Among the ready-to-eat foods available at your local grocery store, rotisserie chicken is often considered one of the healthier options, aside from its skin. (Discover the adverse effects of consuming chicken skin.) However, quickly assessing which chicken appears freshest can be challenging when you’re pressed for time.
What should you look for to ensure you select a chicken that not only tastes great but also stays fresh for a few days in the fridge? Identifying certain red flags can guide you to the best choice and help you steer clear of chickens that might be contaminated, aged, or overcooked.
To begin with, if you observe any discolored spots on the chicken, it might indicate bacterial growth. “Cooked chicken will begin to look gray or greenish and develop a softer or slimier texture as it deteriorates,” explains registered dietitian nutritionist Katie Tomaschko (via EatingWell). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that raw and undercooked chicken can harbor bacterial strains like Salmonella and Campylobacter. These can lead to symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, potentially causing serious health issues for some individuals. If you detect off-color patches on the skin or meat of a rotisserie chicken, inform the grocer that the poultry may be spoiled.
Ripped skin may mean less juicy meat
Another clear indication of a less desirable chicken is torn skin. While this could result from rough handling, it might also suggest that the meat has been exposed to air, leading to less juicy meat.
If you prefer your rotisserie chicken to be moist, avoid chickens with multiple tears in the skin, as you may end up discarding leftovers instead of enjoying them. Alternatively, shop at stores that limit the sale of cooked chicken to a short period after it’s freshly prepared.
For example, Costco is known for making its whole rotisserie chickens available to consumers only for two hours. (Look