Unlocking the Convenience of Costco Street Tacos: Your Ultimate Guide

Seeking a quick, delicious, and convenient dinner solution? Look no further than the famed Costco street tacos, often referred to as Kirkland street tacos or the Costco chicken street tacos kit. This popular prepared food item from Costco offers a hassle-free meal option for busy individuals and families alike. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about preparing these savory chicken tacos, from precise cooking instructions to detailed nutrition facts, calorie counts, pricing, and even tips for crafting your own copycat version at home. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook Costco street tacos, how many calories are in a serving, or if they align with your dietary needs, you’ve come to the right place. We aim to make your Costco taco experience as enjoyable and informed as possible, ensuring a smooth transition from package to plate.

Are Costco Street Tacos Still Available? Finding Your Taco Kit

A common question among Costco shoppers is, “Does Costco still sell street tacos?” The answer is a resounding yes! The Costco chicken taco kit remains a staple in the prepared foods section of most Costco warehouses. You’ll typically find it alongside other ready-made meals, pre-packaged salads, and heat-and-eat entrees, making it incredibly easy to grab during your shopping trip.

It’s important to set expectations, however. While incredibly tasty and convenient, the Costco street taco kit is an Americanized interpretation of Mexican street tacos. The included slaw, for instance, is more commonly found in fish tacos rather than traditional chicken street tacos. Nevertheless, for those craving a fast, satisfying, and flavorful meal with a Mexican-inspired twist, this kit offers unparalleled convenience. It’s a go-to for many when time is short, and the craving for tacos is strong.

One of the few drawbacks often cited by consumers is the somewhat vague reheating instructions provided on the packaging. To help you achieve the best possible results, let’s explore detailed methods for heating your Costco street tacos, ensuring every bite is perfectly warmed and ready to enjoy.

Mastering the Heat: Costco Street Tacos Cooking Instructions

The key to enjoying your Costco street tacos is proper reheating. The packaging generally advises heating the chicken and tortillas to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and then topping them with the provided condiments. While this instruction is concise, it leaves room for interpretation regarding the best method. Fortunately, you have several effective options for reheating your Costco chicken street tacos, each offering a slightly different outcome in terms of texture and speed.

Choosing Your Reheating Method

Whether you prefer a quick microwave warm-up, a crispy stovetop finish, or an evenly heated oven approach, the goal is always to reach a safe internal temperature. Always use a reliable meat thermometer to verify the chicken’s temperature, ensuring food safety.

Microwave: The Fastest Path to Flavor

For those times when you’re short on time, the microwave is your best friend. Since the chicken and tortillas don’t necessarily need to be crispy, the microwave offers the quickest and most efficient way to heat your Costco street tacos.

Detailed Microwave Instructions:

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Final Assembly: Microwave the covered tortillas on high for 30-40 seconds, or until they are hot and flexible. Once both components are heated, you’re ready to fill your tortillas with the warm chicken and your choice of delicious street taco fillings from the kit.

Stovetop Reheating for Enhanced Texture:

If you prefer a slightly crispier chicken or more pliable, lightly toasted tortillas, the stovetop is an excellent alternative. For the chicken, heat a skillet over medium heat with a tiny bit of oil. Add the chicken and stir frequently for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly browned. For tortillas, warm them individually or in small stacks on a dry skillet for 15-20 seconds per side, until soft and lightly toasted.

Oven Reheating for Larger Batches:

For heating a larger quantity, the oven can provide even heating. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches 165°F. For tortillas, wrap them in foil and heat alongside the chicken for 5-7 minutes.

Unpacking the Costco Street Tacos Nutrition

Understanding the nutritional profile of your meals is crucial for maintaining a balanced diet. While the official Costco taco kit nutrition information is not typically printed on the packaging, estimations from resources like MyFitnessPal can provide a good overview. Keep in mind that these figures are approximate and can vary based on the specific batch and how generously toppings are applied. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, it’s always best to contact the deli section of your local Costco store.

Carbohydrates in Costco Street Tacos: What to Know

With approximately 20 grams of total carbohydrates and 18 grams of net carbs per taco, Costco street tacos are generally not considered a low-carb or keto-friendly meal. Most individuals will consume 2-3 tacos per meal, pushing the carbohydrate count to 40-60 grams of total carbs. If you are following a strict low-carb diet or managing blood sugar levels, you might need to consider alternative options or significant modifications, such as using lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.

