How Many Calories in a 500g Rotisserie Chicken?

November 27, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard 100g serving of rotisserie chicken averages around 237 calories. However, determining the exact number of calories in a 500g rotisserie chicken depends on various factors such as skin consumption and the specific cuts of meat included.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the calorie and nutritional content of a 500g rotisserie chicken. It explains the impact of skin, the differences between white and dark meat, and offers tips for making healthier choices.

Key Points

Total Calories Vary: A 500g portion can range from around 530 to over 800 calories depending on the mix of meat and if the skin is included.
Skin is Calorie-Dense: The chicken skin is a key source of added fat and calories; removing it significantly lowers the overall count.
White vs. Dark Meat: White meat (breast) is leaner and has fewer calories than dark meat (thighs and legs).
Added Sodium is a Factor: Store-bought rotisserie chickens often contain a high sodium content due to injected solutions.
Best for Calorie Management: The lowest calorie intake is achieved by opting for skinless white meat and serving with vegetable-rich sides.
Homemade Offers Control: Preparing rotisserie-style chicken at home allows for precise control over sodium, fat, and seasonings.

The nutritional value of a store-bought rotisserie chicken can vary significantly. The total calorie count of a 500g portion is not fixed but changes based on the ratio of white to dark meat, whether the skin is eaten, and any added solutions used during cooking to enhance flavor and moisture. Understanding these elements allows for more informed management of caloric and nutritional intake.

Calorie Breakdown by Meat and Skin

The most significant factor in calorie determination is whether or not the skin is consumed. The skin contains a high concentration of fat, which increases calories. A 100g serving of rotisserie chicken with skin is more caloric than a skinless portion of the same weight. Removing the skin is an effective strategy for reducing fat intake.

With Skin: The skin adds considerable fat and calories. For example, a 100g portion of rotisserie chicken thigh with skin contains approximately 226 calories, while a breast portion with skin is around 175 calories per 100g.
Without Skin: Removing the skin drastically reduces fat and calories. The same 100g of rotisserie chicken thigh without skin drops to about 144 calories, and skinless breast meat is approximately 106 calories.

White Meat vs. Dark Meat: A Calorie Comparison

White meat (breast and wings) is leaner and lower in fat than dark meat (thighs and legs). This difference is due to the higher myoglobin content in dark meat, which contributes to its richer flavor. The caloric difference between an all-white meat portion and a dark meat portion can be substantial.

White Meat (Breast): A 500g portion of skinless breast meat could be around 530 calories, based on a 106-calorie per 100g average.
Dark Meat (Thigh): A 500g portion of skinless thigh meat might be closer to 720 calories, using a 144-calorie per 100g average.

Calculating Calories in a 500g Rotisserie Chicken

Estimate total calories by considering meat type and skin presence. For a typical 500g serving (meat only, yield after cooking), consider these scenarios:

All White Meat (Skinless): Approximately 530 calories (106 cal x 5)
All Dark Meat (Skinless): Approximately 720 calories (144 cal x 5)
Mixed Meat (Skinless): A blend of white and dark meat, likely falling in between these two figures.

Remember that a significant portion of the initial weight includes bones and cooking drippings. For a cooked chicken, 500g typically represents the edible meat and skin only, after the bones have been removed. Supermarket rotisserie chickens may also have varying amounts of added salt solution, which can affect weight but not significantly alter the calorie count per gram of meat.

Table: Rotisserie Chicken Calories and Macros (per 100g)


Item	Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs
Chicken Breast (with skin)	175	26g	7g	0g
Chicken Breast (skinless)	106	22.5g	1.9g	0g
Chicken Thigh (with skin)	226	22g	15g	0g
Chicken Thigh (skinless)	144	18.6g	7.9g	0g

Tips for Healthier Rotisserie Chicken

Store-bought rotisserie chicken can contain high levels of sodium and preservatives. To make it a healthier meal:

Remove the skin: Cut down on fat and calories.
Prioritize white meat: For the lowest calorie count, eat the breast and wing meat.
Pat it down: Use a paper towel to blot excess oil and salty seasonings.
Pair with vegetables: Serve the chicken with a large salad or roasted vegetables.
Make your own: Make rotisserie-style chicken at home in the oven or an air fryer.

Conclusion

The total calories in a 500g rotisserie chicken vary based on the parts eaten and whether the skin is removed. Skinless white meat helps keep the calorie count low, making it a lean, high-protein choice. Being mindful of preparation and consumption choices is key to enjoying rotisserie chicken healthfully. For those with dietary concerns like sodium intake, checking ingredients or making it at home offers the most control.

For more information on the nutritional content of chicken, you can check out resources from the USDA or the National Chicken Council.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 500g portion of mixed rotisserie chicken with skin may have over 800 calories. The exact number varies based on the proportion of dark meat and skin.

Rotisserie chicken can be beneficial for weight loss, especially with skinless white meat. It is a good source of protein, which helps with satiety.

A 500g portion of skinless rotisserie chicken breast meat has approximately 530 calories, based on a 106-calorie per 100g average for skinless breast meat.

Dark meat has more fat and, therefore, more calories than white meat. For instance, 100g of skinless dark meat has about 144 calories, whereas 100g of skinless white meat has around 106 calories.

Removing the skin is an effective way to reduce the fat and calorie content of rotisserie chicken, as most saturated fat is concentrated in the skin.

Many store-bought rotisserie chickens are injected with a salt or saline solution, which can lead to high sodium levels. Check the ingredient label or choose a low-sodium version.

To reduce sodium, pat the chicken with a paper towel and use the meat in recipes that don't need additional salt, such as salads or soups.