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Everything You Need to Know Before Buying Costco’s Rotisserie Chicken
Costco’s Rotisserie Chicken has become a staple in many households, offering a convenient and delicious meal option. But before you grab one on your next shopping trip, there are a few things you should know. We’ve gathered all the important details about Costco’s rotisserie chicken to help you make an informed decision.
What’s in a Costco rotisserie chicken?
You might be wondering what goes into making Costco’s rotisserie chicken so flavorful and tender. The ingredient list is surprisingly simple: whole chicken, water, and a blend of seasonings. The seasonings include salt, sodium phosphate, modified food starch, potato dextrin, carrageenan, sugar, dextrose, and spice extracts. While some of these additives may sound unfamiliar, they are commonly used in the food industry and are generally considered safe. Sodium phosphate helps keep the meat moist, while modified food starch is used for thickening and stabilization. Potato dextrin improves crispness, and carrageenan helps retain water in the chicken. Together, these additives contribute to the chicken’s tenderness and delicious flavor.
What’s not in a Costco rotisserie chicken?
Unlike many other grocery store rotisserie chickens, Costco’s version does not contain MSG (monosodium glutamate). MSG is a flavor enhancer commonly used in processed foods. However, the seasoning mix in Costco’s chicken is already packed with salt, sodium and sugar, making MSG unnecessary to achieve great taste. In addition, Costco’s rotisserie chicken is gluten-free, which is not always the case with other brands. So if you have dietary restrictions or preferences, you can enjoy Costco’s rotisserie chicken with confidence.
Costco’s rotisserie chicken and sodium content
Sodium content is often a concern when it comes to rotisserie chicken, but Costco’s offering is not as high in sodium as you might think. While a 3-ounce serving of rotisserie chicken can contain as much as 600 milligrams of sodium, Costco’s rotisserie chicken has about 460 milligrams per serving. By comparison, other popular brands, such as Sam’s Club rotisserie chicken, have 550 milligrams of sodium per serving. It’s worth noting that some grocery store rotisserie chickens, like Publix’s, have even lower sodium content. However, when considering sodium content, it’s important to remember that many other fast food options, such as hamburgers and sandwiches, can have significantly higher sodium levels. So, in moderation, Costco’s rotisserie chicken may be a relatively healthier choice.
The Value of Costco’s Rotisserie Chicken
One of the most appealing aspects of Costco’s rotisserie chicken is its value. For just $4.99, you get a substantial bird that weighs at least 3 pounds when cooked. This size far surpasses the offerings of other stores, where a 1-1/2 to 2-pound rotisserie chicken is more common and can cost up to $7 or even $10 at Whole Foods. Costco’s rotisserie chicken consistently ranks near the top in taste tests, making it a winning choice for both quantity and quality. When it comes to rotisserie chicken, Costco truly lives up to its reputation for great value.
Choosing the Best Costco Rotisserie Chicken
When choosing a Costco rotisserie chicken, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Choose the heaviest bird, as this indicates freshness and juiciness. Avoid chickens that have been sitting out for a long time, as their juices may have evaporated, resulting in less flavorful meat. Look for birds that touch the top of the lid, as they tend to be the heaviest. Finally, buy your rotisserie chicken toward the end of your shopping trip to minimize the time it spends at room temperature. Following these guidelines will help ensure that you bring home the best and freshest rotisserie chicken from Costco.
The Skin Situation
It’s important to manage your expectations when it comes to the skin on Costco’s rotisserie chicken. While the meat is incredibly tender and flavorful, the skin is unlikely to be crispy. The chicken is roasted to perfection, but by the time it reaches your kitchen, the skin has lost its crispness due to the packaging. However, this doesn’t detract from the overall deliciousness of the chicken. The savory and salty skin is still a crowd pleaser, even if it’s not crispy.
Affordability and taste combined
In the case of Costco’s rotisserie chicken, the old adage “you get what you pay for” doesn’t apply. Not only is the chicken affordable, but it is consistently ranked as one of the best-tasting rotisserie chickens available. The combination of affordability and taste makes it a consumer favorite. Whether you’re feeding a large family or looking for a quick and easy meal option, Costco’s rotisserie chicken delivers on both fronts.
What to do with leftover rotisserie chicken
If you have leftover rotisserie chicken from Costco, there are plenty of delicious ways to use it. You can shred the meat and use it in sandwiches, salads or wraps. The flavorful chicken adds a boost of protein and flavor to your favorite dishes. Another option is to use the leftovers in soups or stews for a hearty and satisfying meal. Or simply reheat the chicken and enjoy as is for a quick and tasty meal.
BOTTOM LINE
Costco’s rotisserie chicken is a favorite among customers for good reason. With its tender meat, flavorful seasoning and affordable price, it offers a winning combination that is hard to beat. While it does contain some additives, they are commonly used in the food industry and are generally considered safe. The chicken is also gluten-free and contains no MSG. The sodium content is moderate compared to other brands, making it a reasonable choice for those watching their sodium intake. If you’re looking for a convenient and delicious meal option, Costco’s rotisserie chicken is definitely worth a try. So the next time you’re at the warehouse store, grab one of these tasty birds and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free dinner.
FAQS
Yes, Costco’s rotisserie chicken is gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
What are the key ingredients in Costco’s rotisserie chicken?
The main ingredients in Costco’s rotisserie chicken include whole chicken, water, and a blend of seasonings including salt, sodium phosphate, modified food starch, potato dextrin, carrageenan, sugar, dextrose, and spice extracts.
Does Costco’s rotisserie chicken contain MSG?
No, Costco’s Rotisserie Chicken does not contain MSG (monosodium glutamate). The chicken’s flavorful seasoning blend does not require the addition of MSG.
How much sodium is in Costco’s rotisserie chicken?
Costco’s Rotisserie Chicken contains about 460 milligrams of sodium per serving. While this is not the lowest sodium content among rotisserie chickens, it is relatively moderate compared to other brands and fast food options.
Can I reheat and use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover Costco rotisserie chicken can be shredded and used in sandwiches, salads, wraps, soups, stews or simply reheated and enjoyed as is for a quick and tasty meal.
What should I look for when choosing a Costco rotisserie chicken?
When choosing a Costco rotisserie chicken, look for the heaviest bird as this indicates freshness and juiciness. Avoid chickens that have been sitting out for a long time and look for birds that are touching the top of the lid. Buying your rotisserie chicken near the end of your shopping trip can also help minimize the time it spends at room temperature.