Costco Chicken Tenders 2026: Price, Calories, US Test Locations & Review
Costco Food Court is currently testing new Chicken Tenders in select US food courts for $6.99 per 5-piece basket. The item is part of a limited regional rollout and is replacing the previous combo calzone in test locations.
- Price: $6.99 (5 pieces + dipping sauce)
- Availability: Select US Midwest test warehouses
- Calories: ~1,640 per full basket
- Status: Limited test menu item (not nationwide yet)
Costco Chicken Tenders 2026: What’s New?
The new chicken tenders are part of a 2026 food court test program by Costco Wholesale aimed at refreshing its hot food menu in select US locations.
Shoppers first spotted the item in Chicagoland-area warehouses, where it quietly replaced the Kirkland Signature Combo Calzone.
This marks one of the first major chicken-based additions to US Costco food courts in years. you can also taste Costco Chicken Bake.
Costco Chicken Tenders Price (2026)
The official test price is:
$6.99 for a 5-piece chicken tender basket with dipping sauce
While this is more expensive than Costco’s famous $1.50 hot dog combo, the portion size is significantly larger than most fast-food competitors.
Value Comparison:
- Costco Chicken Tenders: $6.99 (5 pieces)
- Chick-fil-A strips: smaller portion, higher price per piece
- Raising Cane’s box: similar price range but fewer calories per dollar
Where Are Costco Chicken Tenders Available?
Currently, this is a regional test item only.
Known test locations include:
- Select warehouses in Illinois (Chicagoland area)
- A few additional Midwest test stores
Costco has not confirmed a nationwide rollout yet. Test phases typically last 3–6 months before expansion decisions are made.
Where Are Costco Chicken Tenders Available?
Currently, this is a regional test item only.
Known test locations include:
- Select warehouses in Illinois (Chicagoland area)
- A few additional Midwest test stores
Costco has not confirmed a nationwide rollout yet. Test phases typically last 3–6 months before expansion decisions are made.
How Costco Makes the Chicken Tenders
Unlike some international Costco food courts that use deep fryers, US locations rely on conveyor oven systems.
Cooking Method:
- Chicken is oven-baked in pizza conveyor ovens
- No deep frying in US warehouses
- Focus on high-volume production efficiency
This is one of the key reasons texture differs from fried fast-food competitors.
Also read Do You Need a Costco Membership.
Taste Test & Review: Are They Good?
Early testers and social media reviews are mixed.
What People Like
1. Thick, high-quality chicken
The chicken breast inside is noticeably thick, juicy, and filling.
2. Signature dipping sauce
A smoky, slightly sweet orange sauce that blends flavors similar to honey mustard and creamy fast-food sauces.
Costco Chicken Tenders vs Canada Version
In comparison, Canadian Costco food courts already serve a fried chicken option with fries and poutine-style sides.
Key difference:
- Canada: deep-fried chicken + sides
- US test: baked chicken tenders only
While chicken items continue to expand across Costco locations, dessert offerings are also evolving. Costco Food Court Australia recently introduced a new Chocolate Fudge Brownie, replacing the former Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie and adding another sweet option to the menu.
FAQs
Are Costco chicken tenders available nationwide?
No. They are currently in limited US test locations only.
How much do Costco chicken tenders cost?
They cost $6.99 per 5-piece basket during the test phase.
Do Costco chicken tenders come with fries?
No. The US version includes only chicken tenders and dipping sauce.
Are Costco chicken tenders permanent?
Not yet. Costco is still evaluating customer feedback before a full rollout decision.
