Costco Chicken Street Taco Kit: The Ultimate Guide & Honest Review

Last Updated: April 29, 2025

Looking for a quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing meal that won’t break the bank or keep you slaving in the kitchen? Costco’s Chicken Street Taco Kit might be the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. This fan-favorite meal solution has been flying off Costco shelves for good reason, but is it really worth the hype?

In this comprehensive review, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Costco taco kit – from exactly what’s inside to a detailed taste analysis, preparation tips, nutritional information, and creative ways to elevate your taco night. Whether you’re a busy parent, a taco enthusiast, or just someone looking to simplify mealtime without sacrificing flavor, this guide will help you decide if the Costco Chicken Street Taco Kit deserves a spot in your shopping cart.

What Exactly IS the Costco Taco Kit?

The Costco taco kit is a ready-to-assemble meal found in Costco’s refrigerated section that contains nearly everything you need for a complete taco dinner. Specifically, we’re talking about the Chicken Street Taco Kit – one of Costco’s most popular prepared food options that has developed something of a cult following among members.

Complete Kit Contents Breakdown

The Costco Chicken Street Taco Kit includes:

1. Seasoned Grilled Chicken Breast Strips – Approximately 16oz of pre-cooked, seasoned chicken that’s been cut into strips and has visible grill marks
2. Small Flour Tortillas – 12 small (4.5-inch) soft flour tortillas
3. Mexican Blend Shredded Cheese – 4oz container with a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and other cheeses
4. Cabbage Slaw Mix – Fresh, pre-shredded green and purple cabbage with carrot
5. Cilantro Lime Crema – 4oz container of a tangy, creamy sauce
6. Salsa – 4oz container of mild tomato-based salsa
7. Lime Wedges – 2 fresh limes, quartered

Ingredient Quality Notes

• Chicken: The chicken pieces are well-seasoned with a slight smoky flavor and visible grill marks. The pieces vary in size but are generally substantial. The chicken is fully cooked but requires reheating.
• Tortillas: The tortillas are typical small street taco size, relatively thin but sturdy enough to hold fillings without tearing too easily.
• Cheese: The Mexican blend shredded cheese is fresh and includes a nice variety of cheeses that melt well when applied to warm components.
• Slaw Mix: The cabbage mix is crisp and fresh, providing excellent crunch and color contrast. The mix is unseasoned, allowing the crema to serve as its dressing.
• Cilantro Lime Crema: This sauce has a pleasant tanginess with noticeable lime flavor and subtle cilantro notes. The consistency is perfect – not too thick or thin.
• Salsa: The salsa is relatively mild with a fresh tomato flavor, small chunks of vegetables, and a hint of cilantro and lime.

Price, Servings & Value Analysis

Current Price (as of April 2025)

The Costco Chicken Street Taco Kit is priced at $16.99 at my local Costco warehouse in Seattle. Prices may vary slightly by location and time of year, but this has been relatively consistent over the past few months.

Cost Breakdown & Servings

The package claims to serve 6 people, which works out to approximately:

• $2.83 per person
• About $1.42 per taco (assuming 2 tacos per person)

Value Proposition

When comparing the Costco taco kit price to alternatives:

The value proposition is strongest when considering both cost and convenience. For under $17, you’re getting a meal that:

• Feeds 6 people generously
• Requires minimal preparation time
• Offers surprisingly good quality ingredients
• Provides a customizable experience

This represents significant savings compared to taking a family to a taco restaurant, where you might easily spend $60-80 for the same number of people. While making tacos from scratch might yield better results, the time savings and elimination of food waste (buying whole ingredients when you only need portions) makes the Costco taco kit an excellent value.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Preparing the Costco Chicken Street Taco Kit is straightforward, but with a few expert tips, you can elevate the experience significantly.

