My opinion of whether to buy the Costco Tyson Rotisserie Chicken Breast Strips is mixed. The chicken is edible but didn’t meet my expectations, making me hesitant to repurchase it. The seasoning, intended to enhance the flavor, didn’t appeal to my taste, resulting in a disappointing overall experience.
Reworking the flavor profile could help improve this product. A better balance of spices and herbs would highlight the chicken’s natural taste, making it more enjoyable for meals or snacks. While it might work for some, many consumers prefer a more robust, well-rounded seasoning that enhances the dish.
Other Tyson brand and Costco products from Costco are Tyson Panko Breaded Chicken Breast Tenderloins, Hot Honey Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites, Just Bare Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks, Wild Planet Albacore VS Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna, Don Lee Farms Fully Cooked Grilled Chicken Patty, Kirkland Signature Organic Chicken Stock, Texas Tamale Company Chicken Tamales, aleo Andouille Costco Chicken Sausage and the Beef Pork Meatballs With Pasta & Sauce
Taste test
I found the chicken oddly seasoned, with a mix of flavors that didn’t blend well. Mom pointed out it was salty, garlicky, and oniony, but the combination felt off. I thought the saltiness was okay, but Mom believed the other flavors didn’t match it well. We also noticed an “aromatic sweetness” that didn’t work for us.
While the package claimed no added sugars, it did list corn syrup solids, which might have caused the unexpected sweetness. The seasoning was strong, leaving a lingering aftertaste that made me worry about eating it at work, as it could leave an odor that might bother my co-workers.
Nutrition Analysis
The nutrition facts for the Costco Tyson Rotisserie Chicken Breast Strips yield some interesting insights. Each serving, which is 3.00 oz, contains 110 calories and 3.5 grams of total fat, with 1 gram being saturated. The cholesterol level is 55 mg, and the sodium content is notably high at 430 mg per serving.
This elevated sodium level is particularly concerning for those monitoring their salt intake, as excessive consumption can lead to health issues, especially for individuals on low-sodium diets. The total carbohydrate content is minimal at 2 grams, while the protein content is commendable at 17 grams per serving, contributed by the inclusion of rib meat.
Although rib meat can affect texture and flavor, it does not pose significant nutritional concerns; however, the overall saltiness of the chicken strips should be considered by consumers who are mindful of their sodium intake.
Ingredients Analysis
The ingredients of Costco’s Tyson Rotisserie Chicken Breast Strips are as follows: boneless, skinless chicken breast with rib meat chicken broth, and contains 2% or less of the following: potato starch, rotisserie seasoning (wheat flour, dextrose, dehydrated chicken broth, salt, dehydrated garlic, onion powder, maltodextrin, rendered chicken fat, spice, corn syrup solids, natural flavors), and seasoning (salt, garlic powder, onion powder, yeast extract, maltodextrin, natural flavors).
One concern for health-conscious consumers may be the inclusion of corn syrup solids, particularly given that the packaging claims there are no added sugars.
However, a closer examination of the ingredient list reveals no particularly alarming components, indicating that the product likely does not contain artificial additives or preservatives that raise health concerns. This could make it a more appealing option for those seeking convenience without overly processed ingredients.
How I Cook Tyson Rotisserie Chicken Breast Strips
Oven: Preferred Method: I chose the oven method as recommended for cooking the chicken strips. It was effortless and straightforward.
The chicken strips looked good after being cooked in the oven, suggesting this method may provide a more appetizing appearance than other methods.
Following the oven cooking instructions included on the package yielded visually appealing results, indicating that this method effectively provides a good texture and appearance.
However, I must address a significant concern regarding the smell: despite the attractive look, there was a strong and unpleasant odor during and after cooking. The scent, described as “funky” and reminiscent of “dog pee,” was quite off-putting.
Texture Outcome: Unfortunately, the oven method resulted in a dry texture, which I compared to canned chicken. Despite the chicken being visually appealing, the dryness affected the overall experience, leaving me less than satisfied.
Price Analysis
The regular price for the 48 oz (3 lb) bag of Costco’s Tyson Rotisserie Chicken Breast Strips is $16.79, but I was fortunate to purchase it on sale for $12.79, which I considered a good deal. When comparing the cost of these chicken strips to buying a chicken sandwich at a fast-food restaurant, which might run around $10, it becomes evident that the chicken strips offer a larger quantity for roughly the same price or even less.
This makes it a cost-effective meal option, especially when planning family dinners or meal prepping. The sale price made the product more appealing, encouraging me to try it. The regular price could deter some consumers, underscoring the importance of promotional offers in driving purchases.
Convenience
The chicken strips are fully cooked, so they must only be heated before serving. This feature makes them a quick and easy meal option for those looking to save time on meal preparation. The product offers four ways to heat the chicken strips: oven, microwave, stovetop, and air fryer. Various cooking methods allow consumers to choose the best option for their schedule and preferences.
The oven method was straightforward to follow. This method is recommended on the package, catering to those who prefer a hands-off approach to cooking. The chicken strips come in a resealable bag, making them easy to store in the freezer and convenient for portioning out as needed.
While the Costco Tyson Rotisserie Chicken Breast Strips excel in convenience through their fully cooked status and versatility in meal planning, the taste and smell issues I encountered ultimately outweighed these benefits, leading me to decide against repurchasing the product.
Review Score
- Taste: 6/10
- Nutrition: 7/10
- Ingredients: 8/10
- Price: 9/10
- Convenience: 9/10
Overall
Walk by it!
The Costco Tyson Rotisserie Chicken Breast Strips offer a reasonable price and convenient cooking options, but I had some serious concerns about the taste and smell. While the nutritional value and ingredient transparency are positives, making them a decent health choice, the dry texture and unpleasant odor made the meal less enjoyable.
I can’t thoroughly recommend this product. It might be worth a try if you’re looking for convenience and affordability; keep your expectations regarding flavor and smell in check. Ultimately, your taste will be critical in deciding if these chicken strips make it onto your grocery list.
- Have you ever tried a frozen meal that looked great but fell short in taste or texture, and how did you handle the disappointment?
FAQs
Are the Costco Tyson Rotisserie Chicken Breast Strips gluten-free?
These chicken strips contain wheat flour as part of their rotisserie seasoning, so they are not gluten-free.
How long can I store the chicken strips in the freezer?
The chicken strips can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. Just keep them sealed in their resealable bag to maintain freshness.
Can I cook the chicken strips from frozen?
Yes, you can cook the chicken strips from frozen, but ensure they are heated thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.
Do the chicken strips contain any artificial flavors or preservatives?
According to the ingredient list, there are no artificial additives or preservatives, making them a more natural option for consumers.
How should I store the chicken strips after opening?
After opening, store the chicken strips in the resealable bag and keep them in the refrigerator. Consume within 3-4 days for the best quality.
What is the best cooking method for enhancing the taste?
The oven method is recommended for the best texture and appearance; however, personal preferences may vary, and experimenting with different cooking methods, like the air fryer, could yield different results.
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