As a savvy Costco shopper and food industry expert with over 15 years of experience, I know how important it is to have a well-stocked pantry full of convenient, affordable, and delicious staples. One product that always earns a spot on my Costco shopping list is Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast, the famous fully cooked canned chicken that flies off the warehouse shelves.
But despite its popularity, many consumers still have questions about this enigmatic pantry protein. Is Kirkland canned chicken really cooked? How does it compare to other brands? What‘s the best way to use it? And are there any downsides to consider?
I‘m here to answer all these questions and more in my ultimate guide to Kirkland canned chicken. I‘ve done the research, scoured the reviews, and tapped into my industry knowledge to bring you the most comprehensive and helpful information. Whether you‘re a canned chicken connoisseur or a curious first-time buyer, you‘ll find everything you need to know right here.
Kirkland Canned Chicken is Fully Cooked and Ready to Eat
Let‘s start with the most pressing question: is Kirkland canned chicken already cooked? I can confirm that the answer is a resounding yes. The chicken breast meat inside each can has been fully cooked during the canning process and is ready to eat straight from the can, no additional cooking necessary.
But how is this possible? The key is the special thermal processing that happens when canning low-acid foods like chicken. Here‘s a quick step-by-step breakdown of how canned chicken is made:
- Chicken breast meat is trimmed and cleaned, then packed into cans with liquid like water or broth.
- Cans are sealed and loaded into large pressure cookers called retorts.
- The cans are heated to 250°F or higher for a specific time to cook the chicken all the way through and kill any harmful bacteria.
- Cans are cooled, labeled, and ready to be shipped and stored at room temperature.
According to the USDA, this high-heat retort process is critical for ensuring the safety and stability of canned foods. The hermetic seal prevents contamination, while the "commercial sterility" reached during heating makes the food shelf-stable and safe to eat without refrigeration until opened.
Food safety expert Dr. Elizabeth Andress, professor and Extension Food Safety Specialist at the University of Georgia, explains it this way: "The canning process is designed to heat the food to a temperature that will kill all food microorganisms that could grow at room temperature and spoil the food or make consumers sick, as well as inactive enzymes that could affect food quality."
So there you have it – the canning process is responsible for both cooking the chicken and keeping it safe to store and eat. But just how long can you expect your canned chicken to last?
Shelf Life of Kirkland Canned Chicken
One of the major perks of canned chicken is its exceptionally long shelf life. Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast can be stored unopened at room temperature for a whopping 3-5 years, as printed on the "Best By" date on the can. That‘s thanks to the strong seal and thermal processing we discussed earlier.
However, the story changes once you pop the top. Like any cooked poultry, opened canned chicken needs to be refrigerated promptly and used within 3-4 days. Never store it in the opened can, as the USDA warns that doing so can cause a chemical reaction that makes the food taste bad or exposes it to harmful metals or bacteria from the can.
To put the shelf life of canned chicken into perspective, let‘s compare it to a few other common chicken products:
| Product | Unopened Shelf Life | Opened Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Kirkland Canned Chicken | 3-5 years at room temp | 3-4 days refrigerated |
| Frozen Chicken Breast | 9-12 months in freezer | 3-4 days refrigerated, 3-6 months frozen |
| Refrigerated Chicken Breast | 1-2 days | 3-4 days refrigerated |
| Rotisserie Chicken | N/A (serve immediately) | 3-4 days refrigerated |
As you can see, canned chicken blows other options away when it comes to storage life. If you‘re looking for a chicken product you can buy in bulk and keep in the pantry for a long time, canned is clearly the winner. And Costco is a great place to stock up.
Kirkland Canned Chicken Nutrition Facts
But what about nutrition? How does Kirkland canned chicken stack up to other options in terms of what you‘re actually putting in your body? Let‘s compare it side-by-side with a 3oz serving of fresh boneless skinless chicken breast:
| Nutrient | Kirkland Canned Chicken (2oz) | Fresh Chicken Breast (3oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 60 | 92 |
| Protein | 13g | 20g |
| Total Fat | 1g | 1.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | 0.5g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg | 55mg |
| Carbohydrate | 0g | 0g |
| Sodium | 210mg | 45mg |
A few key differences stand out. The serving size is slightly smaller for canned chicken, which explains the lower calorie and protein counts. But the biggest contrast is the sodium. One serving of Kirkland canned chicken packs 210mg of sodium, 9% of the recommended daily value, while the same amount of fresh chicken only has 45mg.
However, Kirkland canned chicken is still a great option for those on specialized diets. With minimal fat, zero carbs, and a solid protein punch, it‘s well-suited for low carb, keto, diabetic, and high-protein eating plans. Just be mindful of the extra salt and consider rinsing the chicken before use to reduce sodium.
