Store-bought rotisserie chicken might save the day when you need a quick dinner. But is rotisserie chicken good for you? Keep reading to see if the time-saving convenience is worth it!.
Maybe you’re not really excited about making another dinner from scratch at the end of a long day. And a sink full of dishes? Anything but that…but the cost of delivery is higher than ever and the nutrition in that takeout meal might not match up to your health goals.
Enter: the classic rotisserie chicken. It’s a perfectly cooked, hot and ready-to-eat dinner option available at grocery stores everywhere. But is rotisserie chicken healthy? It can be!.
I’m Cara, a registered dietitian sharing facts about nutrition for the real world (not the ideal world). I’ll guide you through the pros and cons of this popular poultry option to help you feel informed and confident as you plan your meals. Let’s get to it!.
America has a deep love for all things chicken. In fact, chicken became more popular than beef in the 1990s, and we haven’t looked back since. We eat more chicken than any other country – about 100 pounds per person – and only Brazil produces more chicken than we do (2, 3).
A lot of birds are eaten in the US every year, but almost a billion of them are rotisserie chickens. That’s about three whole chickens for every person (4, 5). If you’re debating whether or not to pick one up on your way home, you’ll be in good company!.
Rotisserie chicken is a common food item in many supermarkets and grocery stores. It’s easy to find, can be used in a variety of ways, and can be a healthy addition to your diet. That being said, what is rotisserie chicken good for? Read on for a full list of its health benefits and how to include it in a healthy lifestyle.
An Overview of Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken refers to whole chickens that are seasoned and roasted on a rotisserie, which is a rotating spit that allows for even cooking. The chickens are usually basted in seasoning and juices during the roasting process which keeps them moist and infuses them with flavor.
Most grocery stores and supermarkets have rotisserie chickens that are warm and ready to go. This saves the customer time and effort because the chickens are already cooked and only need to be cut up or added to recipes.
The Convenience Factor
One of the main benefits of rotisserie chicken is convenience. It’s easy to make a quick meal when you have hot chicken that’s already been cooked. People and families who are always on the go will appreciate having ready-made protein on hand for:
- Chicken salads or wraps
- Tacos or burritos
- Casseroles or stir fries
- Soup or sandwich fillings
- Quick protein to add to greens or grain bowls
Rotisserie chicken eliminates the hands-on time required to cook chicken from raw For time-strapped home cooks, this shortcut can be invaluable
Cost-Effectiveness
In addition to convenience, rotisserie chicken is budget-friendly. A whole rotisserie chicken only costs $5 to $8 at many grocery stores. When you look at how much that costs per serving, it gives you cheap chicken for many meals.
Purchasing ready-made rotisserie chicken is often cheaper than buying raw chicken and investing time and energy into preparing it yourself. Plus, it yields pre-cooked meat, meaning there’s no prep work or cleanup involved.
Nutritional Profile
So we know rotisserie chicken is convenient and budget-friendly, but how does it stack up nutrition-wise?
Here is the nutritional value for 3 ounces of breast meat without skin:
- Calories: 194
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 116mg
- Sodium: 443mg
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 38g
As you can see, rotisserie chicken is high in protein, with 38g per 3 ounce serving. Protein provides satiety and helps preserve muscle mass.
The fat and saturated fat content are low, especially if you remove the skin before eating. Choosing breast meat over dark meat can further reduce fat intake.
One potential downside is the sodium content. Many rotisserie chickens are enhanced with a salt solution during processing. Checking labels and choosing lower-sodium options is advised, especially for those limiting sodium intake.
Overall, rotisserie chicken can be a lean, protein-packed choice. Just be mindful of sodium and saturated fat from the skin and dark meat.
Versatility in Meals and Recipes
Rotisserie chicken is one of the most versatile ingredients to keep on hand. It can be used in a variety of dishes, from simple to gourmet. Here are some recipe ideas that incorporate rotisserie chicken:
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Salads: Chicken salad, chef salad, Cobb salad, Greek salad, chicken caesar salad
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Sandwiches and wraps: Chicken salad sandwiches, chicken bacon ranch wraps, bbq chicken wraps
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Bowls: Chicken burrito bowls, chicken stir fry bowls, chicken curry bowls, chicken rice bowls
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Soups and chilis: Chicken noodle soup, chicken tortilla soup, white chicken chili
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Casseroles and bakes: Chicken parmesan casserole, chicken enchilada casserole, chicken pot pie, chicken lasagna
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Snacks: Chicken quesadillas, buffalo chicken bites, chicken nachos
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Entrees: Chicken fajitas, chicken fried rice, chicken pasta dishes, chicken tacos
The possibilities are truly endless when cooking with rotisserie chicken. It can be added to pasta, stir fries, sandwiches, salads, and more. Having it ready-to-go in the refrigerator makes whipping up quick meals and leftovers simple.
