue buying this chicken, at least for certain occasions, because I love to mix it up a bit when I’m buying meat. Overall, I’d say this chicken is totally worth it, and the quality of the meat is still pretty good.
Hi, I’m George Stewart. I’m 47 years old and a father of two who loves BBQ and French cuisine. On this blog, I share my cooking experiences and favorite recipes. Whether you’re into grilling or gourmet dining, I hope you find something here that inspires your next meal. Welcome and enjoy!
