If you're looking for a tasty and healthy protein-packed meal, you can never go wrong with a medium piece of rotisserie chicken! With just 98 calories per serving (yield after cooking, bone and skin removed), skin not eaten, it's perfect for those who are trying to watch their calorie intake while still enjoying a hearty and filling dish.

Not only is rotisserie chicken low in calories, but it's also loaded with protein, providing a whopping 20 grams per serving. It's the perfect food for gym-goers, athletes, and anyone who wants to build and maintain a healthy and lean body. Additionally, rotisserie chicken is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, iron, and zinc, which are important for overall health and well-being.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional facts of rotisserie chicken, along with some preparation tips and health benefits that are sure to convince you to include this delicious dish in your diet.

Calories per serving

As we mentioned earlier, a medium piece of rotisserie chicken (yield after cooking, bone and skin removed) contains only 98 calories. This makes it a great option for those who are looking for a low-calorie yet filling meal. If you're trying to lose weight or maintain your weight, adding rotisserie chicken to your diet can be a good way to cut down on calories without feeling hungry or deprived. However, if you choose to eat the skin, which is not recommended, you'll be adding about 31 calories per ounce of chicken. So, it's best to remove the skin before eating to keep your calorie intake in check.

Protein content

One of the main benefits of rotisserie chicken is its high protein content. With 20 grams of protein in a single serving, rotisserie chicken is an excellent source of this essential macronutrient. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, such as muscle tissue. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system. Furthermore, protein can help you feel full for longer periods and reduce cravings, making it easier to control your food intake and stick to your weight loss or fitness goals.

Fat content

When it comes to fat content, rotisserie chicken is a good choice compared to other meat options, such as beef or pork. A medium piece of rotisserie chicken contains about 3 grams of fat, which is relatively low considering the amount of protein it provides. However, keep in mind that the skin contains most of the fat in chicken, so it's best to remove it before eating. If you're concerned about your fat intake, choose white meat over dark meat, as it contains less fat.

Carbohydrate content

If you're following a low-carb or keto diet, you'll be happy to know that rotisserie chicken is a good option. It contains only small amounts of carbs, with less than 1 gram per serving. This makes it ideal for those who want to reduce their carb intake while still enjoying a satisfying and tasty meal.

Cholesterol levels

While it's true that chicken contains cholesterol, it's not as bad as you might think. In fact, studies have shown that dietary cholesterol does not have a significant impact on blood cholesterol levels in most people. A medium piece of rotisserie chicken contains about 65 milligrams of cholesterol, which is well within the daily recommended intake for most adults. If you're concerned about your cholesterol levels or have a history of cardiovascular disease in your family, it's best to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to get personalized advice on how to manage your cholesterol intake.

Sodium levels

One downside of rotisserie chicken is that it tends to be high in sodium, especially if it's bought pre-seasoned or marinated. A medium piece of rotisserie chicken can contain up to 352 milligrams of sodium, which is about 15% of the daily recommended maximum intake. To reduce your sodium intake, choose plain rotisserie chicken that is not seasoned or marinated, and try to limit your overall sodium intake from other sources, such as processed foods and snacks.

Serving size

The appropriate serving size of rotisserie chicken depends on your individual nutritional needs and goals. As a general rule, one medium piece of rotisserie chicken (yield after cooking, bone and skin removed) is considered a single serving, and it provides about 20 grams of protein and 98 calories. However, keep in mind that the specific serving size may vary depending on the size of the chicken, as well as the preparation method and seasoning used.

Preparation tips

Preparing rotisserie chicken is easy and convenient, whether you buy it pre-cooked from the grocery store or make it at home. To make sure you're getting the most out of your rotisserie chicken, try these simple tips:

• Choose plain rotisserie chicken without any seasoning or marinade.
• Remove the skin before eating to reduce your calorie and fat intake.
• Pair your rotisserie chicken with a variety of colorful veggies, such as roasted carrots or sautéed spinach, to boost your fiber and nutrient intake.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken in salads, soups, or sandwiches for a quick and easy meal.

Health benefits

Rotisserie chicken offers a number of health benefits, including:

• High protein content for building and maintaining muscle tissue.
• Low in calories and fat for weight management.
• Good source of essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, iron, and zinc.
• Convenient and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Calorie comparison

To put things into perspective, let's compare the calorie content of rotisserie chicken with some other popular foods:

• 1 medium piece of rotisserie chicken (yield after cooking, bone and skin removed): 98 calories
• 1 slice of pepperoni pizza (12-inch): about 300 calories
• 1 McDonald’s cheeseburger: about 300 calories
• 1 Snickers bar (1.86 oz): about 250 calories

As you can see, rotisserie chicken is a much healthier and lower calorie option compared to many convenience and fast foods that are commonly consumed. By adding rotisserie chicken to your diet, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without compromising your health or weight loss goals.