The Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice from Costco is a delicious and incredibly convenient meal that delivers authentic Japanese flavor, making it a freezer staple for busy weeknights. When you need dinner on the table in under five minutes, it’s hard to beat a meal that cooks right in the bag. But does the convenience come at the cost of taste and quality?
We took a close look at this popular Costco freezer item, analyzing everything from the price and nutrition to the all-important taste test to see if it deserves a permanent spot in your shopping cart.
What Exactly is Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice?
This is a frozen Japanese-style fried rice meal kit that includes six individual 9-ounce (255g) bags of rice, grilled chicken, and vegetables. You can find it in the open freezer chests at Costco, typically alongside other frozen meals and appetizers.
Inside the main box, you get six single-serving plastic pouches. Each pouch is pre-filled with a complete meal of seasoned fried rice, pieces of grilled white meat chicken, and a mix of tender vegetables, all coated in an authentic savory sauce. The “cook-in-bag” design means there is virtually no prep or cleanup required.
How Much Does the Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice Cost at Costco?
The Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice (Item #749182) costs $15.79 at Costco.
Since the box contains six 9-ounce bags, this breaks down to about $2.63 per meal. Considering the convenience and the fact that it’s a complete meal with chicken and vegetables, this offers fantastic value for a quick lunch or dinner.
How Do You Cook Costco’s Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice?
The best and recommended way to cook the Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice is in a 1,100-watt microwave, and it takes just 3 minutes. The instructions are printed clearly on the box:
- Vent the Bag: Tear one corner of the plastic bag to allow steam to escape.
- Microwave: Place the bag seam-side up in the microwave and cook on HIGH for approximately 3 minutes.
- Be Careful: Let the bag rest for a moment before handling. The bag and its contents will be extremely hot, and steam will be released when you open it fully.
- Serve: Carefully pour the contents into a bowl and enjoy.
My Pro-Tip: To get that perfect restaurant-style presentation, I pack the hot rice firmly into a small bowl, place my plate over the top, and then quickly flip them both over. The box also suggests adding fresh black pepper for a bolder flavor.
How Does the Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice Taste?
Overall, the Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice has a fantastic savory and slightly sweet flavor with tender chicken and fluffy rice. The seasoning is well-balanced and tastes remarkably authentic for a frozen meal.
The yakitori sauce provides a classic Japanese flavor profile—it’s savory from the soy sauce base but has a subtle sweetness that makes it very pleasant. The pieces of grilled white meat chicken are surprisingly tender and juicy, not dry or rubbery like some frozen chicken can be. The vegetables, including carrots, edamame, and peas, add a nice bit of color and texture, though they are fairly small. The rice itself cooks up to be fluffy and well-separated, avoiding the mushy texture that often plagues microwavable rice dishes.
Is The Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice Healthy?
While convenient, the Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice is moderately healthy and should be considered a processed meal due to its high sodium content. It offers a good amount of protein, but it won’t be replacing a clean, home-cooked meal.
Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice Calories and Nutrition Facts
One 9-ounce (255g) bag contains 440 calories. Key nutritional values include:
- Total Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg (39% of your recommended daily value)
- Total Carbohydrates: 70g
- Protein: 18g
- Added Sugars: 5g
The 18 grams of protein is a definite plus, making it a reasonably filling meal. However, the 900mg of sodium is very high for a single serving and is its main nutritional drawback.
What are the ingredients in Costco yakitori chicken fried rice?
The primary ingredients are cooked rice, roasted seasoned chicken white meat, soy sauce, carrots, onions, scrambled egg, and a mix of other vegetables like edamame and green peas.
It’s important for those with dietary restrictions to know that the product contains wheat, soy, and sesame. The box also notes that it contains a bioengineered food ingredient.
The Final Verdict: Is Costco’s Ajinomoto Fried Rice Worth Buying?
For quick, flavorful, and incredibly easy meals, the Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice is absolutely worth buying. The taste is excellent for a frozen product, the value is undeniable at under $3 per serving, and the 3-minute cooking time is unbeatable. Its only significant downside is the high sodium content.
| Rating | Score |
|---|---|
| Taste | 9/10 |
| Convenience | 10/10 |
| Price & Value | 9/10 |
| Nutrition | 6/10 |
| Overall | 8.5/10 |
- Buy it if: You need quick, easy, and flavorful weeknight meals, or you’re looking for a simple and satisfying lunch to take to work.
- Pass on it if: You are on a strict low-sodium diet or you prefer to avoid all processed foods and bioengineered ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Costco have chicken fried rice?
Yes, Costco frequently carries chicken fried rice options in their freezer section, with the Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice being one of the most popular and consistently available choices.
What is Ajinomoto yakitori chicken?
Ajinomoto’s yakitori chicken, in this context, refers to grilled white meat chicken seasoned with a Japanese-style savory and sweet sauce that is inspired by traditional yakitori glaze. It is then cut into pieces and mixed into the fried rice.