How to Cook Costco Garlic Chicken

Costco’s Kirkland Signature Garlic Pepper Seasoned Drumsticks sit in the prepared meals section, ready to throw on the grill or into your oven.

The drumsticks come pre-seasoned with minced garlic, red bell pepper, onion, and paprika. No marinating required.

These are raw chicken drumsticks, not pre-cooked. You’ll need to cook them to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before eating.

Package sizes run about 4 to 8 pounds. That’s roughly 8 to 16 drumsticks depending on what your warehouse has in stock.

This guide covers three cooking methods: oven baking, grilling, and air frying. Total cook times range from 25 to 45 minutes depending on your approach.

Product Details

Product: Kirkland Signature Garlic Pepper Seasoned Drumsticks

Type: Raw, pre-seasoned chicken drumsticks

Package Size: 4 to 8 lbs (8-16 drumsticks per package)

Price: $2.49 per lb at Costco (Updated December 2025)

Storage: Keep refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below

Calories per Serving: 170 calories per drumstick (cooked)

Main Ingredients: Chicken drumsticks, garlic, sugar, salt, red bell pepper, onion, paprika, safflower oil, spices, natural flavors

Location in Store: Prepared meals section near rotisserie chicken, street tacos, and yakisoba stir fry

Cooking Methods Comparison

Recommended Method: Oven baking for the best balance of juicy meat and consistent results across the entire batch.

Method 1: Oven Baking (Recommended)

Oven baking produces the most consistent results. The meat stays juicy while the skin gets a nice golden color.

Total time runs about 35 to 45 minutes. You can cook the entire package at once if you have a large baking sheet.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Drumsticks?

Remove drumsticks from packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. This step matters for getting crispy skin.

Instructions:

1. Take drumsticks out of the plastic container
2. Pat each piece dry to remove excess moisture
3. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while the oven preheats

Equipment: Baking sheet, parchment paper or aluminum foil, wire rack (optional)

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for standard baking. Go with 450 degrees if you want crispier skin faster.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (or 450 degrees F for crispier results)
2. Line baking sheet with foil or parchment
3. Arrange drumsticks in a single layer with space between each piece
4. Place on middle rack

Temperature: 375 degrees F (standard) or 450 degrees F (crispy)

Time: 35-45 minutes at 375 degrees F, or 30-35 minutes at 450 degrees F

Step 3: When Do You Flip the Drumsticks?

Flip them once halfway through cooking. This gets both sides evenly browned.

Instructions:

1. Set a timer for 20 minutes (at 375 degrees F) or 15 minutes (at 450 degrees F)
2. Use tongs to flip each drumstick
3. Continue cooking for the remaining time

Checkpoint: At the 20-minute mark for 375 degrees F, or 15-minute mark for 450 degrees F

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

Use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the drumstick without touching bone.

Instructions:

1. Check internal temperature with a digital thermometer
2. Look for golden brown skin with some caramelization
3. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving

Target Temperature: 165 degrees F minimum (175-185 degrees F for fall-off-the-bone texture)

Visual Indicator: Golden brown skin, juices run clear when pierced

Method 2: Grilling

Grilling adds smoky flavor that oven baking can’t replicate. The Costco label actually recommends this method.

Took me a few tries to get this right. The trick is medium-high heat, not high. High heat burns the garlic seasoning before the inside cooks through.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare for Grilling?

Clean your grill grates and oil them lightly. Cold drumsticks straight from the fridge will stick.

Instructions:

1. Remove drumsticks from packaging
2. Let them come to room temperature for 15 minutes
3. Preheat grill on high for 15 minutes, then reduce to medium-high

Equipment: Gas or charcoal grill, long-handled tongs, grill brush, oil-soaked paper towel

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Medium-high heat works best. That’s around 375 to 400 degrees on a gas grill with the lid closed.

Instructions:

1. Place drumsticks on grill grates over indirect heat
2. Close the lid to maintain temperature
3. Total cook time is approximately 30 minutes

Temperature: Medium-high heat (375-400 degrees F)

Time: 30 minutes total

Step 3: When Do You Turn Them?

Turn frequently. Every 5 to 7 minutes keeps them from burning on one side.

Instructions:

1. Flip drumsticks every 5-7 minutes
2. Move to cooler spots if flare-ups occur
3. Watch for charring on the garlic bits

Checkpoint: Every 5-7 minutes throughout cooking

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

Same as oven method. Internal temp of 165 degrees F minimum.

Instructions:

1. Check thickest part of meat with thermometer
2. Look for char marks and rendered skin
3. Rest for 5 minutes off the grill

Target Temperature: 165 degrees F minimum

Visual Indicator: Char marks on skin, slight pulling away from the bone at the tip

Method 3: Air Fryer

Air frying gives you the crispiest skin. But here’s the thing: the meat can dry out faster than other methods.