Other Canned Chicken Brands & Where to Buy Them
Of course, Kirkland Signature isn‘t the only name in the canned chicken game. Dozens of other brands crowd the supermarket shelves these days, each with their own loyal fanbase. Some other top contenders include:
- Swanson Premium Chunk Chicken Breast
- Hormel Premium No Salt Added Canned Chicken
- Valley Fresh Organic Canned Chicken
- Tyson Premium Chunk White Chicken
- Member‘s Mark Premium Chunk Chicken Breast (Sam‘s Club brand)
- Keystone Meats All Natural Canned Chicken
But where can you buy these and other brands? While Costco is certainly a top choice, you can find canned chicken at most major retailers across the country. Based on my research, a few consistently well-stocked options include:
- Walmart
- Target
- Kroger & other regional supermarket chains
- Amazon & other online grocers
- Dollar stores like Dollar Tree & Family Dollar
- Drug stores like Walgreens & CVS
No matter where you prefer to shop, you‘re likely to find at least a few canned chicken options to choose from. And with the burgeoning popularity of this pantry staple, I only expect those options to grow in coming years.
Data on Canned Chicken Consumption & Sales
Speaking of popularity, just how much canned chicken are we actually eating these days? More than you might think. The global canned food market is expected to grow to nearly $100 billion annually by 2027, and canned proteins like chicken make up a significant portion of those sales.
In the US, canned chicken sales have seen a steady uptick in recent years. Major brands Hormel, Bumble Bee, and Swanson reported a combined 9.7% increase in sales of canned chicken and turkey products from 2019 to 2020, likely accelerated by the pandemic pantry-stocking boom.
Zooming in on Costco specifically, the wholesale giant sells a staggering amount of Kirkland Signature canned chicken each year. While exact sales figures are hard to come by, the Kirkland chicken has been spotted on Costco‘s annual "Best of" most-purchased product lists consistently for the past several years.
According to one research study, the average American consumes around 4.7 pounds of canned poultry per person per year. For reference, that‘s equivalent to about 37 of the 2oz servings in a can of Kirkland chicken – certainly nothing to sneeze at! I expect we‘ll only see this number rise as more shoppers discover the convenience and versatility of this handy protein source.
Creative Ways to Use Kirkland Canned Chicken
Now for the fun part – what can you actually make with all this canned chicken? As mentioned earlier, Kirkland chicken works well in any recipe that calls for cooked, shredded or chopped chicken breast. But as a veteran recipe developer, I‘ve learned a few tricks to help make it taste even better:
- Drain it very well – press out excess water with paper towels.
- Don‘t be afraid to add plenty of bold flavors and seasonings.
- Try pan searing for better texture before adding to recipes.
- Pair it with fresh and crunchy ingredients for balance.
Need some inspiration? Here are a few more creative ideas to try:
- Chicken & Biscuit Skillet Pot Pie
- Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs
- Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Canned Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
- BBQ Chicken Pizza with Caramelized Onions
- White Chicken Chili Mac & Cheese
- Curried Chicken Salad with Apples & Almonds
- Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Dip
The possibilities are truly endless. Don‘t be afraid to experiment with flavors and get your canned chicken working in new ways. Your taste buds will thank you!
Potential Concerns & Critiques
Despite its many benefits, canned chicken is not without its detractors. Some common critiques and concerns I‘ve come across include:
- Soft or mushy texture compared to fresh chicken
- Higher sodium content than fresh
- Slight metallic or "canned" taste
- Lack of browning or caramelization
- Potential presence of BPA or other chemicals from can lining
- Environmental impact of single-use cans
However, I believe most of these concerns can be mitigated with proper usage and storage techniques. Rinsing the chicken and using bold flavors can offset any taste or texture issues, while newer BPA-free can linings are becoming the norm. And some brands offer lower sodium options for the health-conscious.
As for sustainability, it‘s worth noting that steel cans are among the most recycled food packaging materials, with a recycling rate of 71% in the US. Many recycled cans end up back on shelves in a matter of months. So while there‘s always room for improvement, canned chicken is a relatively eco-friendly choice as far as packaged foods go.
Kirkland Canned Chicken FAQs
To wrap things up, let‘s address a few other frequently asked questions about Kirkland canned chicken:
Q: Is Kirkland canned chicken gluten free?
A: Yes, Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast contains only chicken and water, no gluten ingredients.
Q: How much canned chicken is in each can of Kirkland chicken?
A: Each can contains 12.5 oz of chicken and water, with a drained weight of about 7 oz of chicken.
Q: Is Kirkland canned chicken seasoned?
A: No, Kirkland canned chicken is packed in water without salt or seasonings. You can add your own to taste.
Q: How many cans are in a pack of Kirkland canned chicken?
A: Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast is sold in packs of 6 12.5-oz cans at Costco warehouses and online.
Q: Can you freeze Kirkland canned chicken?
A: Yes, you can portion any extra chicken into freezer bags or containers and store frozen for up to 6 months.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast from Costco is a convenient, affordable, and surprisingly versatile pantry staple that‘s fully cooked and ready to eat right from the can. While it may not be an exact match for fresh chicken in every recipe, it more than makes up for it in ease of use and shelf stability.
As a picky Costco shopper and longtime food industry expert, I‘m happy to recommend Kirkland canned chicken as a worthwhile addition to your pantry. With a little creativity and an open mind, you‘ll find countless ways to put this protein powerhouse to work for you. Give it a try in your favorite recipes and taste the possibilities for yourself!
