Microwave Cooking

The 13 Best Costco Items To Cook in Your Microwave

The 13 Best Costco Items To Cook in Your Microwave
Microwave Cooking

The 13 Best Costco Items To Cook in Your Microwave

News Microwave Cooking The 13 Best Costco Items To Cook in Your Microwave

We all know the magic of a Costco run—stocking up on all your favorite essentials and discovering new items to try (yes please to free samples!). Whether you’re filling your freezer with go-to meals, stocking your pantry with bulk non-perishables, or snagging quick dinner options for busy nights, Costco’s selection is hard to beat.

 

And the best part? Just like Anyday, Costco helps you save both time and money without sacrificing quality. From rotisserie chicken to ravioli lasagna, these staples can turn into delicious meals with minimal effort. Use your Anyday dishes to reheat frozen favorites or other Costco shortcuts that make cooking (and cleanup) a breeze.

 

Ready to save time and money? Let’s dive into some Costco finds you can cook in the microwave for an effortless, delicious meal.

 

1. Kirkland Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken

Ah, the legendary Costco rotisserie chicken! Costco sells millions of these every year, and it’s easy to see why. Not only does it make a delicious meal right out of the package, but it also reheats perfectly in the microwave. As soon as you get home, grab a bite (we’ll happily take the drumstick!) and shred the rest for tacos, chicken pot pie, or chicken noodle soup. And don’t toss those bones! They’re perfect for making a homemade chicken stock in the microwave, which can be used as the base for soups or a creamy risotto.

 

Complete the meal: Break the chicken down into pieces and serve with steamed broccoli or mashed potatoes for a hearty dinner.

 

2. Sukhi’s Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a go-to weeknight favorite for good reason: it’s rich, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with rice or naan. Simply transfer it to an Anyday dish (ditching the plastic pouch it comes in) and give it a quick reheat in the microwave. Got leftovers? Just pop on the lid and store it in the fridge for an easy lunch tomorrow.

 

Complete the meal: Serve with a side of white or brown rice, or even smoky cauliflower for a low-carb option.

 

3. Kirkland Salmon Milano with Basil Pesto Butter

Salmon Milano is already full of flavor, and the microwave makes it a breeze to cook. Use our guide to cooking salmon in the microwave for a fast, gourmet-style dinner that’ll have you feeling fancy with very little effort.

 

Complete the meal: Add a side of asparagus or baby potatoes for a well-rounded, healthy meal.

 

4. Del Real Tamales

Steam these ready-made tamales in an Extra Large dish with a splash of water, and they’ll stay perfectly moist. The best part? Pop the lid on to keep them warm until you’re ready to serve, so you can focus on the rest of the dinner.

 

Complete the meal: Serve with scratch-made salsa verde or a side of black bean soup.

 

5. Bibigo Chicken & Vegetable Dumplings

These dumplings are a no-brainer for the microwave. Just steam them in a Shallow dish, and they’ll come out perfectly tender, ready to dip into soy sauce or your favorite dumpling sauce. They’re a quick and easy snack, lunch, or even a side.

 

Complete the meal: Serve alongside miso butter corn, steamed bok choy, or spicy Chinese eggplant to make it a full meal.

 

6. Fried Tofu & Vegetable Kimbap

This kimbap is a breeze to reheat—just a minute or two in the microwave and it’s ready to enjoy. The tofu stays crispy, and the rice softens to the right texture. It’s perfect on its own or as a quick, satisfying snack when you’re short on time.

 

Complete the meal: We love kimbap as a snack, but if you want something extra, add a side of pickled veggies (like radishes or cucumbers).

 

7. Stonemill Kitchens Artichoke, Jalapeno & Parmesan Dip

This dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—and best served warm. Microwave for a minute or two in the Small dish, and it’s ready for dunking with chips, crackers, or veggies. The spicy kick and creamy texture makes this dip hard to resist!

 

Complete the meal: Use the dip as a sauce starter for chicken or steamed tortellini.

 

8. Kirkland Italian-Style Beef Meatballs

These Italian-style beef meatballs are microwave magic—ready in minutes and perfect for busy weeknights. Heat them up in a Square dish (you’ll be able to fit as many as 16 meatballs in a Large Square) and you’ve got a versatile protein that’s great over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as a party appetizer.

 

Complete the meal: Serve over spaghetti or penne with a side of steamed kale with lemon, salt, and olive oil.

 

9. Kirkland Signature Ravioli Lasagna

This Ravioli Lasagna is rich, hearty, and perfect for when you’re craving comfort food. The only issue? This ‘ready-to-eat’ meal takes more than an hour in the oven according to the package instructions. Good thing we know that the microwave could easily cut the cook time! Transfer the entire lasagna to a Large Square dish and microwave for about 10-15 minutes, or until the center registers 165°F. If you have any leftovers, just cover with the lid and reheat them the next day.

 

Complete the meal: Sometimes you need a little extra sauce! Whip up a quick bolognese to serve on top of the lasagna. Go ahead, take credit for making the whole thing—we won’t tell!

 

10. Kasia’s Potato and Cheese Pierogi

These potato and cheese pierogi are pure comfort food. Microwave them until soft and pillowy, then drizzle with brown butter or sour cream. They’re hearty enough on their own, but you can easily bulk them up with a few simple sides.

 

Complete the meal: Add a side of quick caramelized onions and steamed cabbage.

 

11. Kirkland Signature Farm-Raised Shrimp

We love frozen shrimp because it defrosts quickly on those nights when you forgot to take a protein out of the freezer. But here’s something you might not know: With the microwave, you can even cook shrimp directly from frozen! In just a few minutes, you’ll have fully cooked, tender shrimp ready to use in shrimp cocktail or a classic scampi.

 

Complete the meal: Try our microwave recipes for pesto zoodles with shrimp, coconut lime shrimp, or this Cajun shrimp boil.

 

12. Jongga Sliced Napa Cabbage Kimchi

Kimchi is a fermented vegetable side, traditionally made with cabbage and Korean chili powder, that adds bold flavor to so many meals. Serve it alongside fresh white rice or toss it into a bibimbap bowl for a flavor boost.

 

Complete the meal: Try it in our microwave versions of classic Korean recipes: kimchi stew, kimchi jjigae, or kimchi fried rice.

 

13. Kirkland Smoked Pulled Pork

This smoky pulled pork is perfect for quick, easy meals, and reheats wonderfully in the microwave. Transfer the pork to an Anyday (discarding the plastic pouch) and reheat it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until warm. It's juicy, tender, and full of flavor—perfect for piling onto sandwiches, stuffing into tacos, or serving over rice. It’s the ultimate shortcut to a quick, delicious meal.

 

Complete the meal: Pair with corn on the cob, creamy mac and cheese, or ‘baked’ beans for a barbecue-style dinner without the grill.

 

 

With these Costco favorites and an Anyday dish, making quick, delicious meals has never been easier. From savory lasagnas to tender shrimp, your microwave can handle it all, helping you save time without sacrificing flavor. Whether you're reheating, steaming, or cooking from scratch, these meals are just a few minutes away from being on your table.

 

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    Rachel Johnson

    Rachel Johnson (she/her) is the Recipe Manager for Anyday. Her first cookbook, Unicorn Food, was published in 2018 and you can find more of her work in Cooking Light Magazine, Bon Appetit, and other outlets. She enjoys pizza, feminism, and creating joy through food.