Is the Costco Don Lee Farms Grilled Chicken Patty worth buying?
After trying them, I found they’re convenient but need better texture. They’re a bit rubbery and tough, different from the juicy tenderness you’d expect from a high-quality chicken product. This could be a major downside for those who care a lot about texture and taste.
Why listen to my review? I love food and have tried many products from Costco, aiming to give honest and helpful reviews. My goal is to help you make better choices at Costco based on my real experiences.
Other Snack items from Costco that I like include: Costco Chomps Original Beef Stick Review, Costco Schwartz Brothers Bakery Organic Everything Bagel Chips, Minh Mini Chicken Egg Rolls Review , Costco David’s Cookies Butter Pecan Meltaways Review, Costco Universal Bakery Traditional Aussie Bites Review, Costco Kirkland Signature Organic Roasted Seaweed Review, Costco Sugar Bowl Bakery Petite Palmiers Review
Costco Don Lee Farms Fully Cooked Grilled Chicken Patty
Taste test
Skillet (recommended)
Cooking the Costco Don Lee Farms Grilled Chicken Patty in a skillet really brings out its flavor. The patty turns out moist and juicy, much like chicken you’d get freshly grilled at a Middle Eastern restaurant. The spices stand out more, adding a rich flavor to each bite and making the overall taste much better. This method turns a basic patty into a gourmet delight, making it the best way to cook it.
Oven
Baking the chicken patty in the oven keeps it flavorful, though less than when it’s cooked in a skillet. It stays juicy to some extent, but the texture can become a bit rubbery, which may appeal to only some. While baking is a decent option, it doesn’t match up to the quality you get from skillet cooking.
Microwave
The microwave does not do this product any favors. The microwave-cooked chicken patty tastes significantly worse, with a disappointing texture. It’s described as “disgusting,” turning out excessively rubbery and missing the flavors found in other cooking methods. This makes it the least preferred option due to its poor quality.
The cooking method greatly affects how much you’ll enjoy the Costco Grilled Chicken Patty. While cooking it in skillet results in better taste and texture, it’s best to avoid using the microwave if you’re looking for a good eating experience.
Ingredients analysis
The ingredients in the Costco Don Lee Farms Grilled Chicken Patty are refreshingly straightforward, comprised mainly of chicken, onion, sugar, salt, spices, and garlic. It’s appreciable to see such a simple list devoid of the artificial additives or preservatives that clutter many processed foods today.
However, a notable aspect of these patties is the strong smell they emit, even before cooking. Despite the clean ingredients, the potent aroma can be somewhat overwhelming, indicating a high concentration of spices and garlic. This could either be a draw or a drawback, depending on one’s sensitivity to strong food odors.
NUtrtional Facts
The Costco Don Lee Farms Grilled Chicken Patty is a pretty healthy choice, especially because of its protein. Each patty (99g) only has 120 calories, making it a great option for a main dish. It’s low in fat at 2g, but keep an eye on the cholesterol (70mg) and sodium (370mg) and enjoy the high protein (18g) it offers. This makes it a solid pick for anyone trying to eat a balanced diet with a good amount of protein without too many calories. Just watch out for the sodium level, especially if you’re watching your salt intake.
To sum it up, the nutritional facts of the Costco Grilled Chicken Patty show it’s a good choice for a health-conscious diet as long as you balance out your daily sodium intake. It’s convenient, nutritious, and great for those who want quick, protein-rich, and low-fat meals.
Convenient
One of the undeniable advantages of the Costco Don Lee Farms Grilled Chicken Patty lies in its convenience. This fully cooked frozen product can be stored in your freezer, waiting for the moment you need a quick and easy meal solution – perfect for those busy days or when you don’t feel like cooking from scratch.
The packaging includes clear instructions for three different cooking methods – skillet, oven, and microwave – offering the flexibility to choose how you want to prepare your meal based on your preferences and the time you have available. This aspect of convenience, allowing for a wholesome meal to be ready in minutes, is a significant positive, making it a valuable addition to any meal planning routine.
