Costco’s Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice sits in the frozen food aisle, a Japanese-style dish that mixes white rice with grilled chicken and vegetables.

Each box contains six individually wrapped 9-ounce bags. The rice comes pre-cooked and seasoned with soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil.

You’ll find carrots, leeks, edamame, corn, and bell peppers mixed throughout.

This guide covers three cooking methods. Times range from 3 minutes in the microwave to 15 minutes on the stovetop.

Product Details

Product: Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken with Japanese-Style Fried Rice

Type: Pre-cooked, frozen

Package Size: 54 oz (6 servings)

Price: $14.49 at Costco (Updated December 2024)

Storage: Keep frozen at 0°F or below

Calories per Serving: 420 per bag (255g)

Main Ingredients: Cooked rice, seasoned chicken white meat, orange carrots, leeks, edamame soybeans, sweet corn, red bell peppers, soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil

Item Number: 749182

Cooking Methods Comparison

Recommended Method: Air fryer for crispy texture with golden edges and restaurant-quality results.

Method 1: Air Fryer (Recommended)

Air frying transforms frozen fried rice into crispy, golden pieces in 12-15 minutes at 370°F. This method produces the crispiest texture while serving 2-3 people per batch.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Product?

Remove one frozen bag from the box.

Cut open the bag and empty contents into a bowl to break up any clumps.

Instructions:

1. Take one 9-ounce bag from freezer
2. Cut bag open and pour rice into bowl
3. Use fork to separate any frozen clumps
4. Measure 2-3 cups for air fryer basket

Equipment: Air fryer with basket, oven-safe pan (8×8 inches), cooking spray, fork

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Set air fryer to 370°F.

The rice needs 12-15 minutes total cooking time. You’ll see steam rising and edges turning golden brown.

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 370°F for 3 minutes
2. Spray basket or pan with cooking spray
3. Spread rice in even layer (don’t overcrowd)
4. Cook for 12-15 minutes total

Temperature: 370°F

Time: 12-15 minutes

Step 3: When Do You Stir/Flip/Check?

Stir every 5 minutes during cooking.

This prevents burning and distributes heat evenly through the rice.

Instructions:

1. Open air fryer at 5-minute mark
2. Use spatula to toss rice and redistribute
3. Return to air fryer and continue cooking
4. Stir again at 10-minute mark

Checkpoint: At 5 and 10 minutes

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

The rice reaches 165°F internally with visible steam.

Look for golden brown edges and crispy pieces throughout.

Instructions:

1. Check internal temperature with food thermometer (should read 165°F)
2. Look for golden edges and crispy texture
3. Rice should be steaming when stirred
4. Let rest 1-2 minutes before serving

Target Temperature: 165°F minimum

Visual Indicator: Golden brown edges, steam rising, crispy texture throughout

Method 2: Microwave

Microwaving delivers the fastest results in just 3 minutes on high power. This official package method works for quick weeknight meals when you need dinner fast.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Product?

Leave rice in original bag for microwave cooking.

The bag is designed for steam venting.

Instructions:

1. Take one frozen 9-ounce bag from box
2. Tear small 2-inch vent in top corner of bag
3. Keep rice inside bag (don’t remove)
4. Place bag seam-side up on microwave-safe plate

Equipment: Microwave (1100 watts), microwave-safe plate

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Microwave on HIGH power for 3 minutes.

Power should be set to 100% for proper heating.

Instructions:

1. Place vented bag in center of microwave
2. Set power to HIGH (100%)
3. Cook for 3 minutes without interruption
4. Microwave wattage affects timing (add 30 seconds if under 1000 watts)

Temperature: HIGH power (100%)

Time: 3 minutes

Step 3: When Do You Stir/Flip/Check?

Don’t open microwave during cooking.

The bag steams contents internally for even heating.

Instructions:

1. Let bag steam for full 3 minutes
2. No stirring needed during cooking
3. Check doneness after time completes

Checkpoint: After 3 minutes (no mid-cooking check needed)

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

Bag puffs up from steam pressure.

Rice should be steaming hot throughout when opened.

Instructions:

1. Carefully remove hot bag from microwave (use oven mitts)
2. Tear bag fully along perforation line
3. Pour into bowl and check for steam rising
4. Test temperature (should be above 165°F)

Target Temperature: 165°F

Visual Indicator: Bag puffed with steam, rice steaming when poured out

Method 3: Stovetop

Stovetop cooking takes 15-18 minutes and works well for multiple bags. This method gives you control over texture and lets you add extra ingredients easily.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Product?

Open frozen bag and dump rice directly into skillet.

Breaking up clumps before heating helps with even cooking.

Instructions:

1. Remove one or two bags from freezer
2. Cut bags open and pour rice into large bowl
3. Use fork to separate any stuck-together pieces
4. Have skillet ready on stove

Equipment: Large non-stick skillet or wok (12-inch), spatula, 1 tablespoon cooking oil

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Heat skillet over medium heat (setting 5 out of 10).

