If you’ve been on TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen the viral Costco chicken and rice recipe floating around. It’s one of those simple, comforting meals that people keep making again and again — and I completely understand why.
The original version uses Costco rotisserie chicken, which makes the recipe incredibly quick. But when I was visiting home in the U.S. over winter break, I kept seeing it everywhere and never actually got around to trying it.
Fast forward to now… I’m back in Jordan where Costco rotisserie chicken definitely isn’t an option, so I decided to make the whole thing from scratch.
And honestly?
It’s even better this way.
Instead of rotisserie chicken, I roast a marinated whole chicken with yogurt, lemon, garlic, and spices. The chicken juices mix with the rice, soy sauce, scallions, and sesame oil and create the most flavorful rice bowl.
It’s simple, comforting, and perfect for feeding a family.
Why This Viral Chicken and Rice Recipe Works
There’s a reason this recipe blew up online. It’s incredibly easy, but the flavors are surprisingly good.
What makes it special:
- Roasted chicken mixed with its own pan drippings
- Soy sauce and sesame oil for savory depth
- Fresh scallions for brightness
- Mushrooms for extra umami
- Rice that absorbs all the flavor
It’s basically comfort food in one bowl.
And the best part?
This recipe is great for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Rice
Use fresh scallions.
They add brightness and balance the rich chicken and rice.
Don’t skip the chicken drippings.
This is where the real flavor is.
Cook the rice ahead of time.
Day-old rice works best for mixing.
Adjust soy sauce to taste.
Start small and add more if needed.
Storage and Meal Prep
This recipe is perfect for leftovers.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop
- Add a splash of water if the rice dries out
It also makes a great next-day lunch.
Final Thoughts
I finally understand why this Costco chicken and rice recipe went viral.
It’s simple, cozy, and packed with flavor. But making it from scratch with a whole roasted chicken takes it to another level.
And if you live somewhere like I do where Costco rotisserie chicken isn’t exactly available… this version might actually be the better one.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 whole chicken about 1.2 kg
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- Generous drizzle olive oil about 3–4 tbsp
- 2 heaping tbsp plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup water for bottom of pan
For the Chicken & Rice
- 6 cups cooked rice
- 2 very large scallions about 2 cups chopped
- 1 can chopped mushrooms drained
- 2 –3 tbsp soy sauce to taste
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- 1 –2 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
Roast the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, yogurt, tomato paste, garlic, paprika, onion powder, and salt.
- Rub the marinade all over the chicken, inside and out.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight is even better).
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Place the chicken in a baking dish and add ½ cup water to the bottom of the pan.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake another 30 minutes, until the chicken is golden and fully cooked.
- Let the chicken rest 10 minutes, then debone and shred it.
- Mix the shredded chicken back into the pan drippings.
Make the Chicken & Rice
- In a large bowl combine:
- Cooked rice
- Scallions
- Mushrooms
- Shredded chicken with pan drippings
- Add soy sauce, ginger powder, and sesame oil.
- Mix well and taste. Adjust soy sauce if needed.
Serve warm.
