How to Cook Costco Chicken Skewers

WestEnd Cuisine Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Skewers are pre-cooked chicken breast pieces on wooden skewers sold in Costco’s refrigerated deli section.

They come seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, and Mediterranean spices.

Already fully cooked. Just needs reheating.

The package contains 14 skewers split into two containers. Most people grab these for quick weeknight dinners or high protein meal prep.

Two skewers equals one serving. That gives you about 7 servings per package.

This guide covers 4 cooking methods with times ranging from 2 minutes (microwave) to 18 minutes (oven). You will need basic kitchen equipment like a baking sheet, air fryer basket, or grill.

Product Details

Product: WestEnd Cuisine Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Skewers

Type: Fully cooked, refrigerated

Package Size: 28 oz / 1.75 lbs (14 skewers, 7 servings)

Price: $17.99 at Costco (Updated December 2025)

Storage: Keep refrigerated

Calories per Serving: 150 (2 skewers)

Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Water, Potato Starch, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Vinegar, Salt, Lemon Juice, Dextrose, Dehydrated Garlic, Spice, Dehydrated Onion, Natural Flavor

Item Number: 1415808

Cooking Methods Comparison

Recommended Method: Air fryer for crispiest texture with minimal effort

Method 1: Air Fryer (Recommended)

The air fryer produces the best results in 5-8 minutes at 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. You get a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the chicken breast tender inside. Works well for 2-7 skewers at a time.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Skewers?

Remove skewers from packaging. No thawing needed since these are refrigerated, not frozen.

Instructions:

1. Take out the number of skewers you want to cook
2. Optional: Lightly brush with olive oil to prevent drying

Equipment: Air fryer, cooking spray or olive oil (optional)

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Preheat your air fryer to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking time runs 5-8 minutes depending on your air fryer model.

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer for 3-5 minutes
2. Place skewers in single layer with space between each one

Temperature: 350-375 degrees F

Time: 5-8 minutes

Step 3: When Do You Flip the Skewers?

Flip once at the halfway point. This ensures even browning on both sides.

Instructions:

1. At 3-4 minute mark, flip each skewer
2. Check for light browning on the surface

Checkpoint: At 3-4 minute mark

Step 4: How Do You Know When They Are Done?

The chicken is already pre-cooked. You are just reheating. Look for steam rising and warm temperature throughout.

Instructions:

1. Check that chicken feels hot to touch
2. Look for slight browning on edges
3. Steam should rise when cutting into the meat

Target Temperature: 165 degrees F (for safety verification)

Visual Indicator: Light golden edges, steaming when cut

Method 2: Oven Baking

Oven baking takes 8-18 minutes at 375-400 degrees F. Good for cooking larger batches or when you are already using the oven for other items. Results in even heating throughout.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare for Oven Cooking?

Line a baking sheet and arrange skewers in a single layer.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375-400 degrees F
2. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment
3. Place skewers without overlapping

Equipment: Baking sheet, foil or parchment paper

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Package instructions recommend 375 degrees F for 16-18 minutes. Some sources suggest 400 degrees F for 8-9 minutes. The higher temp works fine since chicken is already cooked.

Instructions:

1. Place baking sheet on middle rack
2. Set timer based on your temperature choice

Temperature: 375-400 degrees F

Time: 8-18 minutes (depends on temp)

Step 3: When Do You Flip?

Flip once halfway through cooking time.

Instructions:

1. At halfway point, turn skewers over
2. Continue baking until done

Checkpoint: 4-9 minute mark (depending on total time)

Step 4: How Do You Know When Done?

Chicken should be heated through with no cold spots.

Instructions:

1. Check internal temperature with meat thermometer
2. Optional: Broil 1-2 minutes at end for extra char

Target Temperature: 165 degrees F

Visual Indicator: Steaming, lightly browned edges

Method 3: Grill

Grilling adds smoky flavor in 6-8 minutes over medium heat. Works on gas grill or charcoal grill. Great for backyard barbecue situations or when you want that char-grilled taste.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare for Grilling?

Preheat grill and oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium heat (about 375 degrees F)
2. Brush grill grates with oil
3. Remove skewers from package

Equipment: Gas grill or charcoal grill, grill brush, tongs

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Medium heat works best. Direct heat for 6-8 minutes total.