Total cooking time runs 15-18 minutes with frequent stirring.

Instructions:

1. Add 1 tablespoon oil to cold skillet
2. Heat over medium setting for 2 minutes
3. Add frozen rice to heated pan
4. Cook for 15-18 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes

Temperature: Medium heat (5/10 setting)

Time: 15-18 minutes

Step 3: When Do You Stir/Flip/Check?

Stir every 2-3 minutes to prevent sticking.

Bottom layer browns faster than top, so frequent mixing matters.

Instructions:

1. Stir at 3-minute mark to redistribute rice
2. Continue stirring every 2-3 minutes throughout
3. Scrape bottom of pan to prevent burning
4. Check for even heating at 10-minute mark

Checkpoint: Every 2-3 minutes

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

Rice turns slightly crispy on bottom with steam rising from pan.

All pieces should be hot with no cold spots.

Instructions:

1. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F
2. Look for light golden color on bottom layer
3. Rice should be steaming throughout
4. Remove from heat and serve immediately

Target Temperature: 165°F

Visual Indicator: Light golden bottom, steaming hot, no cold spots when stirred

Safety & Quality Indicators

Food Safety:

• Internal Temperature: 165°F minimum for all cooking methods
• Steam Check: Rice should steam heavily when stirred or cut open
• Thawing: Never required – cook from frozen

Quality Indicators (Done Properly):

• Color: Light golden edges with white rice grains visible
• Texture: Tender grains with slight firmness, not mushy
• Temperature: Hot throughout with steam rising (above 165°F)
• Appearance: Individual grains separated, vegetables bright and tender

Signs of Overcooking:

• Dark brown or burned edges
• Dried out, hard rice grains
• Vegetables look shriveled or darkened
• Strong burnt smell

Serving Suggestions

Portion Size: 1 bag (9 oz) per serving (6 servings per package)

Serving Ideas:

• Add fried egg on top for extra protein and runny yolk richness
• Pair with Costco gyoza or spring rolls as appetizers
• Serve alongside air-fried chicken wings for complete meal
• Mix in sauteed edamame for added vegetables

Pairing Recommendations:

• Sriracha or chili oil for heat
• Cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing
• Miso soup
• Green tea or jasmine tea
• Fresh scallions chopped on top

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage:

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
• Store in airtight container
• Consume within 3-4 days
• Label container with date

Reheating Instructions:

• Microwave: 1-2 minutes at HIGH power, stir halfway through
• Stovetop: 3-5 minutes over medium heat with 1 tablespoon water
• Air Fryer: 5-7 minutes at 350°F for crispy texture
• Target Temperature: 165°F when reheated

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Rice comes out mushy and clumped together

Cause: Overcooking or too much steam trapped

Solution: Reduce microwave time by 30 seconds. For stovetop, stir more frequently and use slightly higher heat to evaporate excess moisture.

Issue: Rice heats unevenly with cold spots

Cause: Not stirring enough or overcrowded cooking surface

Solution: Break up frozen clumps before cooking. Stir every 5 minutes in air fryer, every 2-3 minutes on stovetop. Don’t stack rice more than 1 inch deep.

Issue: Rice too dry and hard

Cause: Cooking temperature too high or time too long

Solution: Add 1-2 tablespoons water to skillet when reheating. For air fryer, reduce temperature to 350°F and check at 10 minutes. Cover with damp paper towel in microwave.

Issue: Bottom burns while top stays frozen

Cause: Heat too high, insufficient stirring

Solution: Lower heat to medium-low. Stir immediately after adding rice to pan, then every 2 minutes. Don’t walk away during stovetop cooking.

Product Variations & Related Items

Similar Costco Products:

• Bibigo Vegetable Fried Rice – Vegetarian option with no meat, similar cooking time
• Ajinomoto Yakisoba Stir Fry – Noodle-based alternative with different texture
• InnovAsian Orange Chicken with Rice – Sweet and tangy sauce profile
• Kirkland Signature Chicken Fried Rice – Budget-friendly alternative if available

Cooking Time Adjustments:

If cooking 2 bags together, add 3-5 minutes to total time for all methods.

Stovetop handles multiple bags best (use 14-inch wok). Air fryer requires cooking bags separately for even crisping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook Costco fried rice from frozen?

Yes. All methods work directly from frozen. Don’t thaw before cooking as this makes rice mushy and affects texture.

What’s the best method for crispy fried rice?

Air fryer produces crispiest results in 12-15 minutes at 370°F. Stovetop gives medium crisp if you let bottom layer sit undisturbed for 3-4 minutes before first stir.

How many servings per bag?

One 9-ounce bag serves one person as main dish or two as side dish. Full box contains 6 bags.

Can you cook Costco fried rice in oven?

