A large piece of rotisserie chicken yields about 162 calories after cooking, with the bones and skin removed. If you're looking for a nutritious and easy meal, rotisserie chicken can be an excellent choice. Here's what you need to know about the nutritional value of rotisserie chicken and how to incorporate it into your diet.
On top of being a convenient and tasty option for meals, rotisserie chicken is also a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. One serving of rotisserie chicken (3.5 oz or 100g) contains around 31 grams of protein, 105 calories, and 1.3 grams of saturated fat. It's also a good source of niacin, phosphorus, and selenium.
In this article, we'll explore some of the health benefits of rotisserie chicken, discuss how to cook and store it, and provide tips for choosing high-quality chicken for your meals.
Rotisserie Chicken Nutrition Facts
As mentioned earlier, rotisserie chicken is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It's also relatively low in calories and fat, especially if you remove the skin. Here are some of the nutritional facts you should know about rotisserie chicken:
- One serving contains about 31 grams of protein.
- It's a good source of niacin, phosphorus, and selenium.
- One serving of rotisserie chicken (3.5 oz or 100g) contains around 105 calories and 1.3 grams of saturated fat.
- Removing the skin can significantly reduce the calorie and fat content of the chicken.
Why Rotisserie Chicken is a Good Choice
There are many reasons why rotisserie chicken is an excellent choice for a meal:
- It's a convenient and easy option that saves time in the kitchen.
- It's a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- It's often more affordable than buying raw chicken and cooking it yourself.
- It can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and soups to casseroles and sandwiches.
The Health Benefits of Rotisserie Chicken
In addition to the nutritional value of rotisserie chicken, there are several health benefits associated with including it in your diet:
- It can help build and repair muscle tissue due to its high protein content.
- It contains vitamins and minerals that can help support a healthy immune system.
- It's a good source of selenium, which has been shown to have antioxidant properties.
- It's relatively low in calories and fat, especially if you remove the skin.
How to Incorporate Rotisserie Chicken into Your Diet
Here are some ideas for incorporating rotisserie chicken into your meals:
- Use it as a topping for salads or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
- Shred it and add it to soups or stews.
- Make a chicken salad with chopped chicken, celery, onion, and mayonnaise.
- Use it as a base for stir-fry dishes or casseroles.
The Best Ways to Cook with Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken is easy to cook with and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some tips for cooking with rotisserie chicken:
- Remove the skin to reduce the calorie and fat content of the chicken.
- Shred or chop the chicken before using it in soups, stews, or casseroles.
- Cut it into small pieces to use as a topping for salads or wraps.
- Use the bones to make homemade chicken broth.
How to Store Leftover Rotisserie Chicken
If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, here's how to store it properly:
- Remove the meat from the bones and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze leftover chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 6 months.
- Use frozen chicken within 2-3 months for best flavor and texture.
Tips for Choosing a High-Quality Rotisserie Chicken
To ensure that you're getting a high-quality rotisserie chicken, here are some tips to follow:
- Choose a chicken that looks moist and has golden-brown skin.
- Check the expiration date to make sure the chicken is fresh.
- Look for organic or free-range options, which are typically healthier and more flavorful.
- Ask the store staff when the chicken was cooked, and choose a fresh one if possible.
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Healthier
If you want to make your rotisserie chicken even healthier, here are some tips to follow:
- Remove the skin to reduce the calorie and fat content.
- Choose a chicken that's organic or free-range for higher nutritional value.
- Add it to healthy dishes like salads and soups rather than using it as a topping for pizza or pasta.
- Avoid eating it with high-calorie sides like mac and cheese or mashed potatoes.
The Pros and Cons of Rotisserie Chicken
Like any food, rotisserie chicken has both pros and cons. Here's a quick summary:
- Pros: Convenient, good source of protein and nutrients, affordable.
- Cons: High in sodium and can be high in calories and fat, especially if you eat the skin or use it in high-calorie dishes.
Rotisserie Chicken vs. Other Types of Chicken
When it comes to chicken, there are many different types to choose from, including organic, free-range, and conventional. Here's how rotisserie chicken compares to other types of chicken:
- Rotisserie chicken is typically more affordable than buying raw chicken and cooking it yourself.
- Organic and free-range chicken may be more nutritious and flavorful than conventional chicken, but can also be more expensive.
- Raw chicken gives you more control over the cooking and seasoning process, but can be more time-consuming and requires more preparation.
Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and easy option that saves time in the kitchen while still offering nutritional value and versatility in cooking.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Rotisserie Chicken
1. How many calories are in a large piece of rotisserie chicken?
A large piece of rotisserie chicken, after cooking and with the bone and skin removed, contains 162 calories.
2. Is rotisserie chicken healthy?
Rotisserie chicken can be a healthy option as it is a good source of protein and contains fewer calories and less fat than fried chicken. However, the sodium content can be high, so it is important to check the label and choose a lower sodium option if possible.
3. How long does rotisserie chicken last in the fridge?
Rotisserie chicken can last in the fridge for up to 4 days if stored properly in an airtight container. It is important to reheat the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F before eating.
4. Can you freeze rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can freeze rotisserie chicken. It is best to remove the meat from the bone and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can last in the freezer for up to 4 months.
5. What can I make with leftover rotisserie chicken?
You can use leftover rotisserie chicken in a variety of dishes such as salads, soups, sandwiches, and casseroles. It is a versatile ingredient that can add flavor and protein to your meals.