Are Costco Street Tacos Gluten-Free?

For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, it’s important to note that the tortillas included in the Costco street taco kit contain white flour. Therefore, the kit as a whole is **not gluten-free**. Always check the ingredient list carefully if gluten is a concern for your dietary needs.

Sodium Content: A Consideration for Health-Conscious Eaters

Indeed, the Costco street tacos kit is notably high in sodium. A single taco contains approximately 580mg of sodium. If you consume a typical serving of 2-3 tacos, your sodium intake will range from 1160mg to 1740mg. This amount represents more than half of the recommended daily sodium limit for most adults (which is typically 2300-2400mg).

From a flavor perspective, one common criticism is the tacos’ prominent salty taste. While some may enjoy this, individuals on a low-sodium diet should be particularly mindful. If you’re looking to reduce sodium, making homemade tacos allows you full control over salt levels and is a healthier choice.

Costco Street Tacos Calories: What’s Your Intake?

Understanding the calorie count helps in managing your daily energy intake. So, how many calories are in a Kirkland street taco? As estimated, one Costco street taco contains approximately 190 calories. A standard serving size of 2-3 tacos would therefore provide between 380 and 570 calories.

These calorie figures are estimates and depend heavily on how you assemble your tacos. The amount of chicken, salsa, crema, cheese, and slaw you add to each tortilla will influence the final calorie count. Being mindful of your portion sizes for the toppings can help you manage your caloric intake effectively.

Exploring the Costco Street Tacos Ingredients

Curious about what’s in the street tacos at Costco? The convenience of the kit comes from its pre-portioned and seasoned components. Here’s a breakdown of the typical ingredients found in the Costco street tacos kit:

• Chicken: Seasoned chicken (chicken, water, salt, maltodextrin, paprika, honey, cornstarch, sugar, peppers, onions, spices, citric acid, yeast extract).
• Tortilla: A blend of corn and wheat (water, corn masa flour, bleached enriched flour, wheat gluten, salt, dextrose, leavening, oat fiber, SSL, safflower oil, mono and diglycerides, fumaric acid, potassium sorbate, calcium propionate, sodium propionate, sorbic acid, cellulose gum, guar gum, lime).
• Salsa: Tomato-based (tomatoes, onion, peppers, water, tomato paste, cilantro, spices, onion, celery, garlic, corn gluten, xanthan gum, yeast extract, spice extracts, salt, vinegar, citric acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, cellulose gum, calcium chloride).
• Cilantro Sauce (Crema): Creamy and tangy (cultured pasteurized skim milk, cream, water, canola oil, vinegar, modified corn starch, soy protein, salt, gelatin, nonfat milk, lemon and lime juice, onion, xanthan gum, natural flavors, spice, low-fat buttermilk, red wine vinegar, cilantro, chiles, garlic, sea salt, salt, pumpkin seeds, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, enzymes).
• Cheese Blend: Shredded cheese (cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, artificial color, natamycin).
• Lime Slices: Fresh wedges for garnish and flavor.
• Cabbage Slaw Mix: A blend of fresh vegetables (green and red cabbage, broccoli, carrots).

Upon closer inspection, the ingredient list reveals that despite their simple appearance, these street tacos fall into the category of “ultra-processed foods.” This is due to the presence of various additives, stabilizers, and flavor enhancers that are typically not used in homemade soft tacos. While these ingredients contribute to the kit’s shelf life and consistent flavor, it’s a point to consider for those prioritizing whole, minimally processed foods.

The Best of Both Worlds: Costco Street Taco Tortillas

The Costco street tacos tortillas are a clever blend, combining both corn masa flour and bleached enriched wheat flour. This hybrid approach offers the best of both worlds: the robust flavor and slightly chewy texture often associated with corn tortillas, alongside the flexibility and ease of handling characteristic of white flour tortillas. This blend also incorporates some whole grains from corn, though it means they are not suitable for strictly corn-free or wheat-free diets.

Decoding the Salsa: Is it Kirkland Signature?

