How many calories are in 2 oz of rotisserie chicken?

October 28, 2025 •

3 min read

A 2 oz serving of skinless rotisserie chicken breast contains approximately 82 calories, while a similar portion of dark meat with skin can be significantly higher. This difference highlights the importance of understanding the specific cut and preparation when calculating the calorie count for rotisserie chicken.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a 2 oz serving of rotisserie chicken varies depending on the cut and whether the skin is included. Leaner breast meat offers fewer calories, while darker meat and skin increase the total due to higher fat content. Understanding these distinctions is key for accurate nutritional tracking.

Key Points

Calories Vary by Cut: A 2 oz serving of rotisserie chicken contains different calorie counts depending on whether it's breast meat, dark meat, and if the skin is included.
Leanest Option (Breast): Skinless rotisserie chicken breast is the leanest option, with roughly 82 calories per 2 oz.
Dark Meat is Higher in Calories: Dark meat cuts like the thigh and back contain more calories and fat than white meat.
Skin Adds Calories: Including the skin on any cut significantly increases the calorie and saturated fat content.
Seasoning Affects Sodium: Pre-seasoned, store-bought rotisserie chicken is often high in sodium due to injection solutions.
Healthy Meal Component: When combined with vegetables and whole grains, skinless rotisserie chicken is a healthy, high-protein meal choice.

Calorie Breakdown by Cut and Preparation

The number of calories in 2 oz of rotisserie chicken is not a single, fixed number but depends heavily on the specific cut of meat and whether or not the skin is consumed. White meat, particularly the breast, is the leanest option and therefore contains the fewest calories. Dark meat, which includes the thigh and drumstick, has a higher fat content, resulting in a greater number of calories. The inclusion of the skin adds a significant amount of saturated fat and additional calories to any portion.

Lean White Meat (Breast) - No Skin

A 2 oz serving of boneless, skinless rotisserie chicken breast is the most calorie-efficient choice. Data from reputable nutrition trackers and food databases confirm that this portion typically contains around 82 calories. This makes it an excellent source of lean protein for those managing their weight or building muscle, as it provides a substantial amount of protein with minimal fat.

Dark Meat (Thigh) - No Skin

When you opt for dark meat like the thigh, even without the skin, the calorie count per 2 oz increases due to the higher fat content. A 2 oz serving of skinless dark meat can contain approximately 94 calories. While still a healthy option, it is important to be mindful of this difference if you are strictly monitoring your fat intake.

Dark Meat (Back) - No Skin

If consuming the back meat, which is also a dark meat cut, a 2 oz portion without the skin contains roughly 120 calories. This is one of the higher calorie counts for skinless rotisserie chicken due to the mix of meat and slightly higher fat content in this area.

With Skin

Including the skin dramatically increases the calorie density of the chicken. For example, a 2 oz portion of rotisserie back meat with the skin can contain around 142 calories. The skin is primarily fat, so even a small amount can significantly boost the overall calorie and saturated fat count. While the skin does offer some collagen, most dietitians recommend moderation due to the fat content.

The Impact of Seasoning and Additives

Beyond the cut and skin, the preparation of store-bought rotisserie chicken can also influence its calorie and nutritional profile. Many commercially prepared chickens are injected with a saline solution and seasonings to enhance flavor and moisture. These solutions can add a considerable amount of sodium, and sometimes sugar or other additives, which are important to consider for overall health. For example, some brands have been found to contain a quarter of the daily recommended sodium intake in just one 3-ounce serving. To minimize this, blotting away excess liquid and skin is a common strategy.

Comparison Table: 2 Oz Rotisserie Chicken Calories


Chicken Part (2 oz)	Calories (approx.)	Protein (approx.)	Fat (approx.)	Notes
Breast, Skinless	82 kcal	16g	2g	Leanest option, high protein.
Thigh, Skinless	94 kcal	15g	5g	Higher fat content than breast.
Back Meat, Skinless	120 kcal	12g	8g	Higher fat, balanced macros.
Back Meat, With Skin	142 kcal	11g	11g	Highest fat and calories.

How Rotisserie Chicken Fits into a Healthy Diet

Rotisserie chicken can be a convenient and healthy meal component, particularly the skinless white meat, which offers a high-protein, low-fat source for building muscle and promoting satiety. The ease of preparation encourages people to eat at home rather than choosing less nutritious takeout options. To make it even healthier, pair the chicken with a generous portion of vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, such as a salad with a vinaigrette dressing. For those watching their saturated fat intake, removing the skin is highly recommended.

Conclusion

Understanding the calorie content of rotisserie chicken is crucial for effective dietary planning. A 2 oz serving of skinless breast meat contains the lowest calories, at approximately 82 kcal, while portions that include dark meat or skin will be higher due to increased fat content. Factors like added seasonings can also contribute to the overall nutritional profile, particularly the sodium level. By choosing leaner cuts and removing the skin, rotisserie chicken can remain a healthy, protein-rich, and versatile meal component that supports a balanced diet.

For additional nutritional information and guidelines, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides a comprehensive food database.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, skinless rotisserie chicken, especially the breast meat, is a great option for weight loss. It is high in protein and low in calories, which helps you feel full and satisfied for longer periods.

To reduce the calories in rotisserie chicken, always remove the skin before eating. You can also blot excess oil off the surface with a paper towel. Choosing white meat over dark meat will also lower the calorie and fat content.

Many commercially sold rotisserie chickens are high in sodium because they are injected with a saline solution for moisture and flavor. Some can contain a significant portion of your daily recommended sodium intake.

White meat (breast) is generally leaner and lower in calories and fat. Dark meat contains more fat, but also higher levels of certain nutrients like zinc and B12. For calorie-conscious individuals, white meat is the preferred choice.

You can eat the skin, but it is high in saturated fat and calories. It's best to eat the skin in moderation, especially if you are concerned about fat intake or heart health.

The protein content varies. A 2 oz serving of skinless rotisserie chicken breast contains about 16 grams of protein, while the dark meat contains slightly less.

While the full nutrition label may not always be visible on the packaging, many stores provide nutritional information upon request or online. Checking for mentions of saline solutions or additives in the ingredient list is helpful.