How to Cook Costco Grilled Chicken: Tips

Tru Grill Grilled Chicken Strips from Costco are pre-cooked chicken breast strips grilled over an open flame. You’ll find them in the refrigerated deli section near other ready-to-eat proteins.

These strips work for quick lunches, salads, wraps, sandwiches, and meal prep. The mild smoky flavor pairs with almost anything. Each package stays fresh in the fridge for months thanks to vacuum sealing.

This guide covers 4 heating methods. Times range from 30 seconds (microwave) to 15 minutes (oven). You’ll need basic kitchen equipment for most methods.

Product Details

Product: Tru Grill Grilled Chicken Breast Strips

Type: Fully cooked, refrigerated

Package Size: 32 oz / 2 lbs (two 16 oz packs)

Price: $13.49-$15.49 at Costco (Updated January 2025)

Storage: Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below

Calories per Serving: 110 (per 3 oz)

Main Ingredients: Chicken breast, water, vinegar, salt, natural flavors

Item Number: 1057076

Cooking Methods Comparison

Recommended Method: Air fryer for crispiest texture in under 6 minutes

Method 1: Air Fryer (Recommended)

The air fryer heats these grilled chicken strips quickly while keeping the exterior slightly crispy. Total time runs about 4-6 minutes. Works best for 1-4 servings.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Chicken?

Remove the chicken strips from the vacuum-sealed package. Let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes if you have time. This step is optional but helps with even heating.

Instructions:

1. Open the package and remove desired amount
2. Portion 3-4 oz per serving (about 4-5 strips)

Equipment: Air fryer basket, optional cooking spray

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F. Higher temps work but watch for drying out.

Instructions:

1. Set air fryer to 350°F
2. Cook for 4-6 minutes total

Temperature: 350-375°F

Time: 4-6 minutes

Step 3: When Do You Flip the Chicken?

Shake the basket or flip strips halfway through cooking. This ensures both sides heat evenly.

Instructions:

1. At 2-3 minute mark, shake basket or flip strips
2. Check for browning on edges

Checkpoint: At 2-3 minute mark

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

The chicken should be steaming hot throughout. Since it’s pre-cooked, you’re just reheating to safe temperature.

Instructions:

1. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F
2. Look for slight browning on edges
3. Serve immediately for best texture

Target Temperature: 165°F

Visual Indicator: Steaming, slightly browned edges

Method 2: Microwave

Fastest option when time matters. The texture won’t be crispy, but it gets the job done in under a minute. Good for adding to salads or wraps where texture matters less.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Chicken?

Place strips on a microwave-safe plate. Spread them out so they don’t overlap.

Instructions:

1. Arrange strips in single layer on plate
2. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture

Equipment: Microwave-safe plate, paper towel

Step 2: What Power Level and Time Do You Use?

Use high power for quickest results. The manufacturer suggests 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Instructions:

1. Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds
2. Check temperature and heat in 15-second intervals if needed

Power Level: HIGH (100%)

Time: 30-60 seconds

Step 3: When Do You Check the Chicken?

Check after initial 30 seconds. Microwaves vary, so checking prevents overcooking.

Instructions:

1. At 30-second mark, test one strip
2. Feel for hot spots and cold spots

Checkpoint: At 30-second mark

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

The chicken should be hot all the way through. Steam should rise when you cut into a strip.

Instructions:

1. Internal temperature reaches 165°F
2. Steam rises when cut
3. Eat immediately (texture degrades as it cools)

Target Temperature: 165°F

Visual Indicator: Steaming throughout

Method 3: Oven

Best for heating larger amounts or when you want hands-off cooking. Takes longer but heats evenly. Good option if you’re already using the oven for something else.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Chicken?

Arrange strips on a baking sheet. Using a wire rack helps air circulate for more even heating.

