If you thought Costco’s food court reigned supreme with hot dogs and pizza, get ready for a whole new contender. The warehouse giant just dropped a heat-and-eat platter that’s turned snack lovers into full-blown raving fans.
Imagine finger-licking boneless chicken, golden waffles, luscious maple syrup, and a drizzle of hot honey—all bundled into one ready-to-go tray. It’s an elevated take on the Southern classic, crafted to satisfy breakfast, brunch, and dinner cravings alike. And once customers got a taste, they couldn’t help but say: this is ridiculously good.
Costco’s latest offering—Fried Chicken and Waffles with Syrup and Hot Honey—is a culinary mic-drop for busy shoppers. It combines quality ingredients with easy prep, proving that convenience doesn’t have to mean compromise. Early buzz shows it’s hitting a sweet spot for families, meal-preppers, and anyone looking for a restaurant-level meal at supermarket prices. The hype is real, and it’s heating up fast.
What’s Inside the Tray—and Why It Works
At first glance, the costco-fied version of fried chicken and waffles looks like a balancing act—but the execution is surprisingly on point. Each tray comes packed with:
- Four boneless, A-grade chicken thighs—juicy dark meat that reheats beautifully.
- Four Belgian-style “all-butter” waffles—rich, sweet, and nearly dessert-level indulgence.
- A cup of Kirkland Signature organic maple syrup—premium flavor in bulk-sized form.
- A packet of hot honey—adding a trendy sweet-heat kick that seals the deal.
What elevates the meal is the simplicity. Reheat the chicken in an air fryer (or oven, if you prefer), warm the waffles in the toaster or oven, and serve everything with syrup and honey. The result: crisp-skinned, tender chicken paired with decadent, syrup-soaked waffles—every bit as satisfying as the full dine-in experience, but without the chef or the check.
What Fans Are Saying
Social media lit up almost immediately. Popular Costco accounts and shoppers showed off their trays, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Comments like “soooooo GOOD” and “ridiculously good considering it was reheated” popped up across Instagram and Reddit. Shoppers praised the ease of prep and the flavor balance, especially after following the air fryer directions to get a crisp exterior on the chicken thighs.
Some early reviews did note the waffles are on the sweeter side—and more akin to dessert-style Liège waffles than traditional breakfast ones. But the majority seemed to embrace the sweetness, especially when balanced with the kick of hot honey. And at around $6.99 per pound—usually totaling $16–20 per tray—fans say it’s a bargain compared to paying restaurant prices for a single serving.
Here’s Why It’s a Smart Buy
1. Convenience Meets Quality
In an era where time is a commodity, having a ready-to-heat meal that feels homemade (without the work) is pure gold. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
2. Meal Prep Made Easy
Each tray serves four—great for families, meal-planning, or even doubling up for leftovers. Combine with a side salad or eggs, and you’ve got a full meal ready in minutes.
3. Restaurant-Level at Warehouse Prices
Consider that a platter like this at a brunch spot could cost $20 for one person. Costco brings the same flavor and portion size for far less—without packages or reservations.
Tips to Maximize Your Tray
Costco’s Chicken and Waffles tray is delicious straight out of the package—but with a few simple tweaks, you can elevate it even more. Whether you’re serving brunch to friends or just want to treat yourself on a weeknight, these tips will help you get the most out of every bite.
1. Master the Reheat
Skip the microwave for the best results. Use an air fryer or conventional oven to reheat the chicken—aim for 375°F for about 10–12 minutes in an air fryer. This will revive the crispiness of the skin without drying out the juicy meat. For the waffles, a toaster oven works wonders, crisping the edges while keeping the inside soft and buttery. Avoid microwaving the waffles, as it tends to make them rubbery.
2. Play With Flavor Combos
While the included maple syrup and hot honey are delicious, feel free to customize. Try adding a pat of whipped butter on top of the waffles for that classic diner touch. Or, if you like it spicy, add a few dashes of hot sauce like Cholula or a drizzle of sriracha to your chicken for that sweet-and-spicy flavor bomb. A squeeze of lemon over the chicken also adds a zesty twist that cuts through the richness.
3. Add Sides to Make It a Feast
Make your meal more complete by adding quick and easy sides. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances out the sweetness. Roasted sweet potatoes, coleslaw, or even scrambled eggs pair beautifully with the dish. If you’re entertaining, a fruit platter or mimosas make it feel brunch-ready in minutes.
4. Turn It Into Two Meals
You don’t have to eat everything in one go. Use the components in creative ways throughout the week. Crumble leftover chicken into a wrap with lettuce and slaw for a quick lunch. Toast a waffle and top it with yogurt and berries for a breakfast-for-dessert moment. The tray’s versatility is one of its biggest strengths—just mix and match.
5. Freeze Smart, Reheat Right
If you can’t finish it all, freeze individual portions in airtight containers. Wrap the waffles separately to preserve texture. When you’re ready, reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer and the waffles in the toaster for a near-fresh experience. This makes the tray an excellent option for meal prepping or lazy days when cooking feels like too much.
6. Dress It Up for Guests
Serving guests? Plate the dish like you mean it. Stack a waffle under a crispy chicken thigh, drizzle syrup in a zigzag pattern, and garnish with a sprig of parsley or a slice of orange. It’ll look gourmet—and no one has to know it came from Costco.
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