1. Heat the Chicken (5-7 minutes)

Stovetop Method (Recommended):

1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat
2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of oil (optional but helps prevent sticking)
3. Add chicken pieces in a single layer
4. Heat for 2-3 minutes, then flip and heat another 2 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy on edges
5. Pro Tip: Add 1-2 tablespoons of water to the pan and cover for 1 minute to create steam that keeps the chicken moist

Microwave Method (Faster but less optimal):

1. Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish
2. Cover with a damp paper towel
3. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway
4. Pro Tip: Don’t overheat in the microwave as this can make the chicken tough and dry

2. Warm the Tortillas (2-3 minutes)

Stovetop Method (Best results):

1. Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat
2. Place tortillas one at a time in the hot pan
3. Warm for 15-20 seconds per side until soft and flexible with light brown spots
4. Stack warmed tortillas in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm

Microwave Method:

1. Place stack of tortillas between two damp paper towels
2. Microwave for 30 seconds
3. Pro Tip: Only heat the number of tortillas you’ll use immediately

3. Assemble Your Tacos

1. Lay out warmed tortillas
2. Add a layer of heated chicken (about 1-2 oz per taco)
3. Sprinkle cheese over warm chicken so it melts slightly
4. Add a small handful of cabbage slaw
5. Drizzle with cilantro lime crema
6. Top with salsa to taste
7. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice
8. Pro Tip: Double-stack your tortillas for authentic street taco style and extra stability

Total Prep Time: 10-15 minutes from refrigerator to table

Honest Taste Test & Detailed Review

Overall Flavor Profile

The Costco taco kit delivers a surprisingly authentic street taco experience with well-balanced flavors. The combination of savory, smoky chicken, fresh crunchy slaw, tangy crema, and bright salsa creates a satisfying blend of textures and tastes that work harmoniously together.

Component Breakdown

Chicken (8/10):

• Pros: Well-seasoned with visible grill marks and good flavor
• Cons: Can be slightly dry if overheated; occasional tough pieces
• Taste notes: Subtle smokiness with notes of cumin, garlic, and lime

Tortillas (7/10):

• Pros: Appropriate size for street tacos; pliable when warmed properly
• Cons: Can become gummy if not heated correctly; not as fresh as restaurant-made
• Taste notes: Neutral flavor that doesn’t compete with fillings

Cheese (8/10):

• Pros: Good quality blend that melts well; generous portion
• Cons: Some might prefer a more authentic cotija or queso fresco
• Taste notes: Mild, creamy flavor that adds richness

Slaw Mix (9/10):

• Pros: Very fresh and crisp; generous portion; adds essential crunch
• Cons: Plain by itself, relies on crema for flavor
• Taste notes: Fresh, clean vegetable flavor that balances the rich elements

Cilantro Lime Crema (9.5/10):

• Pros: Excellent flavor; perfect consistency; bright lime notes
• Cons: Could use slightly more cilantro flavor
• Taste notes: Tangy, creamy with citrus brightness and subtle herb notes

Salsa (7/10):

• Pros: Fresh taste; good tomato flavor
• Cons: Relatively mild; could use more heat and complexity
• Taste notes: Fresh tomato with mild spice and hint of cilantro

Lime Wedges (8/10):

• Pros: Fresh; adds essential brightness
• Cons: Sometimes under-ripe or dry
• Taste notes: Bright acidity that ties everything together

Pros & Cons Summary

Pros:

• Exceptional convenience
• Great value for money
• High-quality, fresh ingredients
• Balanced flavors
• Customizable to taste preferences
• Generous portions

Cons:

• Chicken can dry out easily if not heated properly
• Salsa lacks heat for spice enthusiasts
• Tortillas are good but not great
• No corn tortilla option for authenticity purists

Who Will Like The Costco Taco Kit?

This kit is perfect for:

• Busy families needing a quick weeknight meal
• Taco enthusiasts who want convenience
• Meal preppers (components can be used in multiple ways)
• Hosts needing a casual entertaining option
• Mild spice preferrers (spice lovers will want to add their own hot sauce)

The Costco taco kit successfully bridges the gap between convenience and quality, offering a taco experience that’s significantly better than most pre-packaged options while saving considerable time over making everything from scratch.

Pro Tips, Hacks & Serving Suggestions

Easy Ways to Elevate Your Costco Taco Kit

1. Add Fresh Ingredients:
   • Diced avocado or quick guacamole
   • Chopped fresh cilantro
   • Finely diced white onion soaked in lime juice
   • Thinly sliced radishes for crunch and color
   • Pickled red onions or jalapeños
2. Sauce Upgrades:
   • Mix the provided salsa with your favorite hot sauce for more heat
   • Offer additional sauce options like Valentina, Cholula, or Tapatio
   • Add a dollop of sour cream for extra richness
3. Protein Enhancements:
   • Stretch the kit by adding a can of drained, rinsed black beans
   • Mix in some browned chorizo with the chicken for extra flavor
   • Add grilled shrimp to create a surf & turf variation
4. Technique Improvements:
   • Toast tortillas directly over a gas flame for 5-10 seconds per side
   • Crisp the chicken in a cast-iron skillet with a touch of oil
   • Place assembled tacos under the broiler for 30 seconds to melt cheese

