12 Costco Freezer Staples That Build Three Dinners
It can be like having a backup chef in your kitchen when your freezer is well-stocked. When you buy in bulk at Costco, you can often get good value, and having the right staples allows you to improvise dinners without having to make last-minute grocery runs. The twelve frozen Costco items (also known as “staples”) that can be the foundation of at least three different dinners each are highlighted in this article. I’ll also demonstrate how you can incorporate those staples into meals to add convenience, variety, and nutrition. Let’s get started and transform your freezer into a toolbox for making dinners.
1. Kirkland Signature Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
Costco’s frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a flexible protein that can be used in a variety of dinner preparations. They can be sliced, shred, or thawed and grilled. One dinner suggestion is to marinate and bake with herbs, then serve it with rice and roasted vegetables. Another is to cut it into slices, cook it with onions, bell peppers, and fajita seasoning, and then serve it with tortillas. A third: chop and simmer with vegetables and coconut milk in a mild curry or stew. Chicken breasts make a neutral base that can be dressed up in a variety of ways, freeze well, and cook safely when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. Kirkland Signature Farm‑Raised Raw Shrimp (Tail‑On or Tail‑Off)
You can make quick, seafood-rich meals by keeping a bag of raw or partially processed shrimp in the freezer. For one dinner, stir-fry the shrimp with rice or noodles, frozen veggies, and garlic. Another is to prepare shrimp tacos using tortillas, slaw, and sauce. A third is tossing with citrus, olive oil, and herbs in pasta or risotto. Shrimp cooks quickly, so it’s best to thaw it carefully (in the refrigerator or in a sealed bag immersed in cold water) to maintain texture. It’s a low-fat, lean protein that’s helpful when you want flavor without a lot of cooking time.
3. Normandy‑Style Vegetable Blend or Similar Mixed Frozen Vegetables
A medley of vegetables, such as carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, and others, is incredibly versatile and a nutritional power boost. The first dinner suggestion is to steam, season, and then combine with chicken and tahini sauce in a grain bowl. Dinner number two: use frozen chicken or shrimp and stir-fry with garlic, soy, or tamari. Dinner 3: roast with herbs and olive oil and serve as a side dish, or blend into purees or soups (like a creamy vegetable soup). While frozen vegetables are easy to portion and retain nutrients, be careful not to overcook them as this will detract from their flavor and color.
4. Kirkland Signature Three Berry Blend (or other frozen berries)
Not only do frozen mixed berries work well for breakfast or dessert, but they also make excellent additions to dinners. Thaw and toss in a fresh salad with spinach, mild cheese, toasted nuts, and a light vinaigrette for the first dinner. Second, for a fruity sauce, serve it over grilled or roasted meat (chicken, pork) after simmering it with balsamic vinegar and optional sugar or a sugar substitute. Third: use for dessert after a lighter meal or to make compote to serve with pancakes or crepes for brunch-style dinner. Antioxidant-rich berries freeze well, retaining flavor and many nutrients, though thawing softens the texture.
5. Kirkland Signature Lightly Breaded Chicken Chunks / Fully Cooked Chicken Chunks
Costco’s pre-cooked or lightly breaded chicken pieces save a ton of time. Dinner 1: serve as a protein over rice or noodles with steamed vegetables after tossing in a sauce (such as teriyaki or barbecue). Dinner 2: prepare tacos or wraps with cheese, sauce, and chopped lettuce. Dinner 3: add to casseroles or soups, such as baked pasta, chicken pot pie, or chicken noodle soup. They only need to be properly reheated (internal temperature of 165°F) and checked for breading texture (crisping in an air fryer or baking oven helps).
6. Frozen Fish Fillets (like cod, salmon, or “everything‑seasoning cod”)
Light, quick dinners are made possible by frozen fish fillets. The first dinner suggestion is to bake a fish fillet in foil with lemon and herbs, then serve it with whole grain and salad. For the second dinner, lightly dust the fish tacos with bread crumbs or seasoning, bake them, or air fry them. Dinner number three is to flake the cooked fish and mix it into a pasta sauce, chowder, or fish soup. Omega-3 fatty acids in particular are abundant in fish, but it must be stored properly (kept frozen until needed), thawed in a refrigerator, and cooked to the right doneness (opaque and flakes easily).
