Which store-bought rotisserie chicken is the best? Putting 10 to the test for taste & nutrition
Published: August 3, 2026 at 10:20 AM
A store-bought rotisserie chicken can be a weeknight lifesaver. When everyone is hungry and cooking from scratch isn’t realistic, picking up a ready-to-eat chicken can make dinner as simple as adding a salad or a side of vegetables. But Consumer Reports says not all rotisserie chickens are the same
Consumer Reports tested rotisserie chickens from 10 retailers, including Costco, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Whole Foods, Wegmans, and several other regional grocery stores
CR evaluated the chickens for taste and nutrition, and also tested both the packaging and the meat for chemicals associated with plastics, including phthalates and bisphenol A
In CR’s taste tests, Sam’s Club took the top spot for flavor. Consumer Reports nutritionist Amy Keating says the Sam’s Club chicken was consistent from bird to bird, with moist, juicy meat and a deep roasted flavor
CONSUMER REPORTS:Is Rotisserie Chicken Healthy? CR Tested 10 Brands to Find the Best
Costco, Stop & Shop, Walmart, Wegmans, and Whole Foods also made Consumer Reports’ “best overall” list
Consumer Reports also looked at potential chemical exposure from the packaging. Tests did not find PFAS in any of the chicken or packaging. However, CR did find phthalates in every chicken tested except ShopRite
For most brands, the levels weren’t concerning. But Costco and Walmart had the highest levels, and CR’s experts say adults should have no more than 6 ounces and children no more than about 2 ounces a day of these chickens
For food safety, Consumer Reports recommends eating rotisserie chicken within two hours of bringing it home or removing it from the plastic packaging and refrigerating it. Do not reheat the chicken in its original container
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. After that, toss them—or freeze the chicken within four days and use it within four months for the best taste and texture
A rotisserie chicken can still be a convenient dinner option, but Consumer Reports says choosing carefully and handling it safely can help you get the most out of this quick meal solution
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