The Food Court Shake-Up: Costco Debuts New Breaded Chicken Strips
The legendary Costco food court menu is undergoing a significant change this May. According to a report from Delish, the warehouse giant has officially begun rolling out Breaded Chicken Strips to its food court kiosks, potentially replacing the long-standing chicken bake or rotisserie chicken Caesar salad in select markets.
This move follows a series of recent menu tests aimed at modernization and speed of service, targeting members looking for a hot, “grab-and-go” protein option.
The New “Chicken Strip” Experience
Unlike the frozen varieties found in the warehouse aisles, these food court strips are engineered for a specific “crunch-to-tender” ratio:
- The Coating: The strips feature a thick, “homestyle” breading with a visible black pepper and herb seasoning. Early reviewers describe the texture as exceptionally crispy, holding up well even after a trip home in the car.
- The Dipping Sauce: Each order typically comes with a choice of two sauces. While the classic Honey Mustard and BBQ are standard, some locations are testing a new Creamy Ranch specifically formulated for the food court.
- The Value: In true Costco fashion, the price point is a major draw. A generous 4-to-5 piece basket is retailing for approximately $6.99, making it a budget-friendly alternative to national fast-food chicken chains.
Why the Change?
Costco has been quietly “optimizing” its food court menu to handle record-breaking foot traffic. Industry analysts suggest several reasons for the new addition:
- Operational Speed: Chicken strips are faster to prepare and serve than the labor-intensive Chicken Bakes, which must be hand-rolled and baked for specific durations.
- Kid-Friendly Demand: The “chicken strip and fries” combo remains one of the most requested items for families shopping with children, filling a gap in the current pizza-and-hot-dog dominant menu.
- Global Success: Breaded chicken strips have been a staple of Costco food courts in Canada and the UK for years; their arrival in the U.S. signals a “global alignment” of the menu.
Availability
The rollout is currently in its “expansion phase” this May:
- Current Locations: While not yet at every warehouse, they have been spotted at locations across the West Coast and Northeast.
- The Fries Factor: In most testing locations, the chicken strips are being sold as part of a Chicken & Fries bucket, though some “standalone” strip options are available for a lower price point.
This is a high-impact change for frequent Costco shoppers. If you’ve been looking for a hot, crispy alternative to the $1.50 hot dog, these new strips offer a substantial, “bakery-style” quality that fits perfectly with a busy weekend shopping trip.