7. Asian Dumplings / Bibigo Steamed Dumplings / Mini Wontons
Depending on the type of dinner you’re having, frozen dumplings make excellent “fillers” or main courses. First dinner: steam or boil dumplings, served with stir-fried greens and a quick dipping sauce. Dinner two: add broth to make a hot pot or soup with vegetables and pan-fry to get crispy bottoms. For dinner, make a dumpling noodle bowl by tossing with noodles, vegetables, and sauce (soy, sesame, and garlic). The secret is to cook according to the directions on the package, make sure the filling is cooked through, and heat the food to the proper internal temperature to guarantee food safety.
8. Frozen Pizza Singles / Pre‑made Personal Pizzas
Personal or single-serving frozen pizzas provide a ready-to-eat meal, but they can also be repurposed. Dinner 1: prepare a fresh side salad and serve it baked. Dinner 2: To make them bulkier, add more fresh or frozen vegetables (mushrooms, onions, and peppers) and maybe some meat or beans. Dinner 3: Slice into strips and serve as an appetizer, such as pizza dip, or even fold slices into paninis or sandwiches. Even though a lot of frozen pizzas are heavy in saturated fat or sodium, moderation and balanced sides help. You can also use a pizza with less cheese or a thinner crust to make it less heavy.
9. Mandarin Orange Chicken (or similarly sauced frozen chicken entrees)
Entrees of frozen sauced chicken are quick and tasty. The first dinner suggestion is to serve Mandarin orange chicken with vegetables and steamed rice. Second dinner: add any leftover chicken to sandwiches or wraps with slaw. Dinner number three: incorporate the sauced chicken into a stir-fried noodle or fried rice dish by adding peas, carrots, and sauce. You can add vegetables, finish with fresh herbs, or dilute the sauce a little to avoid too much sugar or too sticky sauces. Make sure the chicken is thoroughly heated and pay attention to the cooking directions.
10. Just Bare or Pre‑breaded Chicken Filets / Chicken Tenderloins
When you want crispy texture without starting from scratch, frozen pre-breaded chicken tenderloins or filets are excellent. The first dinner consists of air-fried filets served with green beans and mashed potatoes. Dinner number two: cut into slices and serve over pasta with tomato sauce and melted cheese, a la chicken parm. Dinner three: use in salad strips, lettuce, tomato, and chicken sandwiches with buns. Avoid over-frying and balance with lighter sides because pre-breaded foods typically contain more fat and calories than raw lean protein.
11. Frozen Pasta / Tortelloni / Prepared Filled Pastas
Costco’s prepared or filled pastas (cheese ravioli, tortelloni) enable quick and cozy dinner ideas. First dinner suggestion: boil and toss with spinach, Parmesan, garlic, and butter. The second dinner is baked pasta with cheese on top and a sauce (pesto, creamy, or tomato). Make pasta soup with pasta, peas, vegetables, and broth for the third dinner. Prepared pastas cook more quickly than dried pasta, so be sure to check the cooking time to avoid overcooking. For completeness, include vegetables or protein.
12. Frozen Fruit for Smoothies / Dessert / Sauces
Frozen fruit is used in dinners even though it seems more suited for desserts. The first idea is to make a smoothie bowl dinner when you’re craving something light by blending frozen fruit with greens and yogurt. The second idea is to use fruit as a sauce or compote over roasted meat or poultry after simmering it with a small amount of sugar (or sugar substitute). The third idea is to incorporate fruit into pancake or waffle batters for brunch dinners or use it to make desserts like crisp or crumble after dinner. Fruit keeps most of its nutrients when frozen; store it properly and don’t reheat thawed fruit.
