If this question has been burning in the back of your mind for some time, be sure to go check out Laurie’s post on what kind of deal you’re really getting when you purchase a rotisserie chicken from Costco.
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Susan says
I routinely get rotisserie chicken at my neighborhood Walmart. Instant meals, soup, salad, sandwiches, etc. My time not buying and cooking a chicken is worth a lot as we’re so busy.
Sleepydog says
If you want a precooked chicken because you “don’t have time” then great, but you get a lot more mileage out of “DYI” chickens. 5lb chicken @ .99lb = $4.95. I just throw mine in the crock pot. Strip it down, throw all the bones and left overs back into the crock pot and I usually get 8-10 16oz jars of stock. 8 jars @ store price would be at the very least $7… so my chicken paid for itself and gave me $2 for electricity to run the pot. I use the stock for soups and sauces- but I also found that my senior dogs have much more interest in their food when I put 3oz of warm stock over it, so I always have some in the fridge. Saving money is a lot of work, scratch cooking, looking for sales, etc. Not for everyone- and honestly sitting down and just doing the math on what you are doing is a great first step.
Jess says
You’re comparing the cost of breast meat, the most costly part, to a whole chicken. In this case, of course the whole chicken is cheaper. Apples and oranges, ma’am. Cooking your own WHOLE chicken, for the win.
Janet says
She’s comparing convenience foods. I suspect she only really included the homemade whole chicken as a frame of reference. And honestly, there’s not that much difference in the rotisserie and homemade, and my time and sanity is worth that much when we’ve got lots going on. 🙂
mary says
We love Costco chicken and have been checking prices to see if its really a good deal So far unless we can find chicken on a super sale it is definitely a saving to buy it. Plus they are so good!
Elizabeth says
We used to get the deli chicken at Costco here in our area but after getting 2 in a row that were tougher than old shoe leather, we gave up. The ones at QFC may be smaller but are always tender plus are natural (next thing to organic). Regardless of the cost…when you cannot chew the meat, tis not worth it!! Costco sometimes makes marketing mistakes too…and I think this is one of them.
Amber says
Sam’s has the 3 lb rotisserie chicken for 4.98. I get more than 5 cups of shredded chicken from that. It is a great deal for a ready made protein vs. Frozen meatballs or hotdogs for a meal on the fly.
We pick one up every Sunday and I use it Sunday, lunch for Monday and dinner on Tuesday since we have a very busy Tuesday night schedule.
Sam says
The Costco chickens are only allowed to be on the shelf for 2 hrs. I have seen the Sam’s Club chickens on the shelf for many hours longer.
Kimberly says
Really don’t think her math checks out. I routinely get whole chickens for $0.94/lb here and cook it in the crock pot. I can get 4-5 lbs of shredded chicken off of it AND make about 10 cups of broth that I freeze. Much better deal and very little work. The chicken comes off the bone easier than the Costco ones as well! PLUS I don’t have to pay for a Costco membership!
Kimberly says
Sorry, 4-5 CUPS of shredded chicken, not lbs
Stephanie says
Totally agree Kimberly! In her example it is 20% cheaper to cook the chicken yourself. Why is the story in favor of Costco when you can save 20% by DIY?
Janet says
Because for the convenience of not having to cook it yourself, have a quick meal with very little effort, or save yourself some trouble on freezer cooking days, this really is a good deal. And she can still take those bones and drippings and turn them into broth. For those of us who work outside the home or have children on multiple activities, she is trying to help us understand this really is a worthwhile, guilt free purchase.
Christine says
Don’t forget the luscious stock the carcass makes. Great base for soups, gravy, liquid for cooking rice. That 4.99 really does go a long way!