Facts About the Costco Rotisserie Chickens

Rotisserie Chickens are a very popular item at Costco. I have written about the chickens in other posts (10 Popular Products to buy at Costco); (Recommended Purchases for New Members); (Products to Buy at Costco on a Budget)). Although I do not eat these chickens, I thought the many people who do might be interested in learning more facts about this Costco staple.

1. Rotisserie Chickens Appeared in Costco in 1994 to Compete with Boston Market

The article points out that, although ubiquitous now, rotisserie chickens were not sold whole in supermarkets. Boston Chicken (then Boston Market) started in the 1980s and was the first company to sell these whole chickens as an option for takeout. Costco saw the success of the company and started selling them too.

I had no idea that there was a connection between the chickens at Costco and Boston Market! I certainly remember Boston Chicken. Before keeping kosher, I enjoyed it as an occasional treat. I actually didn’t care much about the chicken but the mashed potatoes (meals came with sides) were delicious. It is hard to remember when rotisserie chickens were not sold in most supermarkets. (Maybe one of those “when I was a kid, not only did I have to walk uphill to school both ways without shoes but had to survive without whole rotisserie chickens…”)

2. Costco Loses Money on the Rotisserie Chickens 

Despite the large number of chickens that Costco sells, it does not make money off of item. They are actually an item that leads to losses for the company. However, the chickens are an item that draws in customers who likely then spend a significant amount of money. 

I have written before about the chickens being a “loss leader” (How Costco Gets Members to Spend More); (An assortment of Costco facts (Part 1 of 2)). It is definitely true that once people are in the store, they are likely to wander around and end up buying several items unplanned.

3. An Alarm Signals Fresh Batches of Chickens

Members often prefer to buy the freshest chickens. One option is to stand around the rotisserie spit until the fresh chickens are done. Another option is to listen for the bell that indicates when the fresh batch is done. 

Growing up, my parents were sticklers about checking dates on items in order to buy the freshest food. I was young and remember saying, “but we will be done with it way before the expiration date” and them saying “yes, but the dates show that there are fresher items. We might as well buy those.” Now I do the same and always look for the newest items. With the chickens, I don’t think a few minutes matter too much unless you plan on eating the chicken immediately and want it hot (and my family has definitely spotted people eating chickens in the food court). However, if given the option, might as well get the freshest food.

4. The price of Rotisserie Chickens Has Only Increased Once

Despite most other items increasing in price due to inflation, the chickens have remained $4.99 for most of the time they have been sold. In 2008, the price was temporarily increased  from $4.99 to $5.99 for the year.

I am not used to stores reducing prices after they have been raised so it is nice to know that Costco adjusted back when it was possible.

5. The Chickens Contain Many Additives

Chicken is a healthy source of protein and can be a very healthy option for a meal. However, the chickens at Costco are not the healthiest poultry option due to the large amount of additives they contain. 

It is good to remember that not all chicken is “healthy.” People may view the chickens as a healthy option for takeout but may not be as healthy as thought. 

6. Rotisserie Chickens Have a Two-Hour Limit

Costco sells a lot of chickens. Therefore, they tend to sell out quickly and rarely sit around. During slower times, to ensure that they do not sit around, they are not allowed to remain on the shelf for more than two hours. This time limit is to maintain both high quality and safety.

I have written about the two-hour limit before (Costco Surprises). It is good to know that the oldest chickens available would only be two hours old. 

7. Costco’s Rotisserie Chickens are Bigger than Average

Apparently, most rotisserie chickens are two pounds cooked. In contrast, the Costco chickens average three pounds. 

This difference in chicken size is significant. 

8. Members Can Purchase Unlimited Chickens

Many high demand items at Costco have limits for how many a member can buy. Despite their popularity, these chickens are not one of these items.

I find some of the items limits funny. Some of them seem quite random and others seem so big that it hardly makes sense to set a limit at all (e.g., 49 packs of frozen fish sticks). I rarely have a need to buy a lot of one item but, even without a limit, I would feel “selfish” buying too many of an item if it seemed that the quantity was limited. Fortunately, when I wanted a lot of an item last year (10 Passover cakes (Product Review: World of Chantilly Passover 7-layer cake)), there were a lot of them. Given that the chickens are loss leaders, it seems that it might make sense for them to be limited. However, perhaps so few people buy enough at a time that it is not worth it for Costco to limit them. 

9. Leftovers are Used in Other Costco Products

The chickens that are not sold within the two hour limit are not wasted. Costco sells other items that make use of the chickens (e.g., soup; salad).

I remember hearing people talk about knowing that the quality of the premade chicken items would be good because they were made from rotisserie chickens. Costco consistently sells chicken salad in the summer and chicken soup in the winter. In addition, they alternate other items that use the chickens. It is nice to know that the chickens are not wasted and that the food is made with high quality chicken vs scraps. 

10. Costco Has Its Own Poultry Plant

Since 2019, Costco’s chickens come from a farm in Nebraska. An outside company, Lincoln Premium Poultry, cares for the chickens.  Costco oversees the process.

I remember reading about this plant. 

11. Some Members Were Upset by the Recent Packaging Change 

In 2024, Costco switched from packaging the chickens in plastic dome containers to plastic bags. The change was made for environmental reasons. However, several customers have complained that the plastic bags leak. 

Obviously, the more we can do for the environment, the better. However, I wouldn’t want my chickens to leak!

12. Chickens are Sold With The Heads in Taiwan

Apparently, it is a custom in East Asian countries for poultry to be sold whole. Accordingly, the chickens sold in Taiwan contain chicken the heads.

I was unaware of this custom. I always learn something new!

Did you know this information about the chickens?