Quick Answer
A whole rotisserie chicken with skin contains around 1,100-1,500 calories depending on the size. A typical 3-pound rotisserie chicken with skin will have approximately 1,300 calories.
Calorie Count Details
The number of calories in a rotisserie chicken depends on several factors:
Weight
Heavier chickens contain more calories. A small 2 lb chicken may have around 800 calories, while a large 4 lb chicken can have up to 2,000 calories. Most standard rotisserie chickens weigh between 3-4 lbs.
With or Without Skin
The skin contains a significant amount of fat and therefore calories. A rotisserie chicken with the skin removed contains around 800-1,000 calories, while a chicken with the skin on has around 1,100-1,500 calories.
Brand and Preparation
Different grocery stores and brands prepare their rotisserie chickens differently, using varying amounts of oil, seasonings, etc. This can cause slight variations in calorie counts. Free range and organic chickens may also contain slightly more calories than conventional chickens.
Here is a table showing approximate calorie counts for different sizes of rotisserie chickens with skin:
| Chicken Weight | Calories (with skin) |
|---|---|
| 2 pounds | 800 calories |
| 3 pounds | 1,300 calories |
| 4 pounds | 1,700 calories |
As you can see, a typical 3 lb chicken with skin contains around 1,300 calories.
Calorie Breakdown by Part
We can also look at the calorie counts for different parts of a rotisserie chicken:
Breast Meat
The breast meat contains the least fat and calories. A 6 oz chicken breast has around 210-250 calories.
Legs and Thighs
The dark meat in the legs and thighs contains more fat and calories. A 6 oz serving of legs/thighs has around 300-350 calories.
Wings
Chicken wings are small but packed with calories due to skin, fat, and small bones. 6 oz of wings has about 400 calories.
Skin
The skin is high in fat and contains the most calories. Just 2 oz of skin has over 200 calories.
So the white meat breast has the least calories, while the fatty skin has the most. In total, a full 3 lb rotisserie chicken with skin provides around 1,300 calories.
Nutrition Facts
Here are the full nutrition facts for a 3 lb rotisserie chicken with skin, according to the USDA:
| Amount Per 1 chicken (43g edible meat + skin) |
|---|
| Calories: 1,328 |
| Total Fat: 108g |
| Saturated Fat: 32g |
| Cholesterol: 338mg |
| Sodium: 1,349mg |
| Total Carbohydrate: 0g |
| Protein: 108g |
As you can see, the majority of calories come from fat (108g total fat), as chicken skin is high in fat. There is also a considerable amount of protein (108g). There are no carbohydrates in chicken.
Ways to Reduce Calories
If you want to reduce the calories in your rotisserie chicken, here are some tips:
Remove the Skin
Removing the skin eliminates a significant amount of fat and calories. This can reduce the total calories by 300-500.
Eat White Meat
Choosing breast meat over legs and wings can reduce calories by 100-200 per serving.
Avoid Eating Too Fast
Eating slowly allows your brain to recognize when you are full, preventing overeating.
Pair with Non-Starchy Veggies
Fill up on low calorie vegetables like broccoli, carrots, salad greens, etc.
Watch Portions
Stick to reasonable portion sizes of 4-6 oz chicken per serving. Measure portions to prevent overeating.
Skip Seconds
Resist the temptation to go back for extra servings, as this can quickly cause excess calorie intake.
As you can see, there are many ways to enjoy rotisserie chicken while still minding your calorie intake. Be mindful of portions, avoid the fatty skin, and pair it with non-starchy vegetables for a more balanced meal.
Health Benefits of Rotisserie Chicken
While rotisserie chicken is high in calories, it does provide some valuable nutrition when eaten in moderation:
High in Protein
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps build muscle, curb hunger, and aid in weight management.
Contains Important Vitamins
Chicken provides a variety of vitamins like vitamin B6, niacin, vitamin B12, selenium, and choline.
Rich in Minerals
Chicken contains minerals like phosphorus and zinc which play a role in bone health, immune function, and DNA synthesis.
Low in Saturated Fat
When you remove the skin, rotisserie chicken is relatively low in saturated fat compared to other meats.
May Reduce Inflammation
Some studies suggest phenolic compounds in poultry may have anti-inflammatory properties in the body.
So while it’s high in calories, rotisserie chicken can provide valuable nutrition as part of a balanced diet. The key is watching portion sizes and avoiding excessive intake.
Cost Effectiveness of Rotisserie Chicken
One of the appeals of rotisserie chicken is that it provides an inexpensive source of ready-to-eat protein.
When comparing costs:
Raw Chicken Costs Less
Per pound, buying raw chicken costs less than pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. However, rotisserie chicken saves prep time.
More Meat Per Pound
With raw chicken, you lose weight in cooking due to moisture loss. So rotisserie chicken gives you more edible meat per pound.
Can Stretch Several Meals
One rotisserie chicken can stretch across a main dish, sandwiches, salads, and more. This gets more value from your investment.
Saves Time
Raw chicken requires thawing, trimming, seasoning, and cooking. A rotisserie chicken avoids all this prep work.
So while raw chicken costs a little less per pound, the convenience and versatility of rotisserie chicken make it worthwhile for many consumers trying to save money and time.
How Long Does it Last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, here is how long rotisserie chicken will last:
3-4 Days
Kept in its original packaging, rotisserie chicken will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge.
5 Days
If removed from the packaging and stored in a sealed container, it will last for 5 days refrigerated.
6 Months
You can freeze rotisserie chicken for up to 6 months for longer term storage.
To maximize freshness, it’s important to refrigerate rotisserie chicken within 2 hours of purchasing. Break it into smaller portions to encourage faster cooling. Keep the temperature of your refrigerator below 40°F.
Some signs rotisserie chicken has gone bad are an off-putting sour smell, slimy texture, or visible mold. When in doubt, remember the old adage – when in doubt, throw it out.
Following proper storage methods will help your rotisserie chicken stay fresher longer and avoid food waste.
Conclusion
Rotisserie chicken can make a quick, convenient, and healthy meal when consumed in moderation. A typical 3 pound chicken with the skin on contains around 1,300 calories. The skin contributes significant fat and calories, so removing it can reduce the total calorie count. While rotisserie chicken is high in calories, it also provides ample protein, vitamins, and minerals. Eating reasonable portion sizes, avoiding the skin, and pairing it with non-starchy vegetables can help balance your diet. With proper refrigeration, rotisserie chicken will stay fresh for 3-5 days. At just $5-8 per chicken, it provides an inexpensive source of lean protein for many families. Just be mindful of your serving size to keep calorie intake in check.
