How many calories are in 100 grams of rotisserie chicken?

December 4, 2025 •

2 min read

A 100-gram serving of rotisserie chicken can range significantly in calories, with skin-on breast meat containing around 175 calories and skinless breast meat as low as 106 calories. The exact number depends on the chicken's cut and whether the skin is included, making it a versatile option for various dietary needs.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the calorie and macronutrient counts for 100 grams of rotisserie chicken, comparing breast and thigh meat, both with and without the skin. It examines how preparation methods and additives can affect the nutritional profile, providing insights for healthier meal planning.

Key Points

Calorie variation: The calorie count depends on the chicken cut and whether the skin is eaten, with breast meat being leaner than thigh meat.
Skin impact: Removing the skin significantly reduces both the calorie and saturated fat content.
High in protein: Rotisserie chicken is a powerful source of protein, supporting muscle health and satiety.
Sodium content: Be aware of high sodium levels in store-bought options due to added salt solutions.
Nutrient-rich: It provides essential micronutrients like selenium, niacin, and phosphorus.
Pair with veggies: Combining rotisserie chicken with vegetables creates a balanced and nutrient-dense meal.

Calorie Breakdown: Understanding the Differences

Understanding how many calories are in 100 grams of rotisserie chicken requires looking at the specific cut and whether the skin is left on. Rotisserie cooking is often considered healthier than frying as excess fat can drip away. However, the calorie count is primarily influenced by the presence of skin and whether you're eating breast or thigh meat.

Calorie Variations by Cut and Skin

A 100-gram portion of rotisserie chicken breast with the skin contains approximately 175 calories, while the skinless breast is significantly lower at around 106 calories. Dark meat, like the thigh, is naturally higher in fat. A 100-gram serving of skin-on thigh has about 226 calories, and skinless thigh contains roughly 144 calories.

The Role of Macronutrients

Beyond calories, rotisserie chicken is a good source of protein, essential for muscle building and satiety. It contains minimal carbohydrates unless sweetened rubs are used.

Nutritional Comparison: 100g Rotisserie Chicken


Nutritional Aspect	Skin-on Breast	Skinless Breast	Skin-on Thigh	Skinless Thigh
Calories	~175	~106	~226	~144
Protein	~26g	~22.5g	~22g	~18.6g
Fat	~7g	~1.9g	~15g	~7.9g
Carbohydrates	0g	0g	0g	0g
Sodium	Variable*	Variable*	Variable*	Variable*

*Sodium content is highly dependent on the store or recipe and whether a salt solution was injected into the chicken.

Additional Nutrients and Health Considerations

Rotisserie chicken provides B vitamins, selenium, phosphorus, and zinc. However, store-bought versions can be high in sodium due to brining. Removing the skin and blotting excess seasoning can help reduce sodium and fat.

Making Rotisserie Chicken Healthier

For healthier consumption, consider removing the skin, serving with non-starchy vegetables, making it at home to control ingredients, and using leftovers in dishes like salads or soups. For more detailed information, please see {Link: Men's Health website https://www.menshealth.com/uk/nutrition/food-drink/a65979094/is-rotisserie-chicken-healthy/}.

Conclusion: A Versatile Protein Option

The calorie count for 100 grams of rotisserie chicken varies depending on the cut and skin. Skinless breast offers the fewest calories and highest lean protein. Despite variations, rotisserie chicken is a convenient, nutrient-rich option. Removing the skin and being mindful of sodium allows it to fit into a healthy diet.

For more detailed nutritional information, consult resources like the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, rotisserie chicken can be good for weight loss because it is high in protein, which helps increase satiety and reduce cravings. Choosing skinless breast meat further reduces calorie and fat intake.

The protein content varies by cut. For 100 grams, skinless breast meat provides around 22.5 grams of protein, while skinless thigh meat offers about 18.6 grams.

Yes, removing the skin reduces both the overall calorie and saturated fat content. This is especially beneficial for those monitoring fat intake or following a low-calorie diet.

Many grocery stores inject rotisserie chickens with a salt solution, or brine, to enhance flavor, moisture, and preservation, which results in a higher sodium content.

The 'better' choice depends on your goals. White meat (breast) is leaner and lower in calories, while dark meat (thigh) is richer in iron, zinc, and flavor but higher in fat and calories.

Yes, making rotisserie-style chicken at home allows you complete control over the seasoning, enabling you to reduce or avoid added sodium and other additives.

To reduce the sodium, you can remove the skin and blot the meat with a paper towel. Pairing the chicken with unsalted vegetables and grains also helps balance the meal.