Instructions:

1. Line baking sheet with foil or parchment
2. Place strips in single layer, not touching

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

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Preheat is important here. A cold oven leads to uneven results.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350-400°F
2. Bake for 10-15 minutes

Temperature: 350-400°F

Time: 10-15 minutes

Step 3: When Do You Flip the Chicken?

Flip halfway through for even browning. If using a wire rack, you can skip this step.

Instructions:

1. At 5-7 minute mark, flip each strip
2. Check for browning on bottom side

Checkpoint: At 5-7 minute mark

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

Strips should be heated through with slightly crispy edges if using higher temperature.

Instructions:

1. Check internal temperature of 165°F
2. Edges should have light browning
3. Let rest 1-2 minutes before serving

Target Temperature: 165°F

Visual Indicator: Light browning, steaming

Method 4: Stovetop

Great for warming chicken to add directly to stir-fries, pasta, or other cooked dishes. Gives you control over the process. Can add a little char if you prefer.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Chicken?

A non-stick skillet works best. You can add a small amount of oil or cook with water/broth for moisture.

Instructions:

1. Heat skillet over medium heat
2. Add 1 tablespoon oil or 2 tablespoons water/broth

Equipment: Non-stick skillet, spatula or tongs

Step 2: What Heat Level and Time Do You Use?

Medium heat prevents burning while heating through. Higher heat can dry out the chicken fast.

Instructions:

1. Set burner to medium (setting 5 of 10)
2. Cook for 5-8 minutes total

Heat Level: Medium

Time: 5-8 minutes

Step 3: When Do You Stir or Flip?

Stir or flip every 1-2 minutes for even heating. Keeps moisture distributed and prevents burning.

Instructions:

1. Stir every 1-2 minutes
2. Watch for slight browning on contact points

Checkpoint: Every 1-2 minutes

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

Chicken should be hot throughout with optional char marks from the pan.

Instructions:

1. Internal temperature reaches 165°F
2. Steam rises when stirring
3. Add directly to your dish or serve

Target Temperature: 165°F

Visual Indicator: Steaming, optional browning

Safety and Quality Indicators

Food Safety

• Internal Temperature: 165°F minimum
• Steam Check: Product should steam when cut open
• Thawing: Product is refrigerated, not frozen. No thawing needed.

Quality Indicators (Done Properly)

• Color: Light golden edges with original grill marks visible
• Texture: Tender inside, slightly firm exterior
• Temperature: Hot throughout (above 165°F)
• Appearance: Steaming with no cold spots

Signs of Overcooking

• Dry, tough texture
• Rubbery consistency
• Shrunken appearance
• Excessive browning or charring

Serving Suggestions

Portion Size: 3 oz per serving (about 10-11 servings per package)

Serving Ideas

• Slice over mixed greens with your favorite dressing
• Add to wraps with hummus and vegetables
• Top on Costco fried rice for extra protein
• Mix into pasta with sauce
• Build chicken quesadillas with cheese and peppers

Pairing Recommendations

• Works with Costco jasmine rice for a quick bowl
• Pair with Costco frozen vegetables for balanced meals
• Combine with Costco edamame for high-protein lunch

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of heating
• Store in airtight container
• Consume within 3-4 days
• Unopened package stays fresh until expiration date (often months)

Reheating Instructions

• Microwave: 30-45 seconds at HIGH
• Air Fryer: 2-3 minutes at 350°F
• Stovetop: 2-3 minutes over medium heat
• Target Temperature: 165°F

Only reheat once. Multiple reheating cycles dry out the chicken significantly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Chicken is dry after heating

Cause: Overheating or cooking too long

Solution: Reduce time. For microwave, use 30-second intervals. For air fryer, check at 4 minutes. Cover with damp paper towel in microwave.

Issue: Chicken has cold spots

Cause: Strips overlapping or crowded in cooking vessel

Solution: Arrange in single layer with space between pieces. Flip or stir halfway through.

Issue: Texture is rubbery

Cause: Usually from microwave overheating

Solution: Switch to air fryer or stovetop method. These preserve texture better. Heat for shorter time.

