Rotisserie chicken is often cited as a simple and quick option for delicious protein. But how healthy is it?
The rich, pre-cooked, seasonally packaged sauces of protein sound like a convenient and invincible dinner. Rotisserie chicken is available in most major supermarkets.
Fox News Digital contacted New York-based registered dietitian and food blogger Lauren Harris-Pincus to find out if Rotisserie Chicken is not true.
“I’m a heart surgeon and this is what I cook for dinner.”
“I buy one every week and I want a quick meal by taking all the meat out of the bones and putting it in the fridge,” Harris Pincus told Fox News Digital.
Harris Pincus said concerns can be concerning given that buyers have no say in what salt they use to cook the chicken, or what kind of salt water they add, no matter what kind of salt water they will cook.
Rotisserie chickens are a source of protein, but sodium levels can be a concern, a registered dietitian told Fox News Digital. (istock)
Sodium levels should be considered, as eating too much sodium can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
But the nutritionist said rotisserie chicken might not be that big of a deal in this regard, especially for those who season chicken anyway.
“When you season the food with salt, the final product is probably equivalent,” she said.
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According to Harris Pincus, sodium and other nutritional intake should be monitored at all times if you have specific dietary goals, needs or concerns.
Those worried about sodium can take steps to monitor their intake by checking the labels of various rotisserie chickens.
Various brands and stores may have chickens with different levels of sodium. According to Harris Pincus, options range from heavy seasoned sodium-rich friction rotisserie chickens to salted soaked chickens.
Many raw chicken cuts are preseasoned with salted water injected to keep the breasts plump and flavorful. (istock)
Many raw chicken cuts also inject salted water and salted water, according to Harris Pincus.
Game skin?
As for skin, one of the most flavorful parts, should anyone looking for a healthy alternative before eating chicken get rid of it?
“More than anything, it all depends on your overall health and nutrition goals,” she said.
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Skin is a source of saturated fat, and frequent and excessive consumption can have a negative impact on heart health, Harris Pincus said.
People with diabetes and cardiovascular concerns may be suitable for removing skin, she said.
According to a dietitian, saturated fat from the skin of rotisserie chicken can have a negative effect on heart health if consumed excessively frequently. (istock)
“As long as you remove the skin, there shouldn’t be a big difference in fat content between rotisserie, baked, boiled and grilled chicken,” Harris Pincus said.
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However, Harris-Pincus said chicken skin is also a source of protein, collagen, riboflavin, niacin, B6, B12, and choline.
“If you like crispy, flavorful skin, it’s okay for most people to enjoy,” she said. “If you’re monitoring your intake, consider calorie and fat shocks.”
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How much chicken should one meal contain?
Harris-Pincus said 4 oz – and she suggested getting a scale to measure it.
“I recommend a simple food scale for your kitchen,” the nutritionist said.
A good way to incorporate rotisserie chicken is to add it to your salads, pasta dishes, or wraps. (istock)
“Four oz of meat provides enough quality protein for your diet, especially when surrounded by plates of vegetables and potentially whole grains.”
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A few ways to incorporate rotisserie chicken is to add meat to soups, wraps, stir-fried dishes, chili, salads and whole grain pasta dishes, Harris Pincus said.