Price Analysis
The Costco Don Lee Farms Fully Cooked Grilled Chicken Patty offers great value, priced at $4.99 for a 12-pack, or about 87 cents per patty. This is a great deal, considering the convenience and protein content. Even better, I got it on sale for $4.50, lowering the price to roughly 49 cents per patty.
This sale price significantly enhances its value, making it an affordable option for those seeking budget-friendly meals. The low sale price also highlights that you can find quality and convenience without spending a lot.
How I cook these Costco Grilled Chicken Patties
When cooking Costco Don Lee Farms Grilled Chicken Patties, I use three methods to see which one gives the best taste and texture.
Skillet (Recommended): My top choice is using a skillet. I heat a non-stick pan over MEDIUM heat and cook one burger for 3-4 minutes on each side. This method gives a nicely browned outside and keeps it moist inside. I let it sit for 1 minute before serving to enhance the flavor.
Oven: When making several patties, I use the oven for convenience. I preheat it to 375°F, place three burgers on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This is great for meal prep or staggered eating times. I also let them rest for a minute before serving.
Microwave: For a quick meal, I microwave one burger on a dish at HIGH for 30-45 seconds per side until it’s hot. While it’s the fastest method, it prefers a different method due to the texture. Letting it stand for 1 minute before eating slightly improves the texture.
Video Summary
Review Score
- Taste: 6/10
- Ingredients: 9/10
- Nutrition: 7/10
- Convenience: 7/10
- Overall Satisfaction: 6/10
Overall
If you like grilling, the Costco Don Lee Farms Grilled Chicken Patty can really make your meals better with its natural flavors and charred texture. But if you can’t grill or don’t like to, these patties are still a good option. Cooking them in a skillet is highly recommended because it gives a similar grilled taste and texture. Other cooking methods might not bring out the best in these chicken patties. So, for the best taste, it’s best to stick to using a skillet or grill.
FAQs
What Are Costco Don Lee Farms Grilled Chicken Patties?
Costco’s Don Lee Farms Grilled Chicken Patties are a product that stands out for its high protein content, low fat, and straightforward ingredient list. Each patty offers 18 grams of protein with just 120 calories and 2 grams of fat, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet.
How Are They Made?
These chicken patties are cooked and charred on a grill before being frozen, which helps in preserving their natural flavors and the beloved charred texture that many people enjoy in grilled foods. This step ensures that regardless of your chosen reheating method, you can still enjoy a taste that’s reminiscent of outdoor grilling.
Are Don Lee Farms Grilled Chicken Patties Healthy?
Yes, thanks to their high protein content, low calories, and minimal fat, these patties serve as a healthy meal option. They do contain sodium (370mg per patty), so it’s worth considering the overall balance of your daily intake.
How Do They Taste Compared to Other Chicken Patties?
Compared to other frozen chicken patties available on the market, Don Lee Farms’ version stands out for its simplicity and the quality of its flavors. The seasoning is well-balanced, ensuring that they’re flavorful without being overpowering. The grill marks and the texture mimic that of freshly prepared grilled chicken, making them superior in taste to many alternatives.
What Are the Different Cooking Options?
There are three recommended cooking methods – skillet, oven, and microwave. For the best taste and texture, skillet cooking is preferable. It provides a nice browning on the outside while keeping the inside moist. Oven baking is convenient for batch cooking, maintaining a decent texture. However, microwaving is the least recommended due to the risk of ending up with a rubbery texture.
Disclaimer
Please be aware that this review is independent and unbiased. The product was purchased by Cosctcopickz solely for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed here belong solely to Cosctcopickz and do not reflect any affiliation with Costco or its suppliers. Should Cosctcopickz ever receive compensation from a product manufacturer or any other third party, full disclosure will be provided, including instances where a product sample was provided for review purposes.