Instructions:

1. Place skewers over direct heat
2. Close lid between flips

Temperature: Medium heat (375 degrees F)

Time: 6-8 minutes

Step 3: When Do You Turn?

Turn every 2-3 minutes for even grill marks.

Instructions:

1. Rotate skewers quarter turn every 2-3 minutes
2. Watch for flare-ups from dripping oil

Checkpoint: Every 2-3 minutes

Step 4: How Do You Know When Done?

Look for nice grill marks and hot temperature throughout.

Instructions:

1. Check for visible char marks
2. Verify internal temp reaches 165 degrees F

Target Temperature: 165 degrees F

Visual Indicator: Grill marks, steam rising

Method 4: Microwave

Fastest method at 2-3 minutes. Texture will be softer compared to other methods. Good when speed matters more than texture.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare for Microwave?

Arrange skewers on microwave-safe plate with damp paper towel cover.

Instructions:

1. Place skewers on microwave-safe plate
2. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture

Equipment: Microwave-safe plate, paper towel

Step 2: What Power Level and Time?

High power for 2-3 minutes for 2-7 skewers.

Instructions:

1. Set microwave to HIGH (100% power)
2. Heat 2-3 minutes for up to 7 skewers
3. For 1-2 skewers, 90 seconds may be enough

Power Level: HIGH

Time: 2-3 minutes

Step 3: Do You Need to Flip?

Not required but can help with even heating.

Instructions:

1. Optional: flip at halfway point
2. Check temperature after initial time

Checkpoint: 1-1.5 minute mark (optional)

Step 4: How Do You Know When Done?

Should be hot throughout with no cold spots.

Instructions:

1. Touch test for heat
2. Cut into thickest part to check

Target Temperature: 165 degrees F

Visual Indicator: Steaming when touched or cut

Safety and Quality Indicators

Food Safety

• Internal Temperature: 165 degrees F minimum (USDA recommendation for poultry)
• Steam Check: Product should steam when cut open
• Note: These are already fully cooked. The 165 degrees F recommendation is for reheating safety.

Quality Indicators (Done Properly)

• Color: Light golden brown on edges
• Texture: Tender, not rubbery
• Temperature: Hot throughout
• Appearance: Steam rising, slight browning

Signs of Overcooking

• Chicken becomes dry and tough
• Edges turn dark brown or black
• Meat shrinks significantly on skewer

Serving Suggestions

Portion Size: 2 skewers per serving (7 servings per package)

Serving Ideas

• Stuff into warm pita with tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetables
• Serve over Greek salad with feta cheese
• Add to rice bowl with hummus and cucumber
• Pull chicken off skewers for wraps or tacos

Pairing Recommendations

• Caesar salad
• Quinoa or rice pilaf
• Flatbread with hummus
• Roasted vegetables
• Greek yogurt dips

These skewers pair well with other Costco deli items. Try them alongside gyro meat for a Mediterranean spread. Or add mashed potatoes for a filling dinner.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
• Store in airtight container
• Consume within 3-4 days
• Can be frozen for up to 6 months

Reheating Instructions

• Microwave: 30-90 seconds on HIGH (cover with damp paper towel)
• Air Fryer: 3-4 minutes at 350 degrees F
• Oven: 5-8 minutes at 375 degrees F
• Target Temperature: 165 degrees F

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Chicken is dry

Cause: Overcooked or cooked without moisture protection

Solution: Reduce cooking time. Brush with olive oil before cooking. Cover with damp paper towel in microwave.

Issue: Unevenly heated

Cause: Overcrowded air fryer basket or skewers touching

Solution: Cook in single layer with space between skewers. Flip halfway through.

Issue: Bland flavor

Cause: Natural taste of pre-cooked chicken

Solution: Add basting sauce before cooking. Try butter-dijon mixture or BBQ sauce. Serve with flavorful dips like tzatziki or hummus.

Issue: Chicken sticking to grill

Cause: Grill grates not oiled

Solution: Oil grates before placing skewers. Preheat grill properly.