Many wonder if the salsa in the Costco street tacos kit is the renowned Kirkland Signature salsa. While some sources suggest this, a direct comparison of the ingredient lists for both products reveals they aren’t an exact match. However, the Kirkland Signature salsa is indeed a very close and excellent substitute for the thick, flavorful tomato salsa included in the Costco street tacos kit, making it a great option if you run out or want extra.

Craft Your Own: A Costco Street Tacos Copycat Recipe

Don’t have a Costco nearby, or simply prefer to customize your ingredients? You can easily create a delicious copycat version of Costco street tacos at home using readily available ingredients. This allows you greater control over sodium content, spice levels, and the quality of your components.

Assembling Your Homemade Street Tacos:

Once you have all your ingredients, assembly is simple. Heat your chicken and tortillas using the microwave or stovetop instructions provided earlier in this guide. Then, fill each warmed tortilla generously with the seasoned chicken, a dollop of fresh salsa, a drizzle of cilantro lime crema, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and a spoonful of crisp cabbage slaw. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a burst of vibrant flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your personalized street taco feast!

Shelf Life: How Long Do Costco Street Tacos Last?

Understanding proper food storage is essential for safety and quality. While Costco street tacos come with a “sell-by” date, this isn’t necessarily a strict expiration date. According to FoodSafety.gov, prepared main dishes, like your taco kit, can typically be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days after purchase, assuming they are kept at a consistent temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.

Always inspect the ingredients for any signs of spoilage before consuming. If anything looks or smells off, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it.

Freezing Costco Street Tacos: What Works and What Doesn’t

While freezing can extend the life of many foods, not all components of the Costco street tacos kit are suitable for freezing. The fresh cabbage slaw, for example, will become limp and watery when defrosted, significantly compromising its texture and appeal. Therefore, freezing the entire assembled kit is not recommended.

However, you can strategically freeze certain individual components. The seasoned chicken, shredded cheese, and tortillas can be packaged separately in airtight freezer-safe containers or bags and stored in the freezer for longer periods. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the components in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed, preparing fresh slaw and opening new salsa and crema. This way, you can enjoy the convenience of the kit over a longer timeframe without sacrificing quality.

Understanding the Costco Street Tacos Price

One of the appealing aspects of Costco street tacos is their excellent value. At the time of writing, the average price for Costco street tacos is around $4.99 per pound. Each package typically weighs between 2¾ and 3 pounds (approximately 1.2-1.4 kg) and contains about 12 tortillas along with a generous amount of chicken and toppings. This means a single kit could cost anywhere from $13.72 to $15, breaking down to roughly $1.17 per taco.

Prices are always subject to change and can vary slightly by Costco location due to regional differences in sourcing and operational costs. Despite potential fluctuations, the Costco street tacos kit consistently offers a cost-effective and convenient meal option, especially when compared to ordering takeout or dining out for a family meal.

Creating a Feast: How to Serve Costco Street Tacos

The beauty of Costco street tacos lies in their versatility and the ease with which they transform into an interactive meal. Once the chicken and tortillas are heated, the kit practically sets itself up as a delightful taco bar, perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a lively Taco Tuesday gathering. Lay out all the components – the warm chicken, tortillas, salsa, cilantro lime crema, shredded cheese, and cabbage slaw – and let everyone customize their tacos to their heart’s content.

For an even more streamlined experience, some prefer to mix the slaw and crema together beforehand, creating a creamy, crunchy topping. However, if you’re like me and appreciate saving a little extra effort, serving them separately works just as well. To elevate your meal further, consider adding classic Mexican side dishes. A bowl of crispy tortilla chips with homemade guacamole, a side of black beans, or some Mexican rice can turn your convenient taco kit into a restaurant-quality feast.

Costco Street Tacos Review & Recipe Overview

Discover the ease and flavor of Costco’s beloved chicken street tacos with our complete guide, including cooking instructions, nutritional insights, and even tips for making them yourself!

