I recently went to Costco for coffee and a huge pack of sparkling water, but I also discovered something surprisingly decadent. In the midst of the party taco trays and family-sized lasagnas, there was a brunch box that seemed strangely alluring. Waffles and chicken. maple syrup. and warm honey. No big signs, no branding fireworks. Just a simple, uncluttered package that said, “Take me home,” almost in a whisper. That’s exactly what I did.
One particularly creative attempt to make indulgence easier is Costco’s most recent brunch feature. Offering a $20 Southern-style meal that replicates restaurant-caliber quality while eliminating all the hassle is a straightforward but ingenious idea. Anyone who has ever stood in line for brunch on a lazy Sunday will find this to be an incredibly useful workaround.
Public Reviews and Reactions to Costco Brunch Meal
| Reviewer | Summary of Feedback |
|---|---|
| Family Shopper, Georgia | “Hot honey was the surprise MVP. Kids loved the waffles. We’ll buy again.” |
| Solo Diner, Los Angeles | “Heated it in the oven. Came out crisp and juicy. Great texture, no fuss.” |
| Food Influencer, TikTok | “Honestly? Better than I expected. Hot honey adds a kick that elevates it.” |
| Reddit User, r/CostcoHauls | “Air fryer is a must. Waffles are fluffy inside, chicken is nicely seasoned.” |
| Brunch Blogger, NYC | “For $20, this feels like stealing. Equal parts indulgent and practical.” |
The serving consists of four boneless chicken thighs and four thick, golden-brown waffles, served with syrup and two packets of hot honey. It should be noted that these are not your typical frozen chicken tenders. These are boneless, flattened dark meat thighs that were possibly picked on purpose because they keep their tenderness when heated. The meal is significantly better than fast-food options, where dryness frequently detracts from the experience, just because of that one design choice.
The outcomes of using the air fryer are surprisingly similar to those of restaurants. The chicken provided the type of moist, peppery bite typically found in freshly fried cuts, and the waffle regained its crispy outside with a fluffy center after just five minutes. The hot honey cut through the savory meat in a way that felt intentional, adding a sharp yet sweet contrast that was remarkably addictive.
Brunch culture, which is frequently praised more for its beauty than its nutritional value, has exploded into a social mainstay in recent years. Costco’s brunch selection has become a subtly disruptive force among TikTok and YouTube influencers, especially those who cover family cooking or inexpensive meals. “This is how you brunch when you’ve got two kids and zero patience,” wrote one TikTok creator, who posted a video of her warming the dish while holding a coffee mug in one arm and her toddler in the other.
In a nutshell, that is the appeal. Costco’s brunch meal does more than just provide nourishment; it adapts thanks to its simple packaging and unambiguous instructions. It’s very adaptable for young families, weekend hosts, or lone diners who want to spoil themselves. Additionally, the ability to recreate comfort at home has become a silent priority in a time when dining out can be emotionally and financially draining.
The value proposition is improved by contrasting it with dine-in options. Before coffee, tip, and tax, a single plate of chicken and waffles at a fancy brunch café can easily cost $18. You can feed up to four people with this kit and probably have leftovers. Without compromising flavor or texture, the cost per person is greatly decreased. For many consumers, that represents a mentality change rather than just financial savings.
Costco Brunch Meal – Key Details for Shoppers
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Meal Name | Costco Chicken and Waffles Brunch Meal |
| Price Range | Roughly $16 to $20 depending on store weight and pricing |
| Components | 4 boneless chicken thighs, 4 Belgian-style waffles, maple syrup, hot honey |
| Estimated Servings | Serves 3 to 4 people |
| Preparation Method | Best results using an air fryer or oven |
| Flavor Profile | Sweet, savory, and mildly spicy from hot honey |
| Availability | Select Costco locations (not nationwide yet) |
| Store Label | Kirkland Signature (Costco’s private brand) |
| Ideal Use Case | At-home brunch, no-prep breakfast, casual weekend meal |
This product is especially relevant at this time because it adapts to changing consumer behavior. Since the pandemic, people have continued to explore their culinary options while seeking solace at home. This brunch dish achieves that goal with understated accuracy. For people who miss going out but now would rather stay in, it seems like a subtle nod. It’s not fast food, but it’s quick. It’s reasonably priced without sacrificing quality.
Even well-known people have dabbled in Costco fandom. Mindy Kaling, who is well-known for her passion for meal hacks and convenience cooking, has enthusiastically shared her Costco discoveries. With a cheeky caption about lazy Sundays and perhaps a side of fruit, it’s easy to see this brunch dish appearing on her Instagram Story.
Comfort food without the effort is a broader trend that this dish reflects. It reflects the rising demand for gourmet convenience foods that have swept the aisles of supermarkets from Target to Trader Joe’s. Costco has an advantage, though, because of its bulk pricing and loyal customer base. They create meals that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also fit in with everyday life.
It’s also important to recognize the cultural component. The dish chicken and waffles has its origins in African-American cooking customs. Its presence in the well-known retail behemoth Costco introduces the dish to families that might not have otherwise tried it. Respectfully managed, this type of publicity can be especially helpful in honoring culinary history and bringing it into the mainstream.
However, the availability is still restricted. As of this writing, the meal has not been made available nationwide and is only available in a few stores. Nevertheless, the overwhelming positive response received online has raised expectations in areas that haven’t yet seen it. It wouldn’t be shocking to see it become more popular in both urban and suburban markets in the upcoming months.