Costco’s deli section is known for offering convenient, premade meals, often catering to diverse palates. From rotisserie chicken to pizza kits, the warehouse giant frequently updates its offerings to provide customers with new, exciting options.
However, the latest addition to Costco’s deli lineup—a butter chicken kit with naan bread—has left some shoppers unimpressed.
The new butter chicken meal, which includes naan bread and weighs about two and a half pounds, was first spotted at a Costco warehouse in Fremont, California. Butter chicken, a beloved Indian dish featuring chicken cooked in a spiced, creamy tomato sauce with butter, typically attracts fans of savory and flavorful cuisine. However, early reviews for Costco’s take on the dish have been less than stellar.
Early Complaints About Taste and Texture
While having an Indian-inspired meal ready to go appeals to many, some customers quickly voiced dissatisfaction with the butter chicken kit. One Costco member shared their experience on Reddit, noting that they were disappointed with the dish’s taste and texture.
“Currently eating this with basmati rice, and it’s very meh,” one customer wrote. “The chicken and sauce combo is salty, as I’d expect from one of these kits, but the texture is a bit… soft. Great value for the quantity, but I’ll stick to a real Indian restaurant or cook my chicken paired with a store-bought sauce in the future to scratch a butter chicken itch.”
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Another shopper echoed these sentiments, focusing on the poor quality of the meat: “We had this for dinner. Did not like it. The meat was not good.”
For some Costco members, the meal simply didn’t meet expectations, especially compared to freshly cooked butter chicken from a restaurant.
Price Concerns Also Emerge
Apart from the issues with taste and texture, other shoppers were unhappy with the price of the new butter chicken kit. Costco was selling the meal for $5.99 per pound at the Fremont warehouse, which added to around $14 to $16 per kit, depending on the weight.
This pricing didn’t sit well with some customers, who felt the meal wasn’t worth the cost. “I wouldn’t buy this at $5.99, let alone $5.99 per pound,” one Redditor commented, expressing frustration at the perceived high price for the quality of the product.
Though Costco is known for offering good deals on bulk items, some shoppers believe this meal doesn’t provide the value they typically expect from the retailer.
Not All Reviews Are Negative
Despite the criticism, not everyone was displeased with Costco’s butter chicken kit. Some customers have praised the meal, emphasizing its flavor, quality, and affordability compared to restaurant versions.
“We had it for dinner tonight, and we loved it,” one fan shared. “It was very flavorful, the sauce was rich and seasoned well, and the chicken was tender, mostly thigh meat, which made me happy.”
Another customer added that the butter chicken may not taste as authentic as restaurant versions, but it’s a more affordable option for those craving the dish. “As someone who likes to buy butter chicken from a local restaurant, this is quite a bit cheaper. I doubt it tastes as good, but I don’t think it’s an absurd price.”
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A Divisive New Deli Item
Costco’s butter chicken kit may not be for everyone, but some shoppers still try it and find value in the meal. The mixed reviews make it clear that the product has flaws, especially in taste, texture, and pricing. However, for those looking for a quick and easy dinner option that brings the flavors of butter chicken to the table, it might be worth sampling.
If you’re interested in trying this controversial new deli item, be sure to check with your local Costco warehouse to confirm whether the butter chicken kit is available. New products tend to roll out to different locations at different times.
Whether or not this meal becomes a staple in Costco’s deli section remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure—Costco shoppers aren’t afraid to speak their minds regarding their food.