Costco vs. Sam's Club: Which Has Better Fried Chicken Deals?

Costco and Sam's Club are both known for offering multiple fried chicken options, but which of the two has the better deal? Finding the best overall value requires considering more than just the lowest price.

We'll compare various items and factors to determine which store carries the best chicken, so you can avoid wasting money and get the right product.

Let's compare the Kirkland Signature rotisserie chicken and Member's Mark seasoned rotisserie chicken, perfect for anyone looking for a ready-to-eat option. We want to compare the price per pound to ensure you're getting the best value.

• Costco: $5.84 per 3 lbs.
• Sam's Club: $4.98 per 3–4 lbs.

Winner: Sam's Club.

If you're looking for more fresh chicken, look no further than the hot deli fried chicken pieces. If a selection includes extras such as sides, the extras are factored into the comparison.

• Costco: $4.99 per lb; the tray usually weighs 3.5 lbs and includes mashed potatoes.
• Sam's Club: $7.45 per lb

Winner: Costco, especially when you add in the mashed potatoes.

Purchasing frozen fried chicken tenders in bulk is great for stocking up or preparing for a special event. To help you find the best selection for your money, we'll compare the Kirkland Signature lightly breaded chicken breast chunks and Member's Mark Southern-style chicken bites.

• Costco: $18.71 for a 4-lb bag
• Sam's Club: $13.48 for a 3-lb bag

Winner: Sam's Club thanks to the $5.23 savings with only a 1-lb difference.

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Breaded chicken patties make it easy to enjoy your meal at home, as you can also purchase various sides to go with it. This section compares Costco's Foster Farms breaded chicken patties and Sam's Club's Member's Mark frozen chicken patties, both of which are sold in 5-lb bags.

• Costco: $18.71–$19.89 (Costco Business Center, via Instacart or delivery)
• Sam's Club: $13.48 (currently unavailable)

Winner: Costco due to availability.

Whether it's because of personal preference or dietary restrictions, it helps to learn the various organic and conventional chicken options. With frozen breaded selections for both organic and conventional options, preparing either meal is a breeze.

• Costco: The Kirkland Signature chicken tenderloins, boneless, skinless, are $21.63 for a 6-lb bag. Meanwhile, the Just Bare lightly breaded chicken breast chunks are $22.80 for a 4-lb bag.
• Sam's Club: The frozen Golden Platter organic, lightly breaded chicken tenders are $12 for a 2-lb bag. Additionally, the frozen Just Bare lightly breaded chicken breast original bites are $14.98 for a 3-lb bag.

Winner: Costco wins for the organic chicken selection, while Sam's Club wins for the conventional chicken selection (with a lower price for just a 1-lb difference).

When looking for ways to prepare your chicken, such as frying or baking, you need the right seasonings to add your preferred flavor. Both stores offer seasonings, but we need to determine which offers the best value.

• Costco: Kirkland Signature organic no-salt seasoning for $9.99.
• Sam's Club: Member's Mark butter chicken seasoning blend and Kinder's grilled chicken seasoning, starting at $5.98.

Winner: Sam's Club for the most variety and chicken-oriented seasonings.

• Costco: Rotisserie chickens are usually put out in the morning and replaced every two hours to ensure freshness. A bell rings whenever the chicken is restocked.
• Sam's Club: Rotisserie chicken is put out within 30 minutes of opening and restocked every few hours.

Winner: Costco, especially with a bell that alerts customers that the chicken has been restocked.

Do you prefer shopping for private label products? Costco offers Kirkland Signature, while Sam's Club offers Member's Mark. Let's see which private label offers the best deal on chicken, so you can stock your freezer.

• Costco Kirkland Signature: Options include wings, breasts, tenderloins, and fillets.
• Sam's Club Member's Mark: Options include drumsticks, wings, breasts, and fillets

Winner: Both private labels offer a variety of chicken products, but Sam's Club wins because of the variety.

Shopping for chicken wings in bulk keeps you ready for anything, from meal planning to parties and game time. Of course, you want to ensure the price per pound is best for your wallet.

• Costco: Kirkland Signature chicken wings, first and second sections, 10 lbs, $35.09.
• Sam's Club: Currently sold out.

Winner: Costco, for availability alone.

• Costco: Costco accepts returns on most items, including groceries and perishable items, online or at any warehouse for a refund or replacement. Items that have been opened and partially used may be returned as long as they haven't expired or been significantly used or eaten. No questions asked.
• Sam's Club: Sam's Club allows customers to return most items, including groceries, for a refund or replacement. For perishable items, contact Sam's Club with your membership and order numbers to receive a refund or replacement, and dispose of the item.

Winner: This round is a tie, as both stores offer a lenient return policy on groceries.

If you're only planning to join one warehouse, it's understandable to want the membership that offers the most perks and biggest savings.

• Costco: Costco's Gold Star Membership is $65 yearly, and the Executive Membership is $130 yearly, plus applicable sales tax.
• Sam's Club: The Club Membership is $50 yearly, and the Plus Membership is $110 yearly, plus applicable sales tax.

Winner: Sam's Club. When you add in the savings, variety, and availability of chicken, Sam's Club has a better overall value, including the membership costs.

While both stores have received five wins and two tied rounds, we feel Sam's Club has the better fried chicken deals. Sam's Club offers a wider variety, as well as a Cafe and a Grab & Go section, and better savings on products. This is in addition to the lower membership costs.

Did you know Sam's Club offers more than just grocery savings? The Plus Membership includes pharmacy, optical, and tire and battery center items, helping you save on essentials. While both stores have their perks and came neck-and-neck in the chicken battle, we must recommend Sam's Club.