Why Costco Rotisserie Chicken Is A Little Too Good To Be True

Costco has long offered the whole rotisserie chicken for a staggeringly low price of $5. This delicious loss leader has become a household staple for many. However, there is one downside: its sodium levels. These chickens contain 460 milligrams of sodium per 3-ounce serving. To put that into perspective, it's considerably higher than competitors like Whole Foods, with 70 to 120 milligrams, and Kroger, which boasts an impressive 40 milligrams. Still, Costco doesn't top the board; that spot goes to Sam's Club with 550 milligrams of sodium. So, what does this all practically mean?

Sodium is a mineral that helps regulate muscle and nerve functions. It is mainly found in the bloodstream and keeps fluid levels in balance, and the kidneys filter out the excess through urine. You also sweat out a large amount of sodium, which is why sweat tastes a little salty. Breaking down the numbers, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends a daily consumption of less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per adult per day. That might sound like a big number at first, but it actually equates to just one teaspoon of table salt.

When a person's sodium levels get too high, it can lead to diminished kidney function, causing blood pressure levels to get out of whack. Importantly, this won't happen if you eat a Costco rotisserie chicken here and there. Generally, people who already have hypertension are the main demographic at risk for sodium-based complications.

Back to the chickens. Unfortunately, one of the things that makes Costco's rotisserie chickens a step above the rest is that the company injects a saline solution into these rotisserie products, which makes them extra juicy and emphasizes the flavor. So, there's no need to skip the delicious skin in an effort to avoid the sodium here. Rather, just aim for moderation, and enjoy it fully when you do eat it.

A full rotisserie chicken is a big hunk of meat, especially for a smaller household. If you know you won't get through it in one sitting, consider designating a portion from the beginning to shred and save for later. Shredding chicken shouldn't wait too long, as it's just easier to do while still warm. You can add it to sandwiches, salads, or wraps, using fresh new ingredients each time, so the poultry doesn't start tasting same-old. For more wintry options, you can never go wrong with a simple chicken noodle soup, and Costco's juicy rotisserie is the perfect addition here. Better still, if you do cook with the rotisserie chicken, you can reduce the sodium in the rest of the dish to compensate, and it will taste just as good.

While a classic chunk of chicken and a side can satisfy the whole family, it can be fun to get a little creative. If you have kids in the house, include them in making a taco or nachos night. Rotisserie chicken adds a great protein option that diverges from traditional meat choices (like classic ground beef) and is just as filling. Plus, this big bird is the gift that keeps on giving. When you've finished with the meat, save those bones and throw them into a pot to make a hearty chicken stock. From here, you'll have the base for delicious soups and sauces, all starting from a $5 deal!