Customers Already Have Complaints About Costco’s New Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

As ever, Costco’s deli section is offering up a constant rotation of new items. And, as ever, customers have a lot to say about them. When Costco dropped its new Spam Musubi last week, it divided customers, both because of its price and because of its Spam-to-rice ratio. Hot on the heels of that food drop, there’s a new option in town that’s reaping a similarly divided response. 

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Who knew a teriyaki chicken bowl would be so contentious? We certainly didn’t – but that’s where we find ourselves today. If you were on the fence about whether to try this one, here’s what everyone’s been saying about it. 

Costco Teriyaki Chicken With Sushi Rice

Costco’s new Teriyaki Chicken with Sushi Rice was spotted by @costcohotfinds this week, and at first glance, this meal looks and sounds pretty decent. The dish combines teriyaki-glazed chicken thighs (with an extra pouch of teriyaki sauce for good measure, although the person behind @costcohotfinds, Laura Jayne Lamb, says that it doesn’t really need it) with sticky sushi rice. There’s a scattering of green onions too, for good measure – and a pop of fresh flavor.

At $5.99 per pound (and with the packages weighing in at around two pounds each), this is a mid-priced option for Costco’s deli section. If you’re looking for something simple and easygoing, too, this is likely a pretty good choice for a speedy evening meal. 

So What’s The Problem?

Well, to be honest: the combination of it being simple/easygoing and the price. Customers have already taken issue with paying $12 for what is essentially a package of chicken, rice, and sauce, and have pointed out that they can make far more of the same thing at home for the same cost. Moreover, if you did make it at home, you might well get a more satisfying meal, considering that – like its Spam Musubi – the ratios here aren’t great. “It’s soo much rice. Just get the rotisserie chicken and make it yourself. Especially if you prefer white meat,” said one customer on @costcohotfinds’ post. 

And then, there’s the size of it all. A couple of people have taken issue with the idea that this teriyaki chicken bowl could comfortably serve more than two, and even if you’re sharing it with a friend, it might not stretch that far. Personally speaking, I’m a total sucker for dishes like this: A combination of sweet-salty, saucy, umami-rich chicken and white rice is one of my favorite things on this fair earth. It’s hard to escape the feeling that you’re paying largely for convenience here, though — and if you have 20 minutes or so to spare, you might as well put it together at home.