Issue: Not crispy enough

Cause: Method doesn’t produce crispy results

Solution: Use air fryer at 375°F instead of 350°F. Light coating of oil helps. Or finish under broiler for 1-2 minutes.

Product Variations and Related Items

Similar Costco Products

• Costco chicken strips (breaded version)
• Just Bare chicken nuggets (different brand, breaded)
• Costco chicken breast (raw, requires full cooking)
• Costco chicken thighs (raw, different cut)
• Fresh Additions Chicken Breast Bites (smaller pieces, also pre-cooked)

Cooking Time Adjustments

Frozen grilled chicken strips (if you freeze the product) require longer times. Add 2-3 minutes for air fryer, 5-7 minutes for oven. Microwave from frozen is not recommended due to uneven heating.

Nutrition Facts

Per 3 oz serving (84g):

• Calories: 110
• Total Fat: 2.5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 260mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 22g

Gluten-free. Sugar-free. No artificial ingredients.

The protein-to-calorie ratio makes these strips popular for meal prep and fitness goals. Each pack provides roughly 5-6 servings of lean protein.

FAQ on How To Cook Costco Grilled Chicken

How do you heat up Costco grilled chicken?

Use an air fryer at 350°F for 4-6 minutes for best results. Microwave works in 30-60 seconds but softens the texture.

Oven reheating takes 10-15 minutes at 350°F. Stovetop with a skillet needs 5-8 minutes over medium heat.

Can you eat Costco grilled chicken cold?

Yes. Tru Grill chicken strips are fully cooked and ready to eat straight from the package.

Many people add them cold to salads, wraps, and sandwiches. The smoky grilled flavor works well without reheating.

How long does Costco grilled chicken last in the fridge?

Unopened packages stay fresh for months due to vacuum-sealed packaging. Check the expiration date on your specific package.

Once opened, consume within 3-4 days. Store in an airtight container at 40°F or below.

What temperature should Costco grilled chicken reach when reheating?

Heat to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part.

The chicken should steam when cut. This confirms proper heating throughout.

Is Costco Tru Grill chicken already cooked?

Yes. These grilled chicken breast strips are fully cooked over a real open flame before packaging.

You’re just reheating, not cooking from raw. This makes meal prep much faster for busy weeknights.

How do you keep Costco grilled chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking. The chicken is pre-cooked, so it needs minimal heat time.

In the microwave, cover with a damp paper towel. For air fryer or oven, check early and remove when steaming.

Can you freeze Costco grilled chicken strips?

Yes. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep for 2-3 months frozen.

Thaw in refrigerator overnight before reheating. Add 2-3 extra minutes to air fryer or oven cooking times if heating from frozen.

What’s the best way to reheat Costco grilled chicken in an air fryer?

Preheat to 350°F. Place strips in a single layer in the basket without overlapping.

Cook 4-6 minutes total. Shake or flip halfway through. This method keeps edges slightly crispy while staying moist inside.

How many calories are in Costco grilled chicken?

Each 3 oz serving contains 110 calories and 22g protein. Total fat is 2.5g with zero carbs.

The high protein content makes these strips popular for meal prep and fitness goals. Gluten-free and sugar-free too.

What can you make with Costco grilled chicken strips?

Add to salads, wraps, pasta dishes, or grain bowls. They work great in quesadillas and stir-fries.

The mild seasoning pairs with almost any cuisine. Try them with Costco yakisoba stir fry for a quick dinner.

Conclusion

Knowing how to cook Costco grilled chicken comes down to picking the right method for your situation. The air fryer delivers the best texture in under 6 minutes.

Microwave wins for speed. Oven works for larger batches.

These Tru Grill chicken strips make weeknight dinners and meal prep simple. High protein, zero carbs, and ready to eat cold or warm.

Always heat to 165°F internal temperature for food safety. Store leftovers properly and use within 3-4 days after opening.