On some evenings, cooking might not be an appealing option, yet we still want to avoid resorting to takeout or delivery. So, we head to the grocery store with good intentions to purchase nutritious ingredients for a homemade dinner. There, we are confronted with the most delicious sight - a rotisserie chicken. Anyone who loves chicken cannot feel as if their entire nervous system just got a jolt. The smell, the deep golden-brown color, it's very seductive. But is it good for you? This is what we're going to find out.
Anyone who has ever bought a rotisserie chicken from a grocery store can attest to their mouth-watering appeal. These chickens are typically juicy and flavorful, providing enough servings for an entire family when accompanied by side dishes like salad, dinner rolls, or vegetables. Rotisserie chickens are not only convenient, but they are also often priced affordably, making them a seemingly excellent alternative to fast food. It's easy to convince ourselves that chicken is healthy, so it should be a suitable dinner option.
While the convenience and price are undeniable, the healthiness of store-bought rotisserie chicken may depend on where you purchase it. Consumer Reports investigated the health aspects of rotisserie chickens, focusing on those labeled "plain" or "original." The study revealed that "plain" doesn't always imply a lack of additives.
Many grocery store rotisserie chickens are injected with a solution to ensure juiciness, which often results in a high sodium content. Even if you enjoy salt on your chicken, these chickens can contain up to 9 times more sodium than if the solution wasn't added. This is significantly more salt than you would typically use when seasoning chicken, yourself. This amount of sodium is a bit of a shock to the system, and may cause a sudden and significant increase in blood pressure, which may cause problems. High sodium intake is connected to hypertension, heart disease and kidney disease, among other health issues.
The worst culprits are the Member’s Mark Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken from Sam’s Club, with 550 mg of sodium per 3 oz serving, and Costco's Kirkland chickens, containing 460 mg of sodium per serving.
The Simple Truth rotisserie chicken from Kroger has the lowest sodium content at 40 mg per serving, with ingredients limited to chicken, water, and sea salt.
In conclusion, before purchasing a rotisserie chicken, we advise checking the nutrition label for ingredients and sodium content, enabling you to make an informed decision. If the label isn't on the package, consult a deli employee, as the store should have the information readily available.
On the other hand, non-rotisserie chicken offers various health benefits. Regular chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and maintenance. It also contains essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, niacin, selenium, and phosphorus. Preparing chicken without added solutions or excessive sodium helps maintain its nutritional value, making it a healthier choice for your meals. So consider that next time you shop.
