Calories in Rotisserie Chicken: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Rotisserie chicken is a convenient, widely available source of protein that can be found in most grocery stores. A whole rotisserie chicken provides a mix of white and dark meat along with skin, offering a good balance of protein and fat plus essential B vitamins and minerals. Here is a complete breakdown of rotisserie chicken nutrition by serving size.

Calories by serving size:

Rotisserie chicken is a notable source of niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin B6, phosphorus, and selenium. It provides a complete protein with all essential amino acids, making it a practical option for quick, high-protein meals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do the calories in breast meat compare to thigh meat on a rotisserie chicken?

Rotisserie chicken breast meat without skin has about 148 calories per 3.5 oz, while thigh meat without skin has approximately 179 calories for the same weight. The difference comes from thigh meat containing more intramuscular fat, which also gives it a richer, more moist flavor. Breast meat provides slightly more protein per calorie.

How many calories does the skin add to rotisserie chicken?

Eating the skin adds roughly 23-30 extra calories per 3.5 oz serving, mostly from additional fat. A 3.5 oz serving with skin has about 190 calories and 9.9 grams of fat, compared to 167 calories and 5.2 grams of fat without skin. Removing the skin is a simple way to reduce fat intake while keeping the protein content nearly the same.

How much sodium is in store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Store-bought rotisserie chicken is typically brined or seasoned before cooking, resulting in about 300-500 mg of sodium per 3.5 oz serving, depending on the brand. Some grocery store varieties can contain even more, with certain brands exceeding 600 mg per serving. Checking the nutrition label or asking at the deli counter can help you choose a lower-sodium option.

How much usable meat is on a whole rotisserie chicken?

A standard whole rotisserie chicken weighing about 2-2.5 pounds at purchase yields approximately 3-3.5 cups (about 1-1.3 lbs) of usable meat after removing skin and bones. This typically breaks down to roughly 12-15 oz of white meat and 8-10 oz of dark meat. One whole chicken generally provides about 4-5 adult-sized meal portions.

Is rotisserie chicken a healthy food choice?

Rotisserie chicken is a solid source of lean protein, B vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious convenience food for most people. Choosing the breast meat and removing the skin makes it even leaner, bringing the nutrition profile close to a plain cooked chicken breast. The main concern is the sodium from brining, so those watching sodium intake should be mindful of portion sizes or opt for unseasoned versions when available.