How healthy is rotisserie chicken?
Is rotisserie chicken healthy? Yes, for most people, especially without the skin. Rotisserie chicken scores 40/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provides 239 kcal, 27 g protein and 1.3 mg iron. These values are for whole roast chicken with the skin, mixing light and dark meat. It is a convenient source of protein, B vitamins and selenium. Source: USDA FoodData Central.
Score explained
The score compares nutrient density per 100 kcal across every food we cover (NRF9.3 method). Rotisserie chicken ranks higher than 40% of them.
Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)
- Protein23%
- Iron3%
- Magnesium2%
- Vitamin A2%
- Potassium2%
- Vitamin E1%
- Calcium0%
- Fiber0%
- Vitamin C0%
Counts against
- Saturated fat8%
- Added sugars0%
- Sodium1%
Raw NRF9.3: 34 minus 9 = 24. The score is not a verdict on whether to eat a food; portion, the whole meal and your own health matter more. Full methodology
How many calories are in rotisserie chicken?
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per portion | %DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and macronutrients | |||
| Calories | 239 kcal | 203 kcal | |
| Protein | 27 g | 23 g | 46% |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | 0 g | |
| Added sugars | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Fat | 14 g | 12 g | 15% |
| Saturated fat | 3.8 g | 3.2 g | 16% |
| Omega-3 fats | 0.2 g | 0.2 g | |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin A | 48 µg | 41 µg | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin D | 0 µg | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.3 mg | 0.2 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin K | 2.4 µg | 2 µg | 2% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.3 µg | 0.3 µg | 11% |
| Folate | 5 µg | 4.3 µg | 1% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 15 mg | 13 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 1.1 mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 223 mg | 190 mg | 4% |
| Magnesium | 23 mg | 20 mg | 5% |
| Zinc | 1.9 mg | 1.6 mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 82 mg | 70 mg | 3% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, "Chicken, broilers or fryers, meat and skin, cooked, roasted" (FDC 171450). Values rounded.
Why is rotisserie chicken good for you?
- 23 g protein in 3 oz, meat and skin, 46% of the daily value. Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.
- 1.6 mg zinc in 3 oz, meat and skin, 15% of the daily value. Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
- 0.3 µg vitamin B12 in 3 oz, meat and skin, 11% of the daily value. Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells.
Good ways to use it
- Quick weeknight meals and wraps
- Shredding into salads and soups
What should you watch out for?
- Store-bought rotisserie chickens are often injected with a salt solution, so they can be much saltier than chicken roasted at home. Removing the skin cuts a good share of the fat.
Which meat and fish score higher?
Other meat and fish with more nutrition per calorie. Variety matters more than picking one winner.