Costco, the land of bulk buys and unexpected treasures, is a go-to for many. Beyond the diapers and giant jars of pickles, it’s a fantastic spot for stocking up on weekly groceries, and sometimes, discovering a quick meal solution. The rotisserie chicken is a staple in many homes, including mine, lending itself to countless easy recipes. But on a recent trip, while heading for my usual chicken, something else caught my eye: the Costco Street Taco kit.
Intrigued by the promise of an easy and flavorful meal, I grabbed a platter of these street tacos. The kit is generously packed with pre-cooked seasoned chicken, a vibrant cabbage slaw, shredded cheese, fresh limes, a stack of corn tortillas, and packets of mild salsa and cilantro-lime crema. It’s a substantial amount of food, perfect for a quick dinner for two with leftovers to spare.
However, I quickly discovered a surprising omission: instructions. My first attempt to prepare these Costco Street Tacos was a bit rushed, leading me straight to the microwave. The result? Edible, but far from impressive. The chicken became dry and rubbery, and the tortillas were prone to tearing. Definitely not the street taco experience I was hoping for.
Determined to unlock the full potential of this Costco find, I experimented and developed a simple, foolproof method to cook the Costco street taco kit to perfection. Say goodbye to disappointing microwaved tacos, and hello to delicious, authentic-tasting street tacos right from your kitchen!
Costco Street Taco Kit Platter
Essential Tools and Ingredients for Perfect Costco Street Tacos
Before you begin, gather these simple kitchen tools and a couple of extra ingredients to elevate your Costco street taco experience:
- Vegetable oil: For sautéing the chicken and adding flavor.
- ½ cup water or chicken stock: Chicken stock enhances the flavor, but water works just fine for adding moisture.
- Skillet with lid (or aluminum foil): To reheat the chicken and keep it moist.
- Separate skillet or griddle: For toasting the tortillas to perfection.
- Medium-sized bowl: To mix the slaw and dressing.
- Tongs: Essential for handling both the chicken and tortillas.
- Large spoon: For stirring and serving.
Step-by-Step Guide to Delicious Costco Street Tacos
Follow these easy steps to transform your Costco street taco kit into a restaurant-quality meal:
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Heat Up Your Skillets: Place two skillets on your stovetop burners and turn both to medium heat. This dual skillet approach streamlines the cooking process.
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Sauté the Chicken: Add about a tablespoon of vegetable oil to one skillet. Let it heat for a minute or two until it shimmers. This preheated oil will help crisp up the chicken and prevent sticking.
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Toast the Tortillas: While the chicken skillet heats, use the dry skillet to toast the tortillas. Heat them one at a time. You can continue toasting tortillas as you cook the chicken and prepare the slaw. Toast each tortilla for about 20-30 seconds per side, until they puff up slightly and become lightly browned. Flip and repeat on the other side. Don’t worry if some get a little extra color; toasted tortillas are packed with flavor.
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Cook the Chicken: Add the pre-cooked chicken to the skillet with hot oil. Stir it around for 2-3 minutes. You’ll hear it sizzle and the aroma of the spices will fill your kitchen. Some of the chicken pieces will start to get crispy edges, which is exactly what you want for authentic street tacos.
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Steam for Moisture: Pour in ½ cup of chicken stock (for richer flavor) or water into the chicken skillet. Immediately cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil for 3 minutes. This steaming process is crucial. The steam will rehydrate the pre-cooked chicken, making it juicy and tender, and prevent it from drying out.
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Evaporate Excess Liquid: Remove the lid or foil from the chicken skillet. Continue to stir the chicken every minute or so, until most of the liquid has evaporated. This should only take a few minutes. Once the liquid is mostly gone, remove the chicken skillet from the heat.
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Dress the Slaw: In your medium bowl, combine the shredded cabbage slaw with the provided cilantro-lime crema and salsa packets. Toss everything together until well combined. Dressing the slaw beforehand ensures even flavor distribution and helps the slaw adhere better to the tacos. Plus, it prevents anyone from hogging all the salsa!
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Assemble Your Tacos: Now for the fun part! Layer the perfectly cooked chicken onto a toasted tortilla (or use two for extra sturdiness). Top with a generous amount of the dressed slaw and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a burst of citrusy freshness.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your homemade Costco street tacos are ready! Serve them immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures. For the ultimate experience, pair them with a cold beer – it’s the perfect complement to the savory tacos.
Chicken Cooking in Skillet for Costco Street Tacos
Chicken after steaming for Costco Street Tacos
Tortillas Toasting for Costco Street Tacos
Elevate Your Weeknight Meals with Costco Street Tacos
The Costco street taco kit is a fantastic shortcut to a flavorful and satisfying meal. By following these simple skillet cooking instructions, you can easily transform this convenient kit into a dish that rivals your favorite taco truck. Forget the microwave and unlock the true potential of Costco street tacos for your next taco night!