Yes. Spread on baking sheet at 375°F for 18-20 minutes. Stir every 7 minutes. Not as crispy as air fryer but works for large batches.

Is Costco fried rice healthy?

Each bag contains 420 calories, 19g protein, but high sodium (900mg+). Good protein source but not suitable for low-sodium diets.

Can you add ingredients to Costco fried rice?

Absolutely. Common additions include scrambled eggs, extra vegetables, shrimp, soy sauce, or sesame oil. Add these during last 5 minutes of cooking.

How long does opened Costco fried rice last?

Once cooked, refrigerate and use within 3-4 days. Unopened frozen bags last until printed expiration date (typically 12+ months).

Why is my Costco fried rice soggy?

Too much steam or moisture. For microwave, increase vent size. For stovetop, use higher heat and stir constantly. Air fryer prevents this issue naturally.

Which Method Should You Choose?

Choose Air Fryer when:

• You want crispiest, most restaurant-like texture
• Cooking 1-2 bags for small household
• You have 15 minutes and prefer hands-off cooking
• Texture matters more than speed

Choose Microwave when:

• Speed is your priority (only 3 minutes)
• Making single serving for lunch
• Texture less important than convenience
• You’re at office or dorm with limited equipment

Choose Stovetop when:

• Cooking 2-3 bags for family dinner
• You want to add fresh ingredients during cooking
• No air fryer available
• You prefer traditional stir fry method

Time Comparison:

Microwave (3 min) < Air Fryer (12-15 min) < Stovetop (15-18 min)

Texture Ranking:

Air Fryer (crispiest) > Stovetop (medium crisp) > Microwave (soft, steamed)

FAQ on How To Cook Costco Fried Rice

How long does it take to cook Costco fried rice?

Microwave takes 3 minutes on HIGH power for one bag.

Air fryer needs 12-15 minutes at 370°F. Stovetop requires 15-18 minutes over medium heat with frequent stirring for best results.

Can you cook Costco fried rice in an air fryer?

Yes. Preheat to 370°F and cook for 12-15 minutes.

Stir every 5 minutes for even crisping. This method produces the crispiest texture compared to microwave or skillet preparation, similar to restaurant-style fried rice.

Do you need to thaw Costco fried rice before cooking?

No thawing needed. Cook directly from frozen.

Thawing makes rice mushy and affects texture quality. All cooking methods work with frozen rice straight from the package for optimal results.

How do you make Costco fried rice crispy?

Air fryer at 370°F delivers maximum crispiness in 12-15 minutes.

For stovetop, use medium-high heat and let bottom layer sit 3-4 minutes before first stir. Add 1 tablespoon sesame oil for extra crispy edges.

Can you cook Costco fried rice on the stove?

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Add frozen rice and cook 15-18 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes. This method works well for multiple bags and adding fresh ingredients like scrambled eggs.

What temperature should Costco fried rice reach when cooked?

Internal temperature must hit 165°F minimum for food safety.

Use food thermometer to check center of rice. Rice should steam heavily when stirred, indicating proper heating throughout all portions.

How many calories are in Costco fried rice?

Each 9-ounce bag contains 420 calories with 19g protein.

Fat content is 10g per bag. Sodium runs high at 900mg+, so not suitable for low-sodium diets. Box contains 6 individual bags total.

How do you reheat leftover Costco fried rice?

Microwave 1-2 minutes on HIGH, stirring halfway through.

Stovetop takes 3-5 minutes over medium heat with 1 tablespoon water added. Air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes restores crispy texture perfectly.

Can you add extra ingredients to Costco fried rice?

Absolutely. Add scrambled eggs, extra vegetables, or protein during last 5 minutes.

Popular additions include cooked shrimp, sriracha, green onions, or stir-fried vegetables. Soy sauce and sesame oil boost flavor instantly.

How much does Costco fried rice cost?

Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice costs $14.49 per box.

That’s $2.41 per 9-ounce bag. Box contains 6 individually wrapped portions. Item number 749182 in frozen food section near Asian meals.

Conclusion

Learning how to cook Costco fried rice opens up quick meal possibilities for busy weeknights.

The Ajinomoto frozen fried rice adapts to whatever cooking equipment you own. Microwave works when speed matters most.

Air fryer delivers that restaurant-quality crispiness. Stovetop gives you flexibility to customize.

Each 9-ounce portion from the frozen food aisle transforms into a complete meal in under 20 minutes. The pre-cooked jasmine rice mixed with grilled chicken and vegetables means minimal prep work.

Temperature matters. Hit 165°F for food safety every time.

Reheating leftovers takes just minutes with proper technique. Store extras in airtight containers for meal prep throughout the week.

Try adding scrambled eggs, extra soy sauce, or sesame oil to boost flavor. The convenience factor alone makes this Asian cuisine staple worth keeping stocked in your freezer.