Are Costco’s Hot Honey Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites worth purchasing? Absolutely. These delectable bites offer a unique blend of rich, savory bacon and spicy-sweet hot honey, all-enveloping tender chicken pieces. This distinctive combination creates a taste sensation that is sure to captivate your palate.
Why should you trust my opinion? As an experienced food enthusiast and regular Costco shopper, I have spent years trying and reviewing various Costco products. I can assure you that the Hot Honey Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites are of the same high quality that you’ve come to expect from Costco.
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Costco Hot Honey Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites Review
Taste Test
I decided to cook the chicken bites using the air fryer and the oven to compare their taste and texture. The results were precise. The Hot Honey Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites in the air fryer had perfect crispiness, enhancing the flavor. The bacon was crunchy, and the chicken stayed juicy and tender. The hot honey glaze caramelized well, adding a sweet and spicy kick that was hard to resist.
In contrast, the oven-cooked bites didn’t measure up. The bacon wasn’t as crispy, and the tender chicken wasn’t as juicy. The hot honey glaze also needed a different caramelized texture, producing a less robust flavor. I recommend using an air fryer for these bites for the best taste.
Nutrition Facts
When looking at the nutritional content of Costco’s Hot Honey Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites, it’s crucial to understand the ingredients and their impact on your diet.
Each 77-gram serving has 190 calories. The total fat content is 12 grams, with 4.5 grams of saturated fats. While these saturated fats are present, the amount is moderate enough to enjoy occasionally without major dietary concerns. Additionally, the product has 0 grams of trans fats, which is a health-positive feature.
Each serving contains 45 milligrams of cholesterol and 270 milligrams of sodium. These amounts are relatively reasonable for a savory snack, making these chicken bites suitable for a balanced diet. The total carbohydrate content is modest, with 1 gram of dietary fiber per serving, aiding in digestibility.
It’s important to note the sugar content: each serving has 7 grams of total sugars, all added sugars. This sweetness pairs well with the hot honey glaze but should be considered by those watching their sugar intake.
The nutritional balance of these chicken bites is acceptable for an indulgent snack. They deliver great taste while maintaining a reasonable dietary profile, making them enjoyable in moderation.
Ingredients Analysis
The main ingredient smoked bacon, is cured with water, salt, sugar, and additives like sodium phosphate, sodium erythorbate, and sodium nitrite. These additives help preserve the bacon’s flavor, color, and shelf life.
The chicken provides a lean protein base that complements the bacon’s richness. Honey and part-skim mozzarella cheese add sweetness and creaminess. The cheese contains part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, calcium chloride, and enzymes. This cheese balances the spicy notes from the hot honey glaze and hot sauce.
The hot sauce, made from chili peppers, sugar, salt, garlic, and acetic acid, adds a spicy kick, enhanced by preservatives like potassium sorbate and sodium bisulfite and thickening agents such as xanthan gum.
Additional ingredients like jalapeños, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes boost the sweetness and heat, creating a balanced flavor. Modified corn and tapioca starch are used as thickeners for the right consistency.
Dates contribute texture and subtle sweetness. These chicken bites contain milk, so they’re not suitable for those with dairy allergies.
Price Analysis
At Costco, you can get a 3.5-pound bag of Hot Honey Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites for approximately $14.99. While this may seem like a significant cost, consider the quality and quantity of ingredients used to create these bites. Plus, this price is quite reasonable compared to other pre-made appetizers or snacks on the market, ensuring that you’re getting a good deal.
Moreover, the 3.5-pound bag contains approximately 50-60 chicken bites, making it perfect for parties or large gatherings. You can freeze the leftovers later, making this purchase even more cost-effective.
Convenience
These chicken bites are a breeze to prepare, requiring only reheating. This makes them an ideal choice for a quick and hassle-free snack or appetizer. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including air frying, oven baking, or microwaving, to suit your convenience.
For added convenience, the packaging contains easy-to-follow heating instructions for each method. This makes it easy to serve these delicious bites at any event or to enjoy them as a quick and easy snack.
Cooking Instructions
Cook from frozen. Individual appliances vary; these are guidelines only. Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Air Fryer (Recommended)
- Set the temperature to 375°F.
- Spread pieces inside the air fryer in a single layer.
- Cook for 10 to 11 minutes. Turn once halfway.
- Remove from air fryer and let stand 2 minutes before serving.
- Caution: The product will be hot.
Oven
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Spread pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Put it in the center of the oven.
- Cook for 20 to 22 minutes. Turn once halfway.
- Remove from oven and let stand 2 minutes before serving.
- Caution: The product will be hot.
Reddit Users Reviews
@No-Dress-7645: These are undeniably delicious, but the portion size could be larger for the price. It’s worth noting that they contain mozzarella cheese, which isn’t prominently mentioned on the packaging.
@Uranium234: All this “innovation,” but at the end of the day, my family wants good-sized, consistently moist tenders that air fry well with minimal crumbles in the bag at a reasonable price ($4 to $5/lb or less). So far, Real Good has been the best, but about half the bags (3 out of 7) are worse than the chicken from a few months ago. We have a kid who often feeds other kids during play dates, and tenders are my go-to snack, so we’re very particular about this in our household.
@SJMoore86: I just burnt the pan, and the bacon still looked raw. I changed the aluminum foil and put them back in, but they still didn’t look right. I lost some of them to… something. There was nothing left to put on the new foil. Next time, I’ll try the air fryer, but a $300 Breville should be okay with everything.
Video Summary
Review Score
Taste: 9.5/10
The Hot Honey Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites have an outstanding taste, perfectly balancing crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and a sweet-spicy glaze that leaves a memorable impression.
Nutrition: 8/10
These chicken bites offer a decent nutritional profile for a treat, with moderate levels of saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium. However, the added sugars might be a concern for some.
Ingredients: 8/10
The ingredients are high-quality and chosen to enhance flavor and texture. However, additives and preservatives may be a downside for those preferring more natural options.
Convenience: 9/10
The fully cooked, easy-to-reheat chicken bites are very convenient, making them an excellent choice for quick snacks or appetizers with minimal effort.
Price: 7/10
Though a bit pricey, the cost is justified by the quality and quantity of the product, making it a reasonable purchase for those wanting delicious, crowd-pleasing bites.
Verdict
Recommended!
I highly recommend trying Costco’s Hot Honey Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites. Their unique flavors and textures make them stand out among other pre-made appetizers. The only downside is the added sugars, making these bites more suitable for an occasional indulgence rather than a daily snack.
However, their reasonable nutritional content and delicious taste make them a great addition to any party or gathering. So next time you’re at Costco, grab a bag of these hot honey bacon-wrapped chicken bites.
FAQs
Are the Hot Honey Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites gluten-free?
Yes, the bites are gluten-free. However, always check the packaging for any updates or changes in the ingredients list.
Can I microwave the chicken bites in a hurry?
Yes, you can microwave them. For best results, place a few bites on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel, and heat on high for 2 to 3 minutes, checking the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.
How spicy are the Hot Honey Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites?
The bites have a mild to moderate heat level due to the hot honey and red pepper flakes. If you are sensitive to spice, you might find them mildly spicy.
Are there any allergens present in these chicken bites?
Yes, the chicken bites contain milk, specifically mozzarella cheese, which might need to be mentioned on the front packaging. Please check the ingredients list for more details if you have any food allergies.
How should I store the leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat directly from frozen using your preferred method.
Disclaimer
Please be aware that this review is independent and unbiased. The product was purchased by Costcoverdict solely for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed here belong solely to Costcoverdict and do not reflect any affiliation with Costco or its suppliers. Should Costcoverdict 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
