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October 19, 2023
Many a family has been saved by the rotisserie chicken.
Who among us hasn’t swung through the grocery store on a desperate Wednesday night, grabbing the chicken from under the warming lights and a bag of salad to bring home and turn into dinner?
But is that rotisserie chicken as healthy for your family as one you would roast yourself in the oven? We asked registered dietitian Jamie Allers, MS, part of Hartford HealthCare’s Digestive Health Institute.
A rotisserie chicken has more in common with a roasted chicken than you might think.
“Nutritionally, it will be comparable. A rotisserie chicken will have similar nutrients to one you roast,” says Allers. “Similar protein, iron. The main difference is the amount and type of any additives.”
Some stores “inject the chickens with a solution, which might contain added salt, sugar, various natural flavorings,” Allers explains. “They add these other compounds – gums, stabilizers – to add flavor and moistness and make it look appetizing.”
Not sure what additives to look out for? Allers has this tip for label sleuths.
“If there are no additives, the ingredient list will simply read: ‘chicken,’” she says.
> Related: Nutrition Smack Down: Which Protein Is the Healthiest?
A rotisserie chicken is better than some of the other alternatives.
Even with additives, a rotisserie chicken is a far healthier choice than a fast food run, says Allers.
“It’s still lower in fat and calories than fast food. It’s serving its purpose – it’s fast, but it can still help you create a balanced meal. Add some frozen broccoli and brown rice or sweet potato, and it becomes far more balanced than fast food.”
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But the best way to eat healthy in a time crunch? Plan ahead.
“Try to prepare meals ahead of time whenever possible,” says Allers. “That way, when you’re busy, you’ll have a healthy and delicious option at home, ready to go.”
And the great news is, a whole chicken is versatile and cost effective.
“When you have time, try roasting a chicken in your oven. And while it cooks, prep fresh veggies for the week, or other meals like quick breakfasts or bagged lunches,” Allers suggests.
You can shred the chicken, use it in a stir fry or add it to salads. Then use what’s left to make broth, soup or stock to freeze.
FAQs
A rotisserie chicken is better than some of the other alternatives. Even with additives, a rotisserie chicken is a far healthier choice than a fast food run, says Allers. “It's still lower in fat and calories than fast food. It's serving its purpose – it's fast, but it can still help you create a balanced meal.
Is it safe to eat rotisserie chicken from store? ›
Yes, absolutely! Since rotisserie chicken is fully cooked and seasoned already, it can be eaten cold in many ways. I love to shred it up and add to salads and sandwiches. How can you make rotisserie chicken last longer?
What is the healthiest part of the rotisserie chicken? ›
Nutrition Facts on Rotisserie Chicken
The breast is the leanest part of the chicken, while the thigh is the fattiest. The good news is that both parts of the chicken are packed with vitamins and minerals.
Which is healthier, rotisserie or grilled chicken? ›
Rotisserie: Cooking Style
No high-flame fire is required. Low heat in an open flame is sufficient. It is a slow cooking method and is ideal for bigger pieces cooking over a long time. Rotisserie chicken is much lower in calories due to being oven-roasted.
What are the negatives of rotisserie chicken? ›
While it's generally considered healthy, it also comes with significant drawbacks—including high sodium content and some questionable additives.
Who has the lowest sodium rotisserie chicken? ›
Kroger (Simple Truth) rotisserie chickens and organic chickens from Wegmans have much lower levels of sodium, at 40 mg and 95 mg, respectively, proving that not all injected birds are bad news. And Kroger's ingredients are only chicken, water, and sea salt.
Is rotisserie chicken considered processed meat? ›
“With nitrates, whether it's natural or not, it's still nitrates.” Turkey and chicken are often recommended as healthy alternatives to red meat. But if they are preserved, they count as processed meats and are harmful.
Why avoid Costco rotisserie chicken? ›
It's not the healthiest rotisserie chicken available
Costco isn't the only store selling rotisserie chicken, of course — and while their birds may be popular, they're not the healthiest you can buy. Consumer Reports called out chickens from Costco and Sam's Club for excessively high sodium.
When should you throw out a rotisserie chicken? ›
USDA recommends using cooked chicken within three to four days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. USDA recommends using cooked leftovers within three to four days.
Which is healthier rotisserie or fried chicken? ›
Roasted chicken is a healthy choice, especially compared to fried chicken. The rotisserie method drains the fat, while fried chicken absorbs it. To make rotisserie chicken even healthier, remove the skin and stick to white meat.
When preparing chicken dishes, you are often advised to remove the skin completely. However, according to many current studies, it is confirmed that chicken skin is not completely bad food. In fact, 30g of chicken skin will contain 8g of unsaturated fat and 3g of saturated fat.
Is rotisserie chicken a junk food? ›
Is it healthy? Yes, rotisserie chicken is a healthy choice. Chicken is rich in protein and nutrients, and store-bought rotisserie chickens provide a convenient and inexpensive alternative to less-healthy fast-food options.
Why do grocery stores sell rotisserie chicken? ›
I believe you can get much better (and healthier) rotisserie chicken at home, but you need the right equipment and it will cost more than a grocery store chicken, because rotisserie chicken is a “loss leader” for supermarkets: they sell it for less than their cost, to attract people to the store who then buy much more.
Is Subway rotisserie chicken real? ›
Producing high-quality food for our customers is our highest priority. Our chicken is and has always been 100% real chicken. In response to these baseless allegations, we had two independent labs, one in the US and one in Canada, test our Canadian chicken products.
Is rotisserie chicken better for you than fried? ›
Roasted chicken is a healthy choice, especially compared to fried chicken. The rotisserie method drains the fat, while fried chicken absorbs it. To make rotisserie chicken even healthier, remove the skin and stick to white meat.
Is rotisserie chicken good to eat for weight loss? ›
Since rotisserie chicken is highly nutritious and a good source of protein, it can offer several health benefits. Here are some possible health benefits of rotisserie chicken. Promotes weight loss. Since protein takes longer to digest, it can increase fullness levels, making it easier to reach a caloric deficit.
Is rotisserie better than grilled? ›
The choice between rotisserie and barbecue cooking ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of meat you are cooking. If you are cooking a large cut of meat, such as a whole chicken or roast, a rotisserie may be the better option. This method ensures even cooking and results in juicy and succulent meat.
