Let’s face it – Costco’s $5 rotisserie chicken is the ultimate dinner hack. This juicy, perfectly seasoned bird is not just affordable (seriously five bucks is a STEAL) but it’s also ginormous with tons of meat. I’ve been grabbing these chickens for years, and they’re a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
But the eternal question remains what should you serve alongside this budget-friendly protein powerhouse? As a mom who relies on these chickens regularly I’ve experimented with countless side dishes to create complete, satisfying meals that my whole family loves.
Whether you’re looking for something healthy, comforting, or quick, I’ve got you covered with these delicious pairings that will transform your Costco chicken from a simple convenience food into a proper feast!
Classic Comfort Sides
Sometimes, nothing beats traditional comfort food alongside your rotisserie chicken. These familiar favorites never disappoint:
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Is there anything more satisfying than buttery mashed potatoes with tender chicken? I think not! For an elevated version
- Add roasted garlic or fresh herbs
- Try sweet potato mash for a healthier twist
- Drizzle with gravy made from chicken drippings
The creamy texture perfectly complements the savory chicken, creating that classic comfort food combo we all crave.
2. Mac and Cheese
This kid-friendly favorite pairs wonderfully with rotisserie chicken. The cheesy, creamy pasta provides the perfect contrast to the savory meat. You can:
- Use a quick boxed version on busy nights
- Make a homemade version for special occasions
- Add mix-ins like bacon or breadcrumbs for extra flavor
My family goes crazy when I serve mac and cheese with our Costco chicken – it’s like a hug on a plate!
3. Roasted Vegetables
For a healthier comfort food option, roasted vegetables are my go-to. The high heat caramelizes their natural sugars, creating deep, sweet flavors that balance the chicken perfectly.
Try roasting:
- Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes
- Brussels sprouts with bacon
- Broccoli with garlic and parmesan
Just toss with olive oil, salt and pepper, and roast at 425°F until tender and slightly charred. So simple but SO good!
Fresh and Vibrant Options
When you want something lighter or it’s summertime, these fresh sides are perfect complements:
4. Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad provides the perfect crisp, refreshing contrast to your rotisserie chicken. The tangy dressing and crunchy romaine lighten up the meal while still being satisfying.
Pro tip: tear some of the chicken right into the salad for an easy chicken Caesar!
5. Coleslaw
Whether you prefer creamy or vinegar-based slaw, this crunchy side dish adds texture and tang that cuts through the richness of the chicken. It’s also super easy to prepare (or just buy pre-made from the deli section!).
6. Quinoa and Sweet Potato Salad
One of my absolute favorites is a nutritious quinoa and sweet potato salad. As one executive Costco member shared with Business Insider, this combination creates a well-rounded meal packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients.
My version includes:
- Cooked quinoa
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Kale or spinach
- Lentils
- A simple vinaigrette
The rotisserie chicken adds extra protein, making this a complete and balanced meal.
Globally Inspired Pairings
Your Costco chicken can transport you around the world with these internationally inspired sides:
7. Mexican Fiesta
Transform your chicken into a Mexican feast with:
- Warm tortillas
- Fresh salsa and guacamole
- Spanish rice
- Black beans
- Pickled onions
- Lime wedges
You can shred the chicken and let everyone build their own tacos or tostadas. It’s interactive and fun for the whole family!
8. Mediterranean Platter
For a Mediterranean-inspired meal, serve your chicken with:
- Hummus and pita bread
- Greek salad with feta
- Tzatziki sauce
- Olives
- Cucumber and tomato salad
This bright, fresh spread feels fancy but comes together quickly.
9. Asian-Inspired Rice Bowl
Create a satisfying rice bowl with:
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Sesame seeds
- A simple sauce of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil
Shred the chicken and mix it all together for a quick, delicious meal that feels like takeout but costs way less!
Quick and Easy Sides
Sometimes you just need something FAST to go with that chicken. I get it! Here are my favorite time-saving sides:
10. Microwave Steamed Vegetables
Don’t overlook the convenience of frozen steamable vegetables! They’re nutritious, require zero prep, and cook in minutes. My family loves broccoli, green beans, and mixed veggie medleys.
11. Instant Pot Rice
Throw rice in the Instant Pot with some broth, and you’ll have perfect rice in minutes with zero monitoring. White rice is ready in about 5 minutes of pressure cooking!
12. Bagged Salad Kits
These pre-made salad kits are absolute lifesavers. Just dump in a bowl, toss, and serve! They come with everything you need – dressing, toppings, and all.
Sauce It Up!
Don’t underestimate the power of a good sauce to transform your Costco chicken! These quick options add moisture and flavor:
13. BBQ Sauce
Whether you prefer sweet, spicy, or smoky, BBQ sauce is a no-brainer with rotisserie chicken. Warm it slightly for an even better experience.
14. Chimichurri
This bright, herbaceous Argentinian sauce cuts through the richness of the chicken beautifully. It’s basically just:
- Fresh parsley and cilantro
- Garlic
- Red wine vinegar
- Olive oil
- Red pepper flakes
Blitz it all together and drizzle over your chicken for an instant upgrade!
15. Honey Mustard
The sweet-tangy combination of honey mustard is particularly delicious with rotisserie chicken. You can make your own by mixing equal parts honey and Dijon mustard with a splash of vinegar.
Making the Most of Leftovers
One of the best things about the Costco rotisserie chicken is that it’s huge – which means leftovers! Here’s what I do with mine:
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Shred and freeze: I always shred the leftover meat and freeze it in ziplock bags for future use.
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Make soup: That chicken carcass makes amazing homemade broth! Throw it in the Crock-Pot with carrots, celery, onions, and herbs for a few hours.
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Transform into new meals: Use the shredded chicken for:
- Chicken tortilla soup (my family’s favorite!)
- Chicken salad sandwiches
- Chicken enchiladas
- Buffalo chicken dip
- Chicken pot pie
FAQ: Your Costco Chicken Questions Answered
How long does Costco rotisserie chicken stay good for?
Store it properly in the fridge and use within 3-4 days.
Can I freeze Costco rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Shred it first, remove skin and bones, and store in freezer bags. It’ll keep for 2-3 months.
My chicken is a little dry. How can I fix it?
Drizzle with some chicken broth or pan juices before reheating. Alternatively, serving it with a sauce helps tremendously!
What’s the best way to reheat the chicken?
For moist results, reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for 20-30 minutes, or use an air fryer for crispy skin. Just make sure it reaches 165°F internal temperature.
Final Thoughts
The humble $5 Costco rotisserie chicken truly is one of the best deals in the store! With these side dish ideas, you can create countless delicious, budget-friendly meals for your family.
My personal fave combo is the chicken with a quinoa sweet potato salad in summer and the creamy chicken tortilla soup in winter – but honestly, you really can’t go wrong with any of these pairings.
What’s your favorite way to serve Costco rotisserie chicken? Do you have any side dishes your family absolutely loves? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!
Costco’s chicken is the perfect addition to a classic Waldorf salad.
I like to use shredded chicken as the base for a Waldorf salad, which also includes lettuce, grapes, walnuts, apples, celery, and mayonnaise.
It tastes great on its own or piled onto crackers or bread.
A creamy chicken chili makes the perfect dinner on cold nights.
Cool fall nights call for chili, but when I dont have time for my pot to sit on the stove all day, I make a quick, white-chicken version instead.
I like to use a recipe from The New York Times, which calls for an onion, a jalapeño pepper, garlic, cannellini beans, diced green chiles, chicken broth, corn kernels, and spices.
The prep is easy, and the result is creamy and delicious.