Understanding the Numbers: How many calories are in 100g Costco rotisserie chicken?

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to one nutritional analysis, 100g of Costco rotisserie chicken, including the skin, can contain approximately 166 calories. However, this figure is an average, and the exact caloric content varies significantly depending on the cut of meat and whether the skin is consumed, which is why it's important to know the full answer to how many calories are in 100g Costco rotisserie chicken?.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for 100g of Costco rotisserie chicken changes based on the meat type and if the skin is included. While it is a convenient source of protein, its high sodium content is a key nutritional consideration for a balanced diet.

Key Points

Calorie variation: The calorie count in 100g of Costco rotisserie chicken depends on whether you eat white meat or dark meat, and if you include the skin.
Leanest option: Skinless breast meat offers the lowest calories and fat, with approximately 106 calories per 100g.
Highest calories: The fattiest part is the thigh with the skin on, containing around 226 calories per 100g.
High sodium content: Due to injected brine, Costco rotisserie chicken has high sodium levels, a key consideration for those monitoring their salt intake.
Healthy approach: To eat healthily, remove the skin, control your portion size, and pair with fresh, low-sodium side dishes like vegetables.
Convenient protein source: Despite some nutritional drawbacks, it's a quick, affordable, and excellent source of high-quality protein for meal prep.

A Closer Look at the Calories in Costco Rotisserie Chicken

The convenience and low price of the Costco rotisserie chicken have made it a fan-favorite meal, but for those focusing on nutrition, understanding its content is key. The caloric value of your 100g serving is not a single number; rather, it depends on whether you are eating white meat (like the breast), dark meat (like the thigh), and whether the skin is included. The total calorie count is a mix of its protein and fat content, as this meal is virtually carb-free. To make a truly informed decision, it's essential to break down the nutritional differences by chicken part.

Caloric and Macronutrient Breakdown

Nutritional data shows clear distinctions between the different cuts of the chicken. The breast meat is leaner, with significantly less fat and fewer calories, especially when the skin is removed. The dark meat from the thigh, while still a great source of protein, is naturally higher in both fat and calories. The tasty, crispy skin is also a major contributor to the overall fat and calorie count, which is why removing it is a common strategy for those monitoring their intake.

Here is a detailed breakdown for a 100g serving based on a nutritional analysis:

Rotisserie Chicken Breast with Skin: Approximately 175 calories, consisting of 26 grams of protein and 7 grams of fat.
Rotisserie Chicken Breast without Skin: This is the leanest option at roughly 106 calories, with 22.5 grams of protein and just 1.93 grams of fat.
Rotisserie Chicken Thigh with Skin: The highest in calories and fat, clocking in at around 226 calories, with 22 grams of protein and 15 grams of fat.
Rotisserie Chicken Thigh without Skin: A good middle-ground option, with about 144 calories, 18.6 grams of protein, and 7.92 grams of fat.

The Notable Factor: High Sodium Content

Beyond calories, the most significant nutritional aspect of store-bought rotisserie chicken, including Costco's, is its high sodium content. To ensure the chicken remains juicy and flavorful, many retailers inject it with a brine solution. A single 3-ounce serving of Costco rotisserie chicken can contain around 460mg of sodium, representing 20% of the recommended daily intake. For those with high blood pressure or other health concerns requiring a low-sodium diet, this is a major consideration. While removing the skin can help reduce fat, the sodium is distributed throughout the meat via the brine, so it cannot be completely avoided.

Making Rotisserie Chicken Work for Your Diet

Despite the high sodium, Costco's chicken is still a versatile and healthy option when managed correctly. It provides a convenient, high-protein base for numerous meals, simplifying meal prep for busy individuals. The key is mindful consumption and preparation. Here are some strategies:

Remove the skin: As noted, this instantly reduces the fat and calorie content. It's a simple step that significantly alters the nutritional profile.
Manage portion sizes: Be mindful of serving size. A standard 100g portion can be satisfying, especially when paired with other healthy foods.
Pair with low-sodium sides: To balance the meal, serve the chicken with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. This can include a large green salad, roasted broccoli, or brown rice.
Incorporate into recipes: Shredded chicken is perfect for salads, soups, tacos, and casseroles where the meat can be stretched across more servings, further controlling sodium intake per meal.

Costco vs. Homemade Roast Chicken: A Comparison

For a clearer perspective, here is a comparison of the nutritional content (per 100g, boneless, skinless white meat) of Costco rotisserie chicken against typical homemade roasted chicken:


Feature	Costco Rotisserie Chicken (100g, breast w/o skin)	Homemade Roasted Chicken (100g, breast w/o skin)	Notes
Calories	~106 kcal	~165 kcal	Homemade calorie count can vary based on oil/butter used.
Protein	~22.5g	~31g	Homemade typically has higher protein content.
Fat	~1.93g	~3.6g	Both are very lean when skin is removed.
Sodium	High (460mg per 3oz)	Very Low (<50mg per 3oz)	Homemade allows for complete control of sodium.
Convenience	Excellent (ready-to-eat)	Low (requires prep and cooking time)	The main trade-off is convenience vs. nutritional control.

Conclusion

In summary, while the calorie count of Costco rotisserie chicken varies by cut and preparation, a 100g portion is generally a great source of protein. For the leanest option, choose skinless breast meat, which offers approximately 106 calories and 22.5 grams of protein per 100g serving. The key nutritional consideration is the high sodium content from the injected brine, which can be significant, especially for those watching their salt intake. By practicing portion control, removing the skin, and serving it with low-sodium, whole-food sides, Costco's rotisserie chicken can fit well into a balanced diet, offering a convenient and nutritious option for busy days.

For more in-depth nutritional information, visit usenourish.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Removing the skin significantly reduces the calories and fat from your serving. However, the high sodium levels come from a brine injected into the meat itself, so removing the skin will not remove all of the added salt.

Yes, because the chickens are injected with a brine solution containing additives and preservatives to enhance flavor and moisture, they are technically considered a processed food.

A healthy approach involves removing the skin, controlling your portion size (around 100g), and serving it alongside plenty of fresh vegetables and whole grains to create a balanced meal.

The protein content varies by cut. For 100g of skinless breast meat, you can expect around 22.5g of protein, while 100g of skinless thigh meat contains approximately 18.6g.

Store-bought rotisserie chicken is much higher in sodium than homemade versions. For example, a 3-ounce serving of Costco chicken contains about 460mg of sodium, whereas a similar serving of plain, homemade chicken is typically under 50mg.

Yes, it can. Given its high protein content and relatively low calories (especially when the skin is removed), it can be a filling and convenient option for those managing their weight. Just be mindful of the high sodium content.

Costco's chickens are injected with a solution that includes ingredients like water, salt, sodium phosphate, modified food starch, potato dextrin, carrageenan, sugar, and dextrose.