Costco’s deli section is renowned for offering prepared food options that appeal to a wide variety of customers. From their much-loved rotisserie chicken to popular street taco kits, Costco consistently delivers convenience alongside flavor.
But when they rolled out the Kirkland Signature Tandoori Chicken Wraps in July, they triggered a major divide among shoppers. Some hailed the new wraps as a tasty addition, while others found them disappointing. So, what’s the truth behind this polarizing new item? I took a closer look.
What Are Costco’s Tandoori Chicken Wraps?
The star of these wraps is tandoori-style chicken, inspired by the classic Indian dish known for its spicy, marinated chicken that’s traditionally roasted in a clay oven. Each wrap is also filled with a variety of veggies, including cauliflower, carrots, red onions, and cilantro, all bundled in a tomato basil tortilla. To top it off, the wraps come with a mint yogurt sauce for added flavor.
However, despite the unique ingredients, early reviews were mixed, with many shoppers criticizing the wraps for lacking strong flavor and texture. I decided to try them for myself to understand the fuss.
First Impressions: The Visuals
Right out of the box, one of the first things that stood out was the portion size. Each pack comes with four wrap halves, and each half was large enough to serve as an individual portion.
Some shoppers had mentioned issues with the price of the wraps, but at $10.43 for the whole tray (depending on your location), I found it to be a reasonable deal considering the quantity.
The wraps seemed well-stuffed with a good mix of vegetables and a generous amount of chicken that had a vibrant, orangish hue, indicative of the spices.
The Taste: A Mixed Bag
Upon taking my first bite, I immediately understood the mixed feedback. Let’s start with the chicken, which is both the hero and the flaw of the dish. While the chicken carried a decent aromatic spice blend—including paprika, garlic, and saffron—it was disappointingly mushy in texture.
Instead of the tender chunks or strips that you’d expect from tandoori-style chicken, the meat was more like a paste, which took away from the overall texture.
But it wasn’t all bad. Despite the chicken’s texture issues, the spices were warm and flavorful, offering a blend of subtle Indian-inspired notes. Although not as intense as you’d find in an authentic tandoori chicken dish, the flavor profile was satisfying for a grocery store wrap.
The Veggie Component: A Nice Crunch
While the chicken left a bit to be desired, the vegetables helped make up for it. The crunchy carrots provided much-needed texture, complementing the softness of the chicken. The wraps also featured fresh greens and red onions, which didn’t become soggy—a common issue with premade wraps. This added a nice balance to the overall dish.
One element that I particularly enjoyed was the tomato basil tortilla, which wasn’t too thick and didn’t overpower the other ingredients. It acted as the perfect vessel for the filling without being too doughy or bland.
The Mint Yogurt Sauce: The Star Of The Show
Perhaps the best component of the Tandoori Chicken Wraps was the mint yogurt sauce. Creamy, tangy, and herbaceous, the sauce was the perfect complement to the spiced chicken and veggies. It added a fresh, cool contrast to the warm spices in the chicken, making each bite more enjoyable. If there’s one thing Costco nailed with this dish, it’s the dipping sauce.
The Wrap’s Downfall: The Chicken’s Texture
Despite the flavorful components, the major flaw that prevents this dish from being a real standout is the texture of the chicken. It’s unfortunate because the flavor potential is there, but the mushy consistency of the chicken takes away from the eating experience. A firmer, more authentic tandoori-style chicken would have elevated these wraps to a new level.
Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s a look at the nutritional profile per one-fourth tray (one serving):
- Calories: 460
- Fat: 20 g (Saturated Fat: 9 g)
- Sodium: 1,120 mg
- Carbs: 48 g (Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 9 g)
- Protein: 22 g
While the calories and protein content seem reasonable for a hearty meal, the sodium content is quite high at 1,120 mg per serving, accounting for nearly half of the recommended daily intake. So if you’re watching your sodium levels, it’s something to be mindful of.
Are The Tandoori Chicken Wraps Worth Trying?
While the Tandoori Chicken Wraps aren’t a perfect execution, they offer a convenient, flavorful option that stands out compared to more basic grocery store wraps. The spices and mint yogurt sauce elevate the dish beyond the typical deli fare, even if the chicken’s texture could use improvement.
If you’re looking for a quick, convenient meal with some Indian-inspired flavors, these wraps are worth a try—just don’t expect them to rival an authentic tandoori chicken dish from a restaurant.
Conclusion:
Costco’s Tandoori Chicken Wraps offer a unique, Indian-inspired option in the deli section. While the wraps have their flavorful moments, particularly with the spices and mint yogurt sauce, the mushy chicken is a major flaw that holds the dish back.
For fans of Costco’s deli offerings, these wraps are still worth a try, especially for a quick meal. Just don’t expect the same level of authenticity or texture you’d get from a restaurant-quality tandoori dish.
FAQs
1. What Are The Key Ingredients In Costco’s Tandoori Chicken Wraps?
The wraps feature tandoori-style chicken, cauliflower, carrots, diced red onions, cilantro, and a tomato basil tortilla. They also come with a side of mint yogurt sauce.
2. Are Costco’s Tandoori Chicken Wraps Healthy?
Each serving contains 460 calories and 22 grams of protein, but the sodium content is high at 1,120 mg per serving. While the wraps provide a good amount of protein and flavor, they should be consumed in moderation if you’re watching your sodium intake.
3. How Much Do The Tandoori Chicken Wraps Cost At Costco?
Prices may vary by location, but the wraps are typically priced between $10.43 and $15 for a tray, which contains four wrap halves.
4. What Does The Mint Yogurt Sauce Taste Like?
The mint yogurt sauce is creamy, tangy, and herbaceous. It adds a fresh contrast to the warm spices of the chicken, enhancing the overall flavor of the wrap.
5. How Is The Texture Of The Chicken In Costco’s Tandoori Chicken Wraps?
The main criticism of the dish is the mushy texture of the chicken, which many reviewers found disappointing. While the flavor is decent, the consistency detracts from the eating experience.
