Costco Rotisserie Chicken Nutrition: What You Need to Know

Let’s first dive into the nutritional facts of Costco’s famed rotisserie chicken. A standard serving of rotisserie chicken consists of about 3 ounces of meat, without the skin. According to the Costco rotisserie chicken nutrition label, here’s what you get in a typical serving:

• Calories: 140
• Protein: 21g
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 460mg
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

This nutritional profile shows that Costco rotisserie chicken is an excellent source of protein, with minimal carbohydrates, making it a good choice for low-carb diets like keto. However, there are concerns about the high levels of sodium, which we’ll discuss in more detail later.

Calories in Costco Rotisserie Chicken

One of the most common questions is how many calories are in Costco rotisserie chicken? The entire chicken contains roughly 1,000 to 1,200 calories depending on the size and how much of the skin you eat. For those watching their calorie intake, be mindful of how much you consume, as the calories can add up quickly if you’re eating more than a standard serving size.

If you’re wondering about calories in Costco chicken breast, a skinless portion will be lower in fat and calories compared to the skin-on options. For example, a 3-ounce portion of skinless chicken breast has around 120 calories and only 2.5 grams of fat.

Costco Chicken Macros: Protein, Fat, and Carbs

For anyone keeping an eye on their macros, Costco rotisserie chicken is quite balanced. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Protein: Each serving provides a solid 21 grams of protein. Protein is essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and maintaining overall health. This makes Costco chicken an excellent option for those looking to boost their protein intake without too many added calories.
• Fat: The chicken contains about 7 grams of total fat per serving, with 2 grams being saturated fat. While the fat content isn’t alarming for most people, those on low-fat diets may want to remove the skin to reduce the fat intake.
• Carbohydrates: One of the biggest selling points of Costco rotisserie chicken is that it contains zero carbs, which makes it a favorite among those on ketogenic, Atkins, or other low-carb diets.

Sodium in Costco Rotisserie Chicken

One of the main downsides of the Costco rotisserie chicken is the high sodium content. With 460mg of sodium per serving, this adds up quickly if you’re consuming more than the suggested portion size. Excess sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health issues if consumed in large amounts.

To reduce sodium intake, consider removing the skin or eating smaller portions, as much of the seasoning, which includes salt, is concentrated on the skin.

Is Costco Rotisserie Chicken Healthy?

The question of whether Costco rotisserie chicken is healthy depends on what you’re looking for in your diet. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide:

Pros:

1. High in Protein: With 21 grams of protein per serving, Costco rotisserie chicken is a protein powerhouse, helping you meet your daily needs.
2. Low in Carbs: If you’re on a low-carb or keto diet, this chicken is perfect since it contains zero carbs.
3. Convenience and Affordability: The ease of picking up a fully cooked chicken for just $4.99 can’t be beaten. It saves time on meal prep and offers flexibility in recipes.

Cons:

1. High in Sodium: The sodium content is the biggest downside. If you have concerns about your sodium intake, you may need to limit your consumption or remove the skin to lower the amount of salt you’re consuming.
2. Preservatives: While the chicken doesn’t contain artificial flavors, colors, or MSG, it is seasoned with sodium-based preservatives to maintain freshness.
3. Fat Content: If you’re on a low-fat diet, you may want to remove the skin to reduce the fat intake.

How Much Protein is in Costco Rotisserie Chicken?

For those prioritizing protein intake, Costco rotisserie chicken is a great choice. How much protein is in a Costco rotisserie chicken? A whole chicken contains around 120-150 grams of protein depending on the size of the bird. For those tracking macros, this makes it an excellent high-protein option.

How to Incorporate Costco Rotisserie Chicken Into Your Diet

Rotisserie chicken from Costco is extremely versatile. You can enjoy it as a main dish, in sandwiches, salads, soups, or as a protein boost in your meal prep. Here are some easy ways to incorporate it into your meals:

1. Salads: Add shredded rotisserie chicken to your favorite salad for a quick and easy meal.
2. Wraps: Make a protein-packed wrap with chicken, fresh veggies, and your favorite sauce.
3. Soups: Use the chicken in a hearty soup like chicken noodle or chicken tortilla.
4. Meal Prep: Cooked rotisserie chicken is perfect for meal prepping. Pair it with roasted vegetables or a side of quinoa for a balanced meal.

How Healthy is Costco Rotisserie Chicken?

Many people wonder, is rotisserie chicken from Costco healthy? Overall, it can be a healthy part of a balanced diet, especially if you’re looking for a high-protein, low-carb option. However, the high sodium content and preservatives may be a concern for those with specific dietary needs. Moderation and portion control are key when consuming rotisserie chicken regularly.

Comparing Costco Rotisserie Chicken to Other Options

How does Costco’s chicken stack up compared to other stores? Let’s take a look:

• Costco: 460 mg sodium, 140 calories, 21g protein per serving.
• Walmart: 690 mg sodium, 170 calories, 23g protein per serving.
• Sam’s Club: 550mg sodium, 160 calories, 22g protein per serving.

Clearly, Costco’s chicken is one of the better choices in terms of sodium and calorie count, making it the healthier option among other major retailers.

Final Verdict: Should You Eat Costco Rotisserie Chicken?

Costco rotisserie chicken is convenient, affordable, and provides a good source of protein with zero carbs. However, the high sodium content is a drawback that health-conscious individuals should be aware of. Is Costco rotisserie chicken healthy? In moderation, it can fit into a balanced diet, especially for those looking for a quick, high-protein meal. Removing the skin and eating smaller portions can help mitigate the high sodium levels and fat content.

Overall, if you’re looking for a convenient, budget-friendly meal, Costco rotisserie chicken nutrition offers a solid choice, especially when consumed as part of a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and whole grains.