There’s something about rotisserie chicken that somehow feels special—it’s a ready-to-eat alternative that in some way feels like a treat. Many of us have picked one up to take home on a busy night after being seduced by golden brown, crispy skin and mouth watering aroma. When on a budget, Walmart rotisserie chicken helps here, too. At just $4.98 (perhaps a little more) it’s what seems to be the perfect solution to a hungry family. But taking one home, if you have ever eaten one, has often left you feeling a little disappointed. It is very cheap, it is true. But is it worth it? If compared with the alternatives, Costco and Sam’s Club, you will find that they are not as popular as Walmart’s.
Walmart’s chicken is smaller than you may think. Let us first examine the size of the chicken. One of the first things you will notice about a chicken you pick up at Walmart’s is that it feels much lighter than the others. Walmart chickens tip the scales at approximately 1 lb. 13 oz. or just less than two pounds. At first glance this does not seem like a very important fact. But when you come to compare the size with some of the others appreciated, it has a bearing.
When feeding a family, or thinking of left-overs, that extra pound or so pronounced, may bear down with much the same amount of advice. Compare this with Costco or Sam’s Club, where the chickens their weight scales will manifest around three pounds. For not very much more money you will get a chicken practically twice as big! It is somewhat hard to convince yourself at least that you have not been cheated out of a desire. As it comes to your mind that for practically $5, you could have had a chicken of very much greater size that would have gone home to feed the family. But here’s the kicker–Sam’s Club is owned by Walmart, but the rotisserie chicken is nearly double the size!
Flavor: Not Quite There
Since rotisserie chicken is all about convenience and flavor, we have to talk about taste. When you bite into a rotisserie chicken from Costco, the flavor is juicy and savory. Costco has set a reputation for their rotisserie chicken as one of the best out there–full of moisture, flavor and consistent every time. And Sam’s Club? They are not too shabby on the flavor ai. route either. In fact, some even say that Sam’s Club’s rotisserie chicken is better than Costco’s. As one Reddit user brilliantly told it, “Sam’s rotisserie chickens crush Costco’s rotisserie chickens every day of the week.”
But Walmart’s chicken? The reviews by customers on the website tell a different story. Some users find it dry. Others think it is strangely bland or too salty. Walmart chicken is strange lucking–for one can never tell what type of chicken they are getting–the juicy, delicious type, or the overcooked disappointing type! A definite mark against the flavor of Once again, Walmart fails to match the competition.
High in Sodium: A Hidden Negative
If watching sodium is part of your diet, here’s another thought for you to consider in regards to Walmart’s rotisserie chicken. The sodium in a 3 oz. serving is a great 690 mg. This may not seem like a lot, but again, when you eat a few helpings, it adds up quickly. By comparison, the chicken we found at Sam’s Club has 550 mg of sodium per serving, while Costco’s is 460 mg. And if sodium is a problem, Whole Foods offers a rotisserie chicken that has only 280 mg of sodium per quarter chicken. It is more expensive, but it is worth it if you have to watch your salt.
Sodium aside, there are lots of people who are just looking for good chicken that is not oversalty. Unfortunately, the chicken from Wal-Mart is really over-salted. This is a deterrent to those people who want a more even-tasting bird.
Better rotisserie chickens.
So, what is a good alternative to Wal-Mart’s chicken? Some alternatives are listed below.
Costco: Costco’s rotisserie chicken is famous for a reason. $4.99 buys a 3 -lb. bird that is invariably tender and juicy. This is perfect for a family and also makes good leftovers for meal prep.
Sam’s Club: Like we said, Sam’s Club offers a rotisserie chicken that compares in size and price to Costco’s. In taste, also, some have said, Sam’s chicken is superior even to Costco’s. This makes it a valid choice if you are a member of Sam’s Club.
Whole Foods: For just a bit of an upcharge Whole Foods rotisserie chicken is a good selection. Especially for those cutting back on sodium. It has 280 mg of sodium per quarter bird. This makes it a healthier choice for those that are concerned about sodium.
Local Grocery Stores: Lots of local stores have rotisserie chickens as well. These chickens are larger and often fresher than the ones at Walmart. It might be worth it to check the local grocery stores and see what special they have on rotisseries.
Why Size and Flavor are Important
Rotisserie chicken is one of those foods that is not only convenient, it is a food that is actually looked forward to by many people. There is a reason Costco’s rotisserie chicken since it has a bit of a cult following. People are really happy when they can get a large, juicy and well seasoned chicken for under $5.00. Walmart’s rotisserie chicken on the other hand does not deliver on this promise. It is smaller and the taste is hit or miss. Plus, with its high sodium content it is not the best choice for everyone. While there is nothing wrong with eating chicken from Walmart it would be better to look else where for good tasting and filling rotisserie chicken.
The Bottom Line is that Walmart’s rotisserie chicken is not the best choice that is available. While it is ok, it is not the best option. Between the smaller size, mixed seasons on flavor, and higher sodium, it is difficult to make a case for Walmart’s rotisserie chicken. When there are bigger, better tasting and fuller chickens to be had at Costco or Sam’s Club. And if you are concerned about health, Whole Foods has a great low sodium choice that is good as well.
So the next time you are eyeing the rotisserie chicken at Walmart, consider where your money is going to be better spent. Costco. Sam’s Club, local grocery store, not only are their choices better, you will be getting a better chicken of better flavor and better value.