Product Variations and Related Items

Similar Costco Products

• Costco chicken breast – raw, requires full cooking
• Costco grilled chicken – similar convenience, different format
• Costco teriyaki chicken – different flavor profile
• Costco chicken thighs – raw, darker meat option

For Complete Meals

Building a full meal? Consider adding jasmine rice or frozen vegetables as sides.

Want more protein variety? Check out Costco wings or chicken nuggets for the family.

Cooking Time Adjustments

If cooking from frozen (after home freezing): Add 2-3 extra minutes to any method.

For crispier results: Use air fryer or finish with 1-2 minutes under broiler.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (2 skewers / 84g):

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 3.5-4g (1-1.5g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 2-3g
• Sodium: 630-690mg (26-29% daily value)
• Cholesterol: 60mg

High protein, low fat option. Watch the sodium if you are limiting salt intake.

Gluten-free. Preservative-free. Made from chicken raised without antibiotics.

Final Tips

Took me a while to figure this out, but do not overcook these. They are already done. You are just warming them up.

The air fryer method really does produce the best texture. Something about that circulating hot air crisps up the edges without drying out the meat.

If you find them bland straight from the package, that butter-dijon sauce trick works wonders. Just mix butter, dijon mustard, garlic powder, and brush it on before air frying.

Store open packages in a ziplock bag since the original packaging is not resealable.

At roughly $1.28 per skewer, you are paying for convenience. The same chicken breast costs way less if you season and skewer it yourself. But for busy weeknights? These get dinner on the table in under 10 minutes.

FAQ on How To Cook Costco Chicken Skewers

Are Costco Chicken Skewers Already Cooked?

Yes. The WestEnd Cuisine Mediterranean chicken skewers are fully cooked and ready to eat.

You only need to reheat them. The package recommends heating to 165 degrees F, but that is just a safety precaution since the chicken breast is already grilled.

What Temperature Do You Cook Costco Chicken Skewers?

For oven baking, use 375-400 degrees F. Air fryer works best at 350-375 degrees F.

Grill over medium heat around 375 degrees F. Since they are pre-cooked, you are just reheating, not cooking raw poultry.

How Long Do You Cook Costco Chicken Skewers in the Air Fryer?

Cook for 5-8 minutes at 350-375 degrees F. Flip once at the halfway mark.

Place skewers in a single layer with space between each one. Do not overcrowd the basket or they heat unevenly.

Can You Eat Costco Chicken Skewers Cold?

Yes. They are fully cooked and safe to eat straight from the refrigerator.

Some people add them cold to salads or eat them as a high protein snack. Heating just improves the flavor and texture.

How Do You Cook Costco Chicken Skewers in the Oven?

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil.

Bake 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. For faster results, use 400 degrees F for 8-9 minutes instead.

How Long Do Costco Chicken Skewers Last in the Fridge?

Unopened packages stay fresh until the printed expiration date, usually about 2 months from purchase.

Once opened, store in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Can You Freeze Costco Chicken Skewers?

Yes. The package states they are suitable for home freezing.

Frozen skewers last up to 6 months. When cooking from frozen, add 2-3 extra minutes to the normal cooking time.

How Many Calories Are in Costco Chicken Skewers?

Two skewers contain 150 calories, 24 grams of protein, and 3.5 grams of fat.

They are low calorie and high protein. Watch the sodium though. One serving has 630-690mg, about 26-29% of daily value.

What Do You Serve With Costco Chicken Skewers?

They pair well with Mediterranean sides like hummus, tzatziki, and Greek salad.

Try them in pita bread with vegetables. Rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice also work great as side dishes.

Are Costco Chicken Skewers Healthy?

They are a solid option. High in protein, low in fat, gluten-free, and preservative-free.

The chicken is raised without antibiotics and vegetarian fed. Main concern is the sodium content, which runs higher than homemade versions.

Conclusion

Learning how to cook Costco chicken skewers takes about five minutes. The air fryer method delivers the best texture at 350-375 degrees F in under 8 minutes.

Oven baking and grilling work well for larger batches or when you want that charcoal flavor.

These WestEnd Cuisine skewers are already fully cooked. You are just reheating.

With 24 grams of protein per serving and minimal prep time, they make a solid weeknight dinner option. Pair them with rice, salad, or stuff them into pita bread.

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer if you want to be safe. But honestly, do not overthink it.