The Change to Costco’s Rotisserie Chicken Packaging Is “Cheap” and May Be a Deal-Breaker

There are few things in life that spark as much joy as Costco's rotisserie chicken. The store staple has been a quick fix for many families, satisfying their taste buds as much as their wallets. However, people may turn on chickens after a huge change is implemented.

Instead of the standard "clamshell" container, Costco officially switched to heavy-duty plastic backs. The warehouse claims that the decision was environmental, with representatives claiming:  

"Based on projected rotisserie chicken sales in 2024 in the U.S., the new packaging will save an estimated 17 million pounds of plastic every year," Costco said in a statement.

However, customers are complaining that the switch has been far more inconvenient to them personally, with the bags allegedly "leaking" all over their car's trunk. 

We suspect this switch is really to recoup "losses." Costo's famously consistent low price of $4.99 is rumored to cost them millions in margin loss. Hence, it stands to reason changing the packaging to be more affordable could be potentially beneficial to the business overall. 

Still, one of the best Costco hacks is to purchase prepackaged meals that are simple to make and eat. Following are some of your best options.

Editor's note: Prices are subject to change and may also vary by location.

Costco is known for its affordable rotisserie chicken, but you don’t have to go for a basic chicken to get that delicious rotisserie flavor.

The Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken Enchilada is packed with chicken in an enchilada sauce and topped with cheese and peppers for $29.96.

The package, which usually comes in at around four pounds, should be enough to feed a big family.

A rotisserie chicken is a great, easy meal to pick up at Costco — and it’s cheap, too. You can grab one for $4.99.

Serve up a rotisserie chicken on its own or with a side dish. Or pull the meat off and use it as an ingredient for all kinds of easy dinner recipes.

Kirkland Signature Ravioli Lasagna with Beef & Pork Bolognese Sauce features layers of ravioli and sauce topped with a generous helping of cheese.

Try this spin on a typical lasagna for $21.86.

Want a healthier meal? Grab a hearty salad from Costco.

Kirkland Signature Caesar Salad with Caesar Dressing & Croutons is packed with plenty of chopped lettuce, parmesan cheese, dressing, and croutons for $11.79.

Check out the Kirkland Signature Roasted Chicken & Swiss Roller Tray if you need some sandwich wraps on hand for a catered meal.

The tray features 12 rolls packed with turkey, Swiss cheese, tomato, and lettuce for $18.53, which makes it a good bargain for any occasion.

Check out Costco’s prepackaged section if you’re looking for quick-and-easy tacos.

Kirkland Signature Chicken Street Tacos feature enough ingredients to make 12 tacos. You get soft taco shells, seasoned chicken, shredded cheese, slaw, salsa, and cilantro lime crema.

You can grab the pack for $19.60.

Costco makes it easy to step up a delicious dinner with its Kirkland Signature Yakisoba Stir Fry.

The prepackaged meal comes complete with meat, stir fry veggies, noodles, and sauce to give you a quick meal for $25.63.

Another great seafood option is Kirkland Signature Salmon Milano with Basil Pesto Butter.

The salmon — which retails for $30.01 — can be tossed into your oven and baked to perfection with little prep work from you. You can even bake it in its foil container to reduce cleanup after dinner.

Don’t know what side dish to take to a party, barbecue, or brunch? Grab some fruit from Costco.

The Fresh Cut Fruit Bowl features in-season favorites such as pineapples, strawberries, grapes, cantaloupe, and more, depending on what’s available.

You can grab a three-pound bowl as a side or a fruit salad main dish for $13.59.

After a long day, it’s nice to have some easy comfort food.

Kirkland Signature Meatloaf with Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes comes with meatloaf covered in sauce and a decent helping of mashed potatoes for $20.78.

Note that the precise price of this item is based on the weight of the meatloaf and mashed potatoes you want for dinner.

Try some quesadillas from Costco that are easy to heat up.

The Kirkland Signature Chicken Quesadilla comes with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for slathering on your quesadillas or adding to the side to dip them in.

Grab a package for $20.79 and enjoy dinner.

Kirkland Signature Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef & Rice comes packed with delicious stuffing and topped with cheese for $22.36. These stuffed bell peppers bake in a foil container for easy eating and cleanup.

These prepackaged meals are a great way to fill your stomach without having to spend all evening cooking.

When you shop for these foods, consider paying with a rewards credit card that can help you earn cash back or other perks.