Author: Summer Yule

Summary: Everything you need to know about cooking, eating, and enjoying Costco street tacos (also known as Kirkland street tacos)!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (from 1 vote)

Rate Recipe | Print Recipe | Pin Recipe

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Servings: 12 tacos

Calories per taco: 190 kcal

Ingredients

• 1 package Costco street tacos
• 1 Hungry family 🙂

Love this recipe? Please leave a comment below 😊

Instructions

1. Scoop the seasoned chicken into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 2 minutes.
2. Check the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reached a minimum safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Stir the chicken and add additional cooking time if needed.
3. Next, heat the tortillas. Stack them on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel (squeeze excess water out).
4. Microwave the tortillas on high for 30-40 seconds until hot. Fill tortillas with chicken and other street taco fillings.
5. Hot tip! For a homemade version, check out the copycat recipe section above for tips and ingredient ideas.

Equipment

• Paper Towels
• Microwave-Safe Plate
• Microwave
• Kitchen Thermometer

Notes

Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule:

This is a level 3 recipe (suitable for weight maintenance and active lifestyles). When considering if street tacos are “healthy,” remember it depends on your individual dietary goals.

If you’re on a low-sodium diet or managing blood sugar with a low-carb diet, Costco street tacos might not be the best fit. Like many processed foods, they are high in sodium and may not align with “heart-healthy” guidelines.

However, if you’re seeking a quick, hot, and balanced meal that includes all food groups, these tacos are a reasonable option. They can also be more budget-friendly than taking your family to a restaurant. The flavor profile is generally mild, which can appeal to picky eaters.

For anyone with severe food allergies, exercise caution with Costco’s prepared foods. Even if an allergen isn’t listed, these items are not prepared in dedicated allergen-free spaces, so cross-contact is a risk.

Nutrition information listed is an estimate for one Costco street taco and assumes the condiments (salsa, cheese, crema, etc.) are divided evenly amongst the tacos. One serving will typically be 2-3 tacos; adjust nutrition info accordingly.

Nutrition

Calories: 190 kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 580mg | Fiber: 2g | Vitamin A: 8% DV | Vitamin C: 15% DV | Calcium: 10% DV | Iron: 6% DV

Keywords

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Costco Street Tacos

Do You Have to Heat Costco Street Tacos?

Yes, for optimal food safety and enjoyment, it is highly recommended to heat the chicken and tortillas in the Costco street tacos kit. These are considered prepared foods that should be reheated to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Are Costco Street Tacos Precooked?

The chicken in the Costco street tacos kit is indeed precooked and pre-seasoned. However, as mentioned, it should still be reheated to 165°F (74°C) before consumption. This ensures any potential bacteria that may have been introduced during packaging or handling are eliminated, further enhancing food safety.

Are Costco Street Tacos Spicy?

Based on consumer feedback, the Costco street tacos are generally not considered spicy. Costco appears to have aimed for a broadly appealing, family-friendly flavor profile, keeping the heat levels mild. This makes them a suitable option for those who prefer less spice or for households with picky eaters.

What’s the Costco Street Taco Serving Size?

A typical serving size for Costco street tacos is usually 2-3 tacos per person. Since a standard package contains approximately 12 tortillas, the kit is designed to comfortably feed a family of 4 to 6 people, making it an ideal choice for group meals.

Costco vs. Sam’s Club Street Tacos: What’s the Difference?

Both Costco and Sam’s Club offer similar chicken taco kits, often featuring comparable ingredients and components. The primary difference often comes down to pricing. Anecdotal reports suggest that the Sam’s Club kit might be slightly more affordable, with some readers noting prices around $4.98 per pound. However, pricing can vary by location and is subject to change at both warehouses. Ingredient lists should always be compared for specific dietary needs or preferences, but generally, they offer a very similar convenience and product.

Discover More: Other Popular Costco Food Reviews

Maximize your Costco membership by exploring other fantastic prepared food options and popular items. Don’t miss out on these insightful reviews:

• Costco Mac and Cheese: A creamy, comforting classic.
• Costco Muffins: Giant treats for breakfast or snack time.
• Stuffed Peppers from Costco: A hearty and flavorful meal.
• Costco Stuffed Salmon: An elegant seafood option.
• Costco Spanakopita: Delicious Greek spinach and feta pastry.

You might also enjoy learning how to prepare Frozen Mini Tacos in an Air Fryer for another quick taco fix!