I’m a frequent Costco shopper. At least once every two weeks, you’ll find me pushing a large shopping cart up and down the aisles, stocking up on household essentials. And one item that I never leave the warehouse without is the company’s famous seasoned rotisserie chicken.  

Found in the cooked-food section, Costco’s seasoned rotisserie chicken is a must-buy for many reasons.  First, the chicken is anything but bland—it’s wonderfully seasoned, tender and juicy. It’s also an excellent source of protein, the most important building block of the body, and makes throwing together a healthy, high-protein dinner a breeze. And I’m not alone in my adoration. Two of my fellow dietitians also love Costco’s rotisserie chicken. Read on to learn why.

Why Costco’s Rotisserie Chicken Is So Great 

It’s Affordable and Convenient

Many households are feeling the weight of rising food prices, making the value of this seasoned chicken hard to beat. Walk into almost any grocery store, and you’ll likely pay upward of $7 or more for a 2.6-pound bird. However, at Costco, a 2.6-pound rotisserie chicken rings up at just $4.99 (or $7.99 in Canada). This works out to be about $1.92 per pound (or $3.07 per pound in Canada)—where else can you find this price?

Plus, the whole rotisserie chicken is seasoned, cooked and ready to eat, making it a win for busy nights or simplifying meal prep.

For my colleague Jennifer House, M.Sc., RD, founder of First Step Nutrition, Costco’s rotisserie chicken is enough to feed her family of five. She typically pairs it with rice, a baguette, salad or a veggie side dish, and says that the portion is large enough to still have some meat left over for salads or sandwiches.

It’s Versatile

Because it’s pre-seasoned, you can certainly carve up the chicken and eat the meat on its own. However, don’t let its flavorful brine keep you from adding it to other recipes. Curry dishes, dinner salads, burrito bowls and soups are all perfect vehicles for this seasoned meat. Cheryl Mussatto, M.S., RD, LD, founder of Eat Well to Be Well, says that she shreds the chicken into pieces to make this 3-ingredient Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Salad or her family’s favorite, Rotisserie Chicken Tacos.

Like House, I always have leftover rotisserie chicken after eating the dish for dinner. On days when I’m pressed for time, I reheat the leftover chicken and pair it with brown rice and a veggie stir-fry, like this Stir-Fried Carrots, Corn & Peppers. 

Another tip? Don’t waste the bones! I use the bones to make chicken broth, which can be used as a base for soups, stews and rice pilaf.

It’s Packed with Protein

Protein is an essential nutrient with no shortage of benefits, from promoting muscle growth and strengthening the immune system to supporting hormone production and aiding wound healing. Each 3-ounce serving of Costco’s seasoned rotisserie chicken provides an impressive 19 grams of protein and just 140 calories.

It’s Nutritious

Aside from protein, rotisserie chicken contains many other essential nutrients, including: 

• Vitamin B6
• Zinc
• Vitamin B12
• Phosphorus
• Selenium

Plus, Costco’s seasoned rotisserie chicken contains just 2.5 grams of saturated fat, or 13% of the recommended daily value. 

The biggest downside, according to Mussatto, is that the chicken contains 460 milligrams of sodium per serving, contributing 20% of the recommended daily sodium intake., She explains that rotisserie chickens are seasoned with salt solution or brine to keep them juicy, tender and flavorful. Depending on your health goals, she suggests removing the skin to reduce the fat and sodium content.

Tips to Eat More Protein

Getting enough protein in the diet is important, and Costco’s seasoned rotisserie chicken is far from your only option. Protein can be found in a variety of animal- and plant-based foods, including nuts, seeds, soy, dairy, eggs, fish and beef, many of which offer a comparable amount of protein per serving to Costco’s rotisserie chicken. 

House and Mussatto share their top tips for enjoying more protein.

• Crack Open Some Eggs: House likes to keep boiled eggs on hand because they make a great on-the-go snack. “You can also use them to make egg salad sandwiches or slice them and add them to ramen soup or a salad,” she says. On slower mornings, whisk up an omelet with our 50 Inspiring Omelet Filling Ideas. My favorite is the Avocado & Smoked Salmon Omelet because I can enjoy three of my favorite foods in one bite. 
• Incorporate More Plant-Based Proteins: Foods like canned beans, chickpeas and lentils are plant-based sources of protein that provide other key nutrients, like fiber and antioxidants. Mussatto likes to toss a handful of chickpeas and lentils onto salads or mix them into a bowl of roasted vegetables with a drizzle of pesto on top. You can also use canned chickpeas to make a budget-friendly sandwich spread.
• Give Edamame and Tofu a Try: Soy-based proteins like tofu and edamame are both nutritious and versatile. While bland on its own, tofu is a flavor sponge, making it perfect for marinating or adding to soups and curries. Meanwhile, edamame needs just a dash of seasoning to turn it into a flavorful, protein-packed snack or appetizer. Try one or more of our Healthy Quick & Easy Tofu Recipes, or enjoy boiled edamame in our Super-Green Edamame Salad.
• Eat Fish Twice a Week: In addition to protein, fish, especially fatty fish, is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. House loves eating salmon fillets—which you can also buy at Costco—marinated in a mixture of Dijon mustard and maple syrup. Canned fish, like tuna and sardines, are a great pantry staple for whipping up sandwiches or salads on busy days. 
• Keep Greek Yogurt on Hand: Greek yogurt is another one of Mussatto’s favorite protein foods. “I like to sprinkle Greek yogurt with chopped walnuts or sliced almonds and a handful of berries for a delicious snack,” she says. You can also add Greek yogurt to your favorite muffin recipe, mix it into pancake batter or add a dollop to tacos in place of sour cream. 

The Bottom Line

Costing just $5 per bird, Costco’s seasoned rotisserie chicken is an affordable—and flavorful—way to boost the protein content of your diet. It’s also packed with essential nutrients and can be used in virtually any cuisine. Enjoy it in one of your family’s favorite recipes, or try one of these 19 quick recipes that start with a Costco Rotisserie Chicken.