You’ll need to cook in batches unless you have a large air fryer. Crowding the basket blocks airflow and makes everything soggy.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare for Air Frying?

Pat the drumsticks very dry. Extra moisture is the enemy of crispy air fryer chicken.

Instructions:

1. Remove from packaging and pat thoroughly dry
2. Lightly spray with cooking spray (optional, but helps crispiness)
3. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F for 3-5 minutes

Equipment: Air fryer with at least 5-quart capacity, cooking spray, tongs

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

400 degrees Fahrenheit is the sweet spot. Lower temps won’t crisp the skin properly.

Instructions:

1. Arrange drumsticks in single layer with space between each piece
2. Cook 3-4 drumsticks at a time maximum
3. Set timer for 20-25 minutes total

Temperature: 400 degrees F

Time: 20-25 minutes

Step 3: When Do You Shake or Flip?

Flip at the halfway point. Some people shake the basket, but flipping with tongs works better for drumsticks.

Instructions:

1. At 10-12 minutes, pause and flip each drumstick
2. Check for even browning
3. Continue cooking for remaining time

Checkpoint: At the 10-12 minute mark

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

The skin should be noticeably crispy and deep golden brown. Still check that internal temp though.

Instructions:

1. Skin should be crispy and golden brown
2. Internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F
3. Let rest 3-5 minutes before serving

Target Temperature: 165 degrees F minimum

Visual Indicator: Deep golden brown, visibly crispy skin

Safety and Quality Indicators

Food Safety:

• Internal Temperature: 165 degrees F minimum for safe consumption
• Steam Check: Meat should steam when cut into the thickest part
• Thawing: These are sold refrigerated, not frozen. Cook within use-by date on package

Quality Indicators (Done Properly):

• Color: Golden brown to deep amber on the skin
• Texture: Skin slightly crispy, meat tender and pulls easily from bone
• Temperature: Hot throughout, minimum 165 degrees F
• Appearance: Juices run clear, not pink

Signs of Overcooking:

• Meat shrinks significantly from the bone
• Skin turns black or burns (especially the garlic bits)
• Meat feels tough and chewy when cut
• Excessive dryness when bitten into

Serving Suggestions

Portion Size: 2 drumsticks per adult serving (package serves 4-8 people)

Serving Ideas:

• Classic dinner plate with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables
• Game day spread with ranch dressing for dipping
• Meal prep containers with jasmine rice and roasted broccoli

Pairing Recommendations:

• Side dishes: Coleslaw, corn on the cob, roasted vegetables, garlic bread
• Dipping sauces: Ranch, blue cheese, BBQ sauce, honey mustard
• Starch options: Rice, baked potatoes, crusty bread

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Storage:

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
• Store in airtight container or wrap tightly with foil
• Consume within 3-4 days

Reheating Instructions:

• Oven: 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes until heated through
• Air Fryer: 375 degrees F for 5-8 minutes (restores crispiness)
• Microwave: 2-3 minutes on high, but skin will be soft

Target Temperature: 165 degrees F when reheating

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Skin is not crispy

Cause: Drumsticks were too wet, or oven temperature was too low

Solution: Pat drumsticks thoroughly dry before cooking. Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees F for the last 5-10 minutes, or finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.

Issue: Garlic seasoning tastes burnt

Cause: Heat was too high, especially on the grill

Solution: Use medium-high instead of high heat. Move drumsticks to cooler zones if flare-ups occur. The garlic in the seasoning burns faster than plain chicken.

Issue: Meat is dry inside

Cause: Overcooked past 185 degrees F internal temperature, or cooked at too high heat for too long

Solution: Use a meat thermometer and pull at 165-175 degrees F. Let rest before cutting. For air fryer, reduce time by 2-3 minutes and check earlier.

Issue: Undercooked near the bone

Cause: Drumsticks were too cold when they went in, or heat was uneven

Solution: Let drumsticks come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking. Flip halfway through. Always verify with a thermometer at the thickest part near the bone.

Product Variations and Related Items

Similar Costco Products:

• Garlic Pepper Party Wings – Same seasoning, faster cook time, crispier result
• Chicken Thighs – More meat per piece, similar cooking method
• Teriyaki Chicken – Different flavor profile, sweeter seasoning
• Roasted Garlic Chicken Legs (pre-cooked) – Ready to eat, just needs reheating

Cooking Time Adjustments:

The pre-cooked version (Roasted Garlic Chicken Legs) only needs 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees F in the oven or 5-10 minutes in the microwave. These are fully cooked and just need reheating.

