Unlocking the Secrets to Smart Shopping at Costco for Savvy Savers
- ourspanishfarm
- Jan 5
- 3 min read
Costco’s $5.99 rotisserie chicken is more than just a tasty meal, it’s a smart way to stretch your grocery budget and boost your kitchen efficiency. Many shoppers grab one for dinner and call it a day, but with a little planning, you can turn that single purchase into multiple meals and even homemade staples like bone broth. This post will walk you through how to make the most of this rotisserie chicken, save money, reduce waste, and build a more self-sufficient kitchen.
Why Costco’s rotisserie chicken is a great deal
Costco’s rotisserie chicken stands out because of its price and convenience. At $5.99, it’s hard to find a whole cooked chicken at that price anywhere else. (No, I am not sponsored) ;) This makes it an excellent option for busy households looking for a quick, affordable protein source.
Affordable price: $5.99 for a fully cooked, seasoned whole chicken.
Ready to eat: Saves time on cooking and prep.
Versatile: Can be used in many recipes beyond just eating it as is.
Buying this, means you get a nutritious meal without the hassle of cooking from scratch, but the real savings come when you use every part of the chicken.
Breaking down the chicken for multiple meals
Instead of eating the whole chicken in one sitting, break it down into parts and freeze them separately. This method allows you to stretch the chicken into several meals, making it easier to plan dinners and avoid food waste.
How to Break Apart the Chicken
Remove the legs and thighs: Twist and pull to separate.
Separate the wings: Pull away from the body.
Take off the breasts: Cut along the breastbone and ribs.
Save the carcass: Don’t throw away the bones and skin.
Freezing Tips
Portion the meat into meal-sized containers or freezer bags. I have a vaccume sealer that really comes in handy!
Label each bag with the date and contents.
Use within 3 months for best flavor and safety.
By breaking the chicken into parts, you can plan at least three dinners for two people from one bird. For example:
Dinner 1: Chicken breast with steamed vegetables.
Dinner 2: Shredded chicken tacos using thighs.
Dinner 3: Chicken salad with wings meat.
Making bone broth from the carcass
One of the best ways to get extra value from the rotisserie chicken is by making bone broth from the carcass. Bone broth is rich in nutrients and can be used as a base for soups, stews, sauces, or even as a warm drink.
Steps to make bone broth
Check out my other post here: https://www.ourspanishfarm.com/post/canning-chicken-bone-broth
From 2 Costco rotisserie chicken carcass, you can make about 5 pints of bone broth. This broth freezes well and can be used whenever you need a nutritious liquid base.
Benefits of using bone broth
Nutrient-rich: Contains collagen, minerals, and amino acids.
Cost-effective: Uses parts of the chicken that would otherwise be discarded.
Versatile: Enhances flavor in many dishes.
Supports self-sufficiency: Homemade broth reduces reliance on store-bought stock.
Creative recipes to use rotisserie chicken
Once you have your chicken parts and broth ready, you can create a variety of meals that keep your menu interesting and budget-friendly.
Easy Chicken Soup
Use your homemade bone broth as a base. Add shredded chicken, vegetables, noodles or rice, and season to taste. This soup is comforting and quick to prepare.
Chicken Quesadillas
Use shredded chicken thighs or breasts with cheese and salsa inside tortillas. Cook on a skillet until crispy and golden.
Chicken Salad
Mix shredded chicken with mayo, celery, and seasonings. Serve on bread or over greens for a light meal.
Chicken Stir-Fry
Use chicken pieces with fresh or frozen vegetables and a simple sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Reducing Food Waste and Saving Money
Using every part of the chicken and making bone broth helps reduce food waste. This approach saves money and supports a more sustainable lifestyle.
Freeze leftovers promptly.
Use broth as a base for multiple recipes.
Repurpose chicken meat in different dishes.
Costco’s rotisserie chicken offers more than just a quick meal. By breaking it down into portions, freezing for later use, and making bone broth from the carcass, you can create multiple meals and nutritious staples from one purchase. This strategy saves money, reduces waste, and helps build a more self-sufficient kitchen.