Creative Ways to Use Leftovers

1. Taco Salad: Layer leftover components over mixed greens with tortilla strips
2. Quesadillas: Fill flour tortillas with leftover chicken and cheese, pan-fry until crispy
3. Taco Bowls: Create a grain bowl with rice, chicken, and toppings
4. Breakfast Tacos: Scramble eggs with leftover chicken and vegetables
5. Taco Soup: Combine chicken with broth, beans, and vegetables for a quick soup

Perfect Pairings

Side Dishes:

• Mexican rice
• Refried or black beans
• Elote (Mexican street corn)
• Simple green salad with lime vinaigrette

Beverages:

• Margaritas or Palomas for adults
• Mexican beer with lime
• Horchata
• Agua fresca
• Mexican Coca-Cola

Nutritional Information

While the exact nutritional information can vary slightly between production batches, here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (2 tacos) based on the package label:

Nutritional Notes:

• The kit is relatively balanced with protein, carbs and fats
• Sodium content is moderate for a prepared food
• Adding fresh vegetables can increase the nutritional value
• Those monitoring carb intake may want to use fewer tortillas or create a taco salad instead

Where to Find It in Costco

The Costco Chicken Street Taco Kit is typically located in the refrigerated prepared foods section, usually near the rotisserie chickens and other ready-to-eat meal options. At some warehouses, you’ll find it in the deli case area.

It’s worth noting that this is one of Costco’s more popular items, and it can sometimes sell out, especially on weekends. For best selection, shop earlier in the day or on weekdays.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Costco taco kit last in the refrigerator?

The components should be consumed within 3-4 days of purchase for optimal freshness and food safety. The slaw tends to be the first component to deteriorate.

Can I freeze parts of the kit?

The chicken freezes well for up to 2-3 months. The tortillas can also be frozen, though they may be slightly less pliable when thawed. The fresh components (slaw, crema, salsa) do not freeze well.

Is the Costco taco kit spicy?

No, the kit is very mild. The salsa has minimal heat, making it suitable for sensitive palates and children. Spice lovers will want to add their own hot sauce.

Is it gluten-free?

No, the flour tortillas contain gluten. The chicken itself may be gluten-free, but cross-contamination is possible, and Costco doesn’t market this as a gluten-free product.

How many people does the Costco taco kit feed?

The package claims it serves 6, which is accurate if each person has 2 tacos. For heartier appetites or as the only dish being served, it might feed 4-5 people comfortably.

Can I make this kit vegetarian?

The kit is designed around chicken, but you could purchase just the tortillas, cheese, slaw, crema, and salsa separately and add your own protein alternative like black beans, refried beans, or meat substitutes.

Does Costco offer other taco kit varieties?

Costco occasionally offers other varieties like carnitas or beef taco kits, but the chicken version is the most consistently available across warehouses.

Conclusion & Verdict

After thoroughly testing the Costco Chicken Street Taco Kit, I can confidently recommend it as an excellent option for quick, delicious meals that don’t sacrifice too much on quality or flavor. At under $17 for a kit that generously feeds 4-6 people, it represents outstanding value compared to takeout or restaurant options.

Final Rating: 8.5/10

The Costco taco kit stands out for its:

• Excellent convenience-to-quality ratio
• Fresh, tasty ingredients
• Versatility and customization potential
• Great value for money

While not quite matching the experience of authentic restaurant street tacos or homemade versions with premium ingredients, the Costco taco kit excels at what it aims to be: a convenient, tasty meal solution that delivers consistent results with minimal effort.

It’s particularly recommended for:

• Busy weeknight dinners
• Last-minute entertaining
• Families with mixed preferences (components can be served separately)
• Anyone looking to save time without resorting to fast food

My advice? Grab a kit, add your personal touches, and enjoy a satisfying taco night with minimal effort. Just make sure to properly heat those tortillas – it makes all the difference!

Have you tried Costco’s Chicken Street Taco Kit? What did you think, and what are your favorite ways to customize it? Share your tips in the comments below!