By Livia John
Step into any Costco food court, and your senses are instantly hit with a familiar symphony: the shouts of mothers calling their children, the clinks of shopping carts, and finally the rich, savory aroma of the food court. As a 10 year old, this was easily the highlight of my week. Every trip, my parents would let us choose an item off the menu, content with the low prices. While my parents and younger brother always opted for the famous $1.50 hotdog, I felt drawn to something else entirely—its underrated twin. And yes, I’m talking about the warm, rich, cheese-crusted bread roll stuffed with melt in your mouth chicken, smoked bacon, and creamy caesar sauce known as the Costco Chicken Bake.
As I’m writing this, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. And I know I’m not the only one who feels this way, too. When Costco raised the price of the Chicken Bake from $2.99 to $3.99 mid 2022, there was what can only be described as an internet upheaval from faithful Costco fans such as myself. It isn’t fair; the price of the hotdog has remained the same since 1985! However, in this economy, I guess $3.99 for lunch is a rare thing to come by, so I’ll gladly take it.
Although the mouthwatering taste is reason enough for it to be my favorite item from the food court, I might be slightly biased—the Chicken Bake has been my go-to ever since I immigrated to America, way back when in 2015. Even as we cut corners to afford private school (which my parents put me in because they were for some reason scared of the American public school system) we always seemed without fail to have enough money for the Costco Food Court.
The scrumptious cross between a calzone and a pizza pocket holds an especially close place in my heart. So yes, if you see me at Costco, expect to see me holding a fresh, warm Chicken Bake!