First-time Costco shoppers might have noticed lines popping up in certain sections of the warehouse. As returning Costco customers know, the famed Costco products are worth the hype and there just might be some secrets behind them.
From the great deals and hidden discounts, one of Costco’s most popular items is its rotisserie chicken. It’s always affordable, fresh, warm, and convenient. But which brand is behind the Kirkland Signature rotisserie chicken? Read more to find out who provides this Costco favorite.
Subscribe to our newsletter for more exclusive Coscto97 content.
Related: Who Makes Kirkland Batteries?
Name Behind Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken
If you’re wondering who makes Kirkland Signature rotisserie chicken (and why it tastes so good), then you’ve come to the right place. The company behind the famed rotisserie chicken is Lincoln Premium Poultry. Similar to other Kirkland Signature products, Costco has a say in a lot of how the products are handled and how they’re being processed. That’s why all of Costco’s products ensure high quality and customer satisfaction.
In order to maintain this reputation, the wholesaler established its own production complex and partnered with Lincoln Premium Poultry to manage the facility. This gives Costco 100% control over its fresh or frozen chicken products to keep the prices low and consistent over the years.
Where Do the Chickens Come From?
With such a high-commodity item, Costco has to make sure they have a hand in the processing of their chicken. That’s why they’ve spent around $1 billion on an enormous poultry farm in Fremont, Nebraska. The farm holds 500 chicken houses, each of which contains 42,000 chickens that help them sell over 100 million rotisserie chickens each year.
Nutrition Behind Costco’s Rotisserie Chicken
When it comes to the nutritional facts, you’ll have to factor in how much you eat of an entire chicken. The ingredients are simple: a whole chicken, water, seasoning, and salt. Costco sells their chicken by price alone, not by poundage, so keep that in mind when estimating the total number of calories you’re consuming. Some sources estimate around 1800-2300 calories for the entire chicken. However, unofficial sites log Costco’s rotisserie chicken at 140-190 calories per serving. Ultimately, you’ll be consuming fully cooked, fresh chicken, so this can be a healthy choice for dinner time.
Why Is This Chicken So Popular?
Costco roasts and seasons their chickens in-house, providing Costco members with rotisserie chicken right from the deli counter. This chicken only ever stays on the shelf for two hours ensuring ultimate freshness. However, that’s not the only reason it’s so popular — it’s also the price point that makes it such a steal. The bird is incredibly meaty with a price of only $4.99.
Similar to the Costco hot dog and drink combo, the $4.99 rotisserie chicken should stay that way for the foreseeable future due to Costco’s price controls. The convenience of picking up ready-to-eat chicken makes lunch or weeknight dinners that much easier.
Lastly, recent changes to the packaging have made this chicken even more popular. While the rotisserie chicken used to be carried in hard plastic take-home containers, they have been replaced with plastic bags. This cuts back on plastic use with bags that can now be recycled. Customers enjoy the easy-to-carry, small bags that can fit properly in the fridge at home.
Is It Worth Buying?
Is it worth grabbing for yourself though? Kirkland Signature rotisserie chicken is one of their top grocery items in the warehouse, so maybe that’s enough to warrant every customer trying it once. Additionally, this is what the reviews have to say:
Customers love the salty flavor of the chicken and moist texture. You can really tell how fresh it is. People also recognize and enjoy how much meat comes on the bone making it a true value. And with over 110 million rotisserie chickens sold per year, it’s clear that price isn’t the only factor. This Costco chicken is the perfect choice if you want a cheap, convenient meal, or protein addition to your weeknight dinner. But if you’re watching your salt intake, it may not be the best option.
Overall, this pre-made chicken option is so worth it. Even picky eaters might want to dive into this cheap, delicious, and filling meal that can last a few days.
Read More: What Company is Behind Costco Frozen Food?
Have you tried Costco’s famed chicken? What are your thoughts on the new packaging? Let us know your Kirkland Signature rotisserie chicken review to help fellow Costco shoppers determine if they should try it. And keep checking back at Costco97 to learn more about Costco’s great finds and famous products.
