How Much Sodium Is in a Walmart Chicken? A Full Nutritional Breakdown

December 31, 2025 •

3 min read

The sodium content in Walmart chicken varies dramatically, ranging from as little as 45mg in a 4oz serving of plain boneless, skinless breast to over 1300mg in a 6oz serving of rotisserie chicken. This huge disparity highlights why checking the nutritional facts is crucial for managing your salt intake.

Quick Summary

The sodium in Walmart chicken differs significantly between raw, processed, and prepared products. Consumers must examine nutrition labels closely to understand how a product like rotisserie chicken contains far more sodium than a plain chicken breast.

Key Points

Significant Variation: Sodium in Walmart chicken differs drastically by product, from low levels in plain, raw breasts to very high levels in rotisserie and frozen items.
The 'Enhanced' Factor: Many packaged chicken products are injected with a saltwater solution to add moisture and flavor, dramatically increasing their sodium content.
Label Reading is Key: Always check the nutrition facts and ingredients list for terms like 'salt solution' or high sodium percentages to avoid hidden salt.
Rotisserie is High: The popular Walmart rotisserie chicken is one of the highest sodium options, containing 1320mg per 6oz serving.
Fresh is Best: Choosing fresh, unseasoned chicken allows for complete control over the sodium content of your meal.
Health Risks: High sodium consumption can lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

The Surprising Range of Sodium in Walmart Chicken

Many shoppers assume all chicken contains a similar low level of sodium. However, the preparation, seasoning, and processing methods used by retailers like Walmart create a wide spectrum of sodium content across their chicken product line. This difference is especially stark between raw, unseasoned chicken and popular convenience items such as rotisserie or frozen breaded chicken.

Raw vs. Processed: The Saltwater Factor

The primary reason for high sodium levels in many processed chicken products is a practice known as 'enhancing'. During processing, a solution of water, salt, and other ingredients is injected into the meat to enhance flavor and moisture. While this can result in a more tender product, it drastically increases the sodium count. A fresh, unenhanced chicken breast can be quite low in sodium, while an enhanced breast may contain several times that amount. This is a vital detail to look for on product labels.

How to Spot and Avoid Hidden Sodium

For health-conscious consumers, knowing how to identify added sodium is a key skill. Beyond just checking the nutrition facts label, the ingredients list can reveal whether the chicken has been enhanced. Look for terms like "salt solution," "brine," or simply "salt" listed among the ingredients for plain-looking chicken. For cooked or pre-seasoned chicken, assume there is added sodium unless the label explicitly states "low sodium" or "no salt added."

Here are a few tips to help you manage your sodium intake when shopping for chicken:

Choose Fresh Over Frozen: Whenever possible, opt for fresh, unseasoned chicken breasts, thighs, or tenderloins. They offer the most control over the sodium content in your meal.
Compare Nutrition Labels: When comparing different brands or products, always check the Sodium (% Daily Value) on the nutrition label. The FDA considers 5% DV or less per serving to be low, while 20% DV or more is considered high.
Rinse Canned Products: For products like canned chicken, rinsing the meat can help remove some of the surface sodium.
Buy Plain Rotisserie Chicken: If your store offers different varieties, choose the plain or 'classic' version over heavily seasoned options to reduce sodium. Better yet, make your own low-sodium rotisserie chicken at home.
Use Alternatives for Flavor: Instead of relying on pre-seasoned chicken, flavor your dishes with herbs, spices, garlic, onion, and fresh lemon juice to keep sodium levels in check.

Sodium Content Comparison: Walmart Chicken Products

This table provides a breakdown of the typical sodium levels found in various Walmart chicken products based on available nutritional data.


Product Type	Serving Size	Approximate Sodium (mg)	% Daily Value (based on 2,300mg)
Great Value Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (Raw, Unenhanced)	4 oz	45 mg	2%
Walmart Original Fried Chicken	1 piece	430 mg	19%
Great Value Crispy Chicken Strips (Frozen)	1 serving	620 mg	26%
Walmart Rotisserie Chicken	6 oz	1320 mg	57%
Great Value Chicken Breast (Frozen)	1 serving	260 mg	11%
Great Value Low Sodium Chunk Chicken Breast (Canned)	1 serving	140 mg	6%
Great Value Seasoned Chicken Breast (Raw)	1 breast	350 mg	15%

The Impact of High Sodium Intake

Consuming too much sodium can have serious health consequences. A diet high in sodium is linked to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and kidney disease. While the average American consumes well over the recommended daily maximum of 2,300mg, being mindful of hidden sodium in processed and prepared foods like store-bought chicken can make a significant difference. Opting for lower-sodium versions can help you move towards a healthier diet and reduce your long-term health risks.

Conclusion: Your Choices Matter

While Walmart chicken offers a convenient and affordable protein source, the sodium levels vary wildly depending on the product. It is a common misconception that all chicken is inherently low in sodium. The high salt content in pre-seasoned, frozen, and rotisserie chicken is due to added solutions and flavorings. By paying close attention to nutrition labels and ingredient lists, you can make informed choices to control your sodium intake. Choosing fresh, unenhanced chicken and seasoning it yourself is the best way to ensure your meal is both delicious and heart-healthy. Making small, consistent changes like opting for lower-sodium chicken can contribute significantly to your overall well-being. For more detailed information on sodium, visit the FDA's guide on "Sodium in Your Diet".

Frequently Asked Questions

The high sodium content is due to the seasoning and brining process used to cook the chicken and keep it moist. A 6oz serving contains 1320mg of sodium, or 57% of the Daily Value.

No. While some raw chicken products, especially flavored or marinated ones, may be enhanced with a salt solution, plain, unenhanced chicken breasts have very low sodium (around 45mg per 4oz). Check the label for ingredients.

Check the ingredients list on the packaging. If it lists 'salt solution,' 'brine,' or simply 'salt' as an ingredient, the product has been enhanced. Plain, unenhanced chicken will typically only list 'chicken'.

The sodium levels vary greatly within the Great Value brand, depending on the product. Processed items like frozen strips or nuggets are much higher than plain, canned low-sodium chicken.

For individual products, look for 5% or less of the Daily Value for sodium per serving on the nutrition label, as this is considered low.

Yes, rinsing canned chicken under water can help remove some of the sodium from the surface. However, some salt is absorbed into the meat during processing, so it won't eliminate all of it.

A single serving of a high-sodium product like Walmart's rotisserie chicken (1320mg per 6oz) can take up over half of the 2,300mg recommended daily limit for most adults, and nearly the entire 1,500mg limit for those managing blood pressure.