Chicken is one of the most popular and commonly consumed meats. It’s a lean source of protein that’s relatively inexpensive compared to beef or pork. Many people rely on staple chicken cuts like breasts and thighs to make easy delicious weeknight meals.
If you’re looking to buy chicken in bulk for meal prepping or to feed a crowd, Costco is a great place to shop. But how much does chicken cost per pound at Costco? And is it cheaper than your average grocery store?
In this article, we’ll break down the latest Costco chicken prices per pound so you know exactly what to expect. We’ll cover boneless skinless breasts, thighs, wings, whole chickens and more.
An Overview of Costco’s Chicken Prices
Here’s a quick glance at Costco’s current chicken prices per pound
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – $2.99/lb
- Boneless, skinless thighs – $2.99/lb
- Bone-in, skin-on thighs – $1.79/lb
- Drumsticks – $0.99/lb
- Wings – $2.79/lb
- Whole chickens – $1.49/lb
Costco’s organic chicken runs $2-3 more per pound:
- Organic boneless breasts – $5.99/lb
- Organic thighs – $5.99/lb
- Organic wings – $3.99/lb
- Organic drumsticks – $1.99/lb
So far, it looks like you can get chicken for under $3 per pound at Costco if you skip the organic options. That’s very competitive pricing compared to most supermarkets.
Next, let’s take a closer look at each cut and package size.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts are one of the most versatile and popular cuts of chicken. They’re lean, easy to cook, and can be used in everything from weeknight dinners to meal prep lunches.
At Costco, a 6.5 lb package of Kirkland Signature boneless, skinless chicken breasts costs $18.99. That works out to $2.99 per pound.
The breasts come in large, thick fillets that are perfect for cutting up and pounding for quicker, more even cooking. Since they’re not injected with any broth or solution, you just get 100% chicken.
Boneless breasts run closer to $3.99-$4.99 per pound at many supermarkets for a lower quality product, so Costco’s price is excellent. The only caveat is that you have to buy 6.5 lbs at once, which may be more than you need.
Boneless, Skinless Thighs
Chicken thighs offer more fat and flavor than white breast meat. They’re perfect for stews, casseroles and one-pot meals.
At Costco, a 6 lb package of Kirkland Signature boneless, skinless thighs costs $17.99. That’s just $2.99 per pound – the same price as boneless breasts.
Since thighs are fattier, some people prefer to buy them boneless and skinless for convenience. Just note that you pay a premium over bone-in thighs – but Costco’s price is still competitive.
Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs with the bone and skin left on are significantly cheaper at Costco.
A 10 lb package of whole bone-in thighs costs $17.99, which equals only $1.79 per pound.
The skin helps keep the meat juicy and adds flavor. And the bones can be used to make stock. With a little extra prep, you can save quite a bit of money over boneless thighs.
Chicken Drumsticks
Chicken drumsticks are one of the most budget-friendly cuts, making them perfect for feeding a crowd. They’re also great for kids since they’re easy to hold.
At Costco, a 10 lb bag of drumsticks costs just $9.99 total. That’s only $0.99 per pound – the cheapest chicken price at Costco.
The drumsticks do require a bit more time to cook through and prep, but they have excellent flavor. Stock up when you want to make a big batch of fried chicken, chicken wings, or chicken drumsticks.
Chicken Wings
Craving crispy chicken wings? A 10 lb bag of Kirkland Signature fresh wings costs $26.99. At $2.79 per pound, they offer the convenience of pre-sectioned wings without breaking the bank.
Costco’s wings do need to be broken down into drummettes and flats. But they’re much cheaper than buying pre-packaged wings at the supermarket.
For organic wings, expect to pay $3.99 per pound.
Whole Chickens
As with most proteins, buying a whole chicken is the most economical option in terms of cost per pound.
At Costco, a package of two fresh whole chickens weights approx. 9 lbs total. The price for this 2-pack is $13.49, or $1.49 per pound.
One benefit of whole chickens is that you can roast one for dinner, then use the bones to make stock. The second chicken can be frozen for another meal.
Breast Tenderloins
Chicken tenderloins or tenders come from a small muscle on the breast. They’re more tender than regular breast meat.
A 6 lb package of Kirkland Signature chicken tenderloins costs $18.99, or $3.29 per pound. That’s the most expensive cut besides the organic options.
However, tenderloins offer convenience, since they cook quickly and are perfect for dipping or breading. The premium is well worth it for some.
How Does Costco’s Chicken Price Compare?
Across the board, Costco offers excellent prices on chicken – both conventional and organic. Their Kirkland Signature house brand chicken consistently costs 20-40% less than premium grocery stores like Kroger or Safeway. The only cheaper options you may find are generic, store-branded chicken that contains added solution or broth.
Here are some of the biggest savings compared to my supermarket:
- Boneless breasts – 33% cheaper ($4.49/lb vs $2.99/lb)
- Boneless thighs – 20% cheaper ($3.79/lb vs $2.99/lb)
- Wings – 39% cheaper ($4.59/lb vs $2.79/lb)
- Whole chicken – 26% cheaper ($1.99/lb vs $1.49/lb)
And Costco’s organic chicken prices are lower than anywhere else I’ve seen.
The one downside is that some cuts like breasts and thighs only come in large 6 lb packages. For a small household, it may be hard to use up before the 5-7 day suggested use by date. But the savings are big enough that it’s worth freezing extras for later.
Tips for Buying Chicken at Costco
To make the most of buying chicken in bulk at Costco, keep these tips in mind:
-
Focus on the price per pound – the overall price doesn’t matter as much as the per pound cost.
