You’re standing in the Costco freezer aisle. It’s cold. Your cart has a wobbly wheel. You see that familiar green and white bag—Real Good Chicken Tenders Costco edition. The packaging screams "7g Carbs" and "High Protein." It looks like the holy grail for anyone trying to eat clean without giving up the joy of a crispy strip. But honestly? People are divided. Some folks treat these like culinary gold, while others complain they’re too salty or have a "weird" texture.
It's a polarizing bird.
If you’ve been burned by grain-free breading before, you’re probably skeptical. Most "healthy" tenders taste like cardboard dipped in disappointment. Real Good Foods Co. tries to fix this by using a chickpea and flour-blend coating rather than the standard heavy wheat breading. It's a big deal for the keto crowd. It's also a big deal for people who just want to hit their macros without feeling like they're eating a science experiment.
The Truth About the Real Good Chicken Tenders Costco Price Tag
Let’s talk money. Costco usually sells these in a 3-pound bag. Depending on your local warehouse and the current inflation madness in 2026, you’re looking at anywhere from $14.99 to $19.99. Sometimes they go on "Instant Savings" for $4 off. When that happens, people clear the shelves.
Is it worth it?
Think about it this way. A standard bag of Tyson or Foster Farms is cheaper, sure. But those are loaded with fillers and mystery breading. When you buy the Real Good Chicken Tenders Costco version, you’re paying the "clean label" tax. You're paying for the fact that the first ingredient is actually chicken breast and the breading isn't 50% cornstarch.
If you're feeding a family of five teenagers, this might break the bank. But for a couple or a solo meal-prepper, the cost-per-protein-gram actually holds up. It’s cheaper than buying individual boxes at a standard grocery store like Kroger or Publix, where a tiny box costs $8. Buying in bulk at Costco is basically the only way to make this brand affordable long-term.
Nutrients, Macros, and the Salt Factor
These tenders are built for the "Better-for-You" (BFY) category. Real Good Foods focuses on keeping blood sugar spikes low.
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Most chicken tenders are a carb trap. These? They use a "low carb" breading. We're talking roughly 7g to 9g of net carbs per serving, depending on the specific batch and labeling updates. That is wild. Usually, a single tender from a fast-food joint has more carbs than this entire serving.
But there’s a catch.
Sodium. It’s always the sodium. To make grain-free breading taste like anything other than dust, companies have to lean on seasoning. Some users find the Real Good Chicken Tenders Costco variety to be a bit on the salty side. If you are watching your blood pressure, read the back of the bag carefully. It’s not "salty" like a potato chip, but it’s definitely seasoned.
The protein count is the real hero here. You're getting about 23g of protein per serving. That's a lot of muscle-building fuel for something that tastes like comfort food.
Why the Texture Trips People Up
Grain-free breading behaves differently than wheat. If you microwave these, stop. Just don't. You'll end up with a soggy, sad mess that feels like wet paper. Because the breading is made with chickpeas and whey protein, it needs high, dry heat to "set."
If you want that crunch, you have to use an air fryer or a convection oven.
I’ve talked to people who hated these until they realized they were undercooking them. You want to go slightly longer than the bag says. Get those edges a little bit dark. That’s where the flavor lives. The texture is "softer" than a traditional breading, but if you do it right, it gets a nice, nutty crispness that actually complements the chicken.
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The Secret to Making Them Actually Taste Great
Don't just eat them plain.
Look, they're good, but they aren't "gourmet restaurant" good on their own. The Real Good Chicken Tenders Costco bag is a base. It's a canvas.
- The Buffalo Pivot: Toss them in some Frank’s RedHot and butter. The acidity of the buffalo sauce cuts through the chickpea flavor of the breading perfectly.
- The Salad Hack: Slice them up over a massive bed of greens with some avocado and ranch. It feels like a "cheat meal" but keeps you in a calorie deficit.
- Air Fryer Settings: Try 400°F for about 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway. Don't crowd the basket. If they touch, they steam. If they steam, they get mushy.
Some folks complain about a "chemical" aftertaste. This usually comes from the leavening agents or the specific protein blend in the breading. If you're sensitive to that, a dipping sauce with a little bit of sweetness—like a keto-friendly honey mustard—completely masks it.
Common Misconceptions About Real Good Foods
People see "Real Good" and think "Organic" or "Pasture-Raised."
Let’s be clear: these are not necessarily organic. They are "cleaner" in terms of macronutrients (carbs/protein), but they aren't claiming to be farm-to-table artisanal poultry. They are a processed frozen food designed for people who want to stay in ketosis or manage their weight.
Another mistake? Thinking they are gluten-free just because they are low carb. While many of their products are gluten-free, you always have to check the specific Costco bag, as formulations can change. At the time of writing, they generally use gluten-free ingredients, but cross-contamination in massive manufacturing plants is always a "check the label" situation for Celiacs.
Availability Issues at the Warehouse
If you see them, buy two.
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Costco is famous for the "here today, gone for six months" rotation. The Real Good Chicken Tenders Costco supply fluctuates based on regional demand. One month they'll have the tenders, the next month they’ll replace them with the Real Good Enchiladas or the bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken.
The "Death Star" (that little asterisk on the price tag) is your warning. If you see an asterisk on the sign in the freezer aisle, it means the item isn't being restocked for a while. That is your cue to stock up.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Costco Run
Before you toss that green bag into your oversized cart, do a quick mental check.
First, check your freezer space. These bags are bulky. They don't stack as well as flat boxes.
Second, verify the price per ounce. Sometimes, Costco carries a "Lightly Breaded" version from another brand (like Kirkland Signature or Bare) which might be cheaper if you aren't strictly counting carbs. But if your goal is the lowest possible carb count, the Real Good Chicken Tenders Costco option is the undisputed champ.
Finally, invest in a decent dipping sauce. Since these are low-sugar, they pair incredibly well with sugar-free BBQ sauce or a spicy chipotle mayo.
Your Immediate Game Plan:
- Check the Price Tag: Look for that "Instant Savings" coupon—it's common once every quarter.
- Preheat Early: Set your air fryer to 400°F before you even take the bag out of the freezer.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook in two batches if you have to.
- Season Post-Cook: A tiny pinch of flaky salt right when they come out of the air fryer makes the chickpea breading taste much more like traditional flour.
Eating healthy doesn't have to be a chore, but it does require knowing how to handle the ingredients. These tenders are a tool in your kit. Use them right, and you’ll actually look forward to your Tuesday night "lazy" dinner.