Tips for Buying and Storing
When purchasing rotisserie chicken, follow these tips for best quality:
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Check temperature – Make sure the chicken is kept at 140°F or above to prevent bacterial growth.
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Avoid dried out chicken – Meat should look moist and juicy, not dried or discolored.
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Check for freshness – The chicken should be freshly cooked that day, not leftover from the day before.
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Watch the expiration date – Only purchase chicken that is before the sell-by or use-by date.
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Refrigerate promptly – Get the chicken into the fridge within 2 hours of purchasing.
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Store correctly – Keep chicken tightly wrapped in fridge for 3-4 days. Freeze for longer storage.
Following proper food safety practices helps reduce your risk of foodborne illness.
The Takeaway
Rotisserie chicken makes for quick, budget-friendly meals that pack a nutritional punch. The versatility of pre-cooked chicken is hard to beat when it comes to convenience and ease. Just be mindful of sodium content, store properly, and use within recommended timelines. So next time you’re in a pinch for dinner, grab a hot, juicy rotisserie chicken and transform it into the meal of your choice!
Easy Rotisserie Chicken Recipes
As always, I tell people to eat well-balanced meals with protein (your chicken will give you this), fat, and carbs. And don’t forget the veggies! If your meals tend to include all of these components, you’re much more likely to be healthy and satisfied.
Here are some of my favorite rotisserie chicken recipes for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, and meal prep:
And if you’re not sure what to serve with your favorite chicken dinner, try following these easy and tasty recipes:
Rotisserie Chicken FAQs and Food Safety Tips
The USDA recommends that you use up your leftover rotisserie chicken within 3-4 days (7). Avoid the danger zone between 40-140 degrees F by serving your rotisserie chicken hot and chilling it in the refrigerator for later use right away.
CONSUMER REPORTS: Is rotisserie chicken healthy?
FAQ
How good is rotisserie chicken good for?
Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and versatile meal option, offering a good source of protein and relatively low saturated fat. It can be a healthy choice when consumed in moderation and stored properly.
What do people use rotisserie chicken for?
10 Ways to Turn Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken Into a Healthy DinnerRotisserie Chicken Salad With Greens and Herbs. Chicken Tortilla Soup. Rotisserie Chicken and Greens Pasta. Crispy Wonton Chicken Salad. White Chicken Chili. Green Goddess Chicken Salad Sandwiches. Chicken and Red Lentil Soup With Lemony Yogurt.
What does rotisserie chicken do to your body?
“[The vitamins and minerals in rotisserie chicken] help with everything from making blood cells to keeping the skin healthy, thinking clearly, and making energy,” says Stark.
Are rotisserie chickens healthy?
They’re also a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including: While rotisserie chickens can be a healthy choice, they do come with some nutritional drawbacks. Many store-bought rotisserie chickens are high in sodium, which can be a concern for people with high blood pressure or other heart health issues.
What is rotisserie chicken?
Rotisserie chicken is a tried-and-true method of cooking a whole chicken that involves skewering the bird on a spit and slowly roasting it in a hot oven or over an open flame. This cooking technique allows the chicken to cook evenly on all sides. The chicken stays moist and flavorful.
Is rotisserie chicken good for weight loss?
But when compared to plant sources of protein, rotisserie chicken has some notable downsides for weight loss and overall health. For example, rotisserie chicken skin is high in saturated fat. One 3-ounce serving of rotisserie chicken (dark meat, with the skin) contains 3g of saturated fat.
Does rotisserie chicken taste good?
Few grocery market meals are as convenient and satisfying as the rotisserie chicken. Rotisserie chicken is easy to make and doesn’t cost much. It can be the star of a family meal that tastes like it was made at home. When compared with a roast chicken, a rotisserie chicken provides many of the same nutrients, including protein.
Should you buy rotisserie chicken?
Buying rotisserie chicken is a convenient, budget-friendly, and nutritious way to add protein to your meals. Rotisserie chicken is nutritionally comparable to a chicken roasted at home. Some grocery stores add sodium, preservatives, and other additives to rotisserie chicken, which can pose health risks for some people.
Do rotisserie chickens have a solution?
Senior Vice President of Communications for the National Chicken Council, Tom Super, told Consumer Reports in 2021, “Basically, all rotisserie chickens are enhanced with a solution [injected into the bird] to keep the birds moist and tasty.” ” This is a similar process as prepping your Thanksgiving turkey before popping it into the oven.