-
Check for added solution – Costco chicken contains only chicken, but some low-cost chicken may have solution added to plump up the weight.
-
Buy a whole chicken – you get the lowest price per pound and can use the bones to make stock.
-
Freeze extras – portion the chicken into freezer bags or vacuum seal packages right away so it doesn’t go to waste.
-
Compare organic vs. conventional – organic chicken can still be a good value depending on the price premium over conventional.
-
Watch for sales – prices may drop lower at certain times of year. Check your local Costco for chicken promotions.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, Costco offers unbeatable prices on high-quality, 100% chicken free of solutions or broth. The Kirkland Signature house brand chicken costs 20-40% less than supermarket prices for the same cuts.
While you have to buy large packages, the savings are substantial enough to justify freezing any extras. Overall, Costco is my go-to for affordable chicken every week.
So if you’re wondering, “how much is chicken at Costco?”, the answer is very affordable! Boneless breasts cost just $2.99 per pound while boneless thighs, drumsticks, and whole chickens can be under $2 per pound. With prices like these, it’s no wonder Costco sells 60 million rotisserie chickens per year!
Frozen vegetables: Walmart and Grocery Outlet
Costco price: $10.93 (5-pound bag)
If you prefer the convenience of buying one five-pound bag of frozen vegetables instead of five one-pound bags, stick with Costcos Kirkland brand frozen vegetable medley.
But if saving money is your top priority, most other stores offer mixed vegetables for less.
For instance, Walmart sells 32-ounce bags for $2.28. Even if you bought three Walmart bags (for a total of six pounds), youd spend just $6.84 total — over $4 in savings.
And at Grocery Outlet, a 16-ounce bag is just $1.49, bringing your five-pound total to just $7.45. Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings Compare car insurance rates in New York See if you qualify for a lower rate in less than 2 minutes
Chicken thighs: Trader Joe’s
Costco price: $24.53 (11-pound bag)
Costcos 11-pound bag of frozen chicken thighs is a convenient way to buy and store chicken, but if youre on a budget, we recommend skipping Costcos mega-pack for smaller packages.
For instance, a one-pound pack of chicken thighs costs $1.99 at Trader Joes. Costcos chicken thighs are $2.23 a pound — not much of a bargain by comparison.
COST OF CHICKEN AT COSTCO | PRICE PER POUND | BEST OPTION
FAQ
How much is Costco chicken a pound?
Costco’s rotisserie chickens are a great deal: At roughly 3 pounds for $4.99, you’re looking at $1.66 per pound, which is less than buying a whole fresh chicken at Costco. Similar products from Whole Foods at $8.99 per bird (varies per location) and Safeway at $4.80 per pound run significantly more than a Costco bird.
How much do chicken breasts cost per pound?
| CHICKEN | PRICE | UNIT |
|---|---|---|
| BACKS | $1.79 | lb. |
| BREASTS – STUFFED | $6.69 | lb. |
| BREASTS, BONE-IN | $5.09 | lb. |
| BREASTS, BONELESS | $6.19 | lb. |
Is chicken breast cheaper at Costco or Walmart?
Apart from its rotisserie chicken, Costco’s poultry department doesn’t actually serve up the best deals. A pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts comes to $3.72 per pound at Costco. In contrast, Walmart’s chicken breasts cost $2.92 per pound.
How many pounds is one Costco chicken breast?
Kirkland Signature Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts are available at Costco in packages averaging 6 pounds. These chicken breasts are USDA Grade A, 99% fat-free, and contain no added hormones or steroids. They are individually vacuum-packed for freshness and can be refrigerated or frozen for later use.
How much do chicken breasts cost at Costco?
At Costco, the price of chicken breasts can vary depending on a few factors such as the quantity and type of chicken breasts being purchased. Averaging the prices across different Costco locations, the cost for chicken breasts typically ranges from $3 to $5 per pound. However, it’s important to note that prices may vary slightly by region.
How much is a pound of chicken at Costco?
Considered the most popular part of the chicken, you can purchase fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts from Costco’s meat section. The chicken breast sells for $3.49 per pound, while fresh organic chicken breast sells for $5.99 a pound. Both are typically sold in 7-8 pound packages, which can be broken off into 6 individual tear-off pouches.
How much does a chicken tender cost at Costco?
Costco sells these for $3.49 per pound and $5.99 per pound for organic chicken tenderloins, and each package usually weighs about 7 pounds. This is the same price as the chicken breast for both organic and non-organic. What exactly are chicken tenders?
How much does a pound of chicken breast cost?
The chicken breast sells for $3.49 per pound, while fresh organic chicken breast sells for $5.99 a pound. Both are typically sold in 7-8 pound packages, which can be broken off into 6 individual tear-off pouches. This leaves approximately 1lb+ per individual pouch.
Are Costco boneless skinless chicken breasts any good?
The good thing about the fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts from Costco is that they aren’t injected with a solution of water, salt, sugar, or anything else. I have found chicken breast cheaper (around $1.99/lb) but those had these things injected in them, which I want to avoid anything added.
Does Costco sell boneless chicken thighs?
Costco doesn’t seem to offer frozen boneless skinless chicken thighs anymore. That leaves their Kirkland Signature Air Chilled Fresh Boneless Chicken Thighs as the only boneless thigh option left in the warehouse. Costco sells its boneless chicken thighs for $3.49 per pound, which is the same price as its boneless chicken breast and tenderloins.