Raw garlic pepper drumsticks require full cooking times listed above. Don’t confuse the two products.

Which Method Should You Choose?

Choose Oven when:

• You’re cooking the entire package at once
• You want consistent results with minimal effort
• It’s a weeknight dinner and you need hands-off cooking

Choose Grill when:

• You want that smoky, charred flavor
• It’s summer and you’re cooking outside anyway
• You’re serving at a cookout with other grilled items

Choose Air Fryer when:

• Crispy skin is your top priority
• You’re cooking 3-4 drumsticks for a quick meal
• You don’t want to heat up the whole kitchen

Time Comparison:

Air Fryer (20-25 min) < Grill (30 min) < Oven (35-45 min)

Texture Ranking:

Air Fryer (crispiest) > Grill (charred) > Oven (moderate crisp)

Juiciness Ranking:

Oven (juiciest) > Grill > Air Fryer

Additional Tips

The seasoning on these drumsticks is on the lighter side. If you want more flavor, let them sit uncovered in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. This helps the seasoning penetrate deeper.

Don’t skip the resting time after cooking. Five minutes makes a real difference in how juicy the meat stays.

If you want extra crispy skin in the oven, use a wire rack on your baking sheet. Air circulates under the drumsticks instead of them sitting in their own juices.

These pair well with other Costco prepared foods. Try them alongside mac and cheese or frozen vegetables for a complete meal with minimal prep work.

Looking for more Costco chicken options? Check out the chicken breast or stuffed chicken breast for different meal ideas.

FAQ on How To Cook Costco Garlic Chicken

What Temperature Do You Cook Costco Garlic Chicken?

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for standard baking. Want crispier skin? Go with 450 degrees F instead.

For air fryer cooking, preheat to 400 degrees F. Grilling works best at medium-high heat, roughly 375 to 400 degrees on a gas grill.

Can You Cook Costco Garlic Chicken From Frozen?

The Kirkland Signature garlic pepper drumsticks are sold refrigerated, not frozen. They’re raw and pre-seasoned.

If you froze them at home, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Never cook frozen poultry without proper thawing first.

How Long Do You Bake Costco Garlic Pepper Drumsticks?

Baking time runs 35 to 45 minutes at 375 degrees F. At 450 degrees F, expect 30 to 35 minutes total.

Flip halfway through for even browning. Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer rather than relying on time alone.

Is Costco Garlic Chicken Pre-Cooked or Raw?

The garlic pepper seasoned drumsticks from the prepared meals section are raw chicken. They need full cooking to 165 degrees F internal temperature.

Don’t confuse these with the Roasted Garlic Chicken Legs near the rotisserie chicken. Those are fully cooked and ready to eat.

Can You Air Fry Costco Garlic Seasoned Drumsticks?

Yes. Air frying at 400 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes produces the crispiest skin of any method.

Cook in batches of 3 to 4 drumsticks. Crowding the basket blocks airflow and results in soggy chicken instead of crispy texture.

What Internal Temperature Should Costco Garlic Chicken Reach?

Minimum 165 degrees Fahrenheit for food safety. Insert your digital thermometer into the thickest part without touching bone.

For fall-off-the-bone tenderness, cook to 175 to 185 degrees F. The meat will be more tender but still juicy if not overcooked.

How Do You Make Costco Garlic Chicken Crispy?

Pat drumsticks completely dry before cooking. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin.

Use a wire rack on your baking sheet so air circulates underneath. Finish under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes if needed. The air fryer method also delivers excellent crispiness.

Can You Grill Costco Garlic Pepper Drumsticks?

Grilling is actually recommended on the Costco package label. Use medium-high heat for about 30 minutes, flipping every 5 to 7 minutes.

Watch the garlic seasoning closely. It burns faster than plain chicken. Move pieces to cooler zones if flare-ups happen.

How Do You Reheat Leftover Costco Garlic Chicken?

Air fryer reheating at 375 degrees F for 5 to 8 minutes restores crispiness best. Oven works too: 350 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes.

Microwave is fastest but makes the skin soft. Store leftovers refrigerated and consume within 3 to 4 days.

What Should You Serve With Costco Garlic Chicken?

Classic pairings include fried rice, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw. The garlic herb seasoning pairs well with starches like potatoes or basmati rice.

Add ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Round out the meal with edamame or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

Now you know how to cook Costco garlic chicken using three different methods. Oven baking delivers juicy results for the whole family. Air frying gets you that crispy skin in under 25 minutes.

Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Hit 165 degrees Fahrenheit minimum.

These Kirkland Signature drumsticks make weeknight dinners simple. Grab a package from the prepared foods section, pick your cooking method, and dinner is sorted.

Pair them with your favorite sides and enjoy a budget-friendly, protein-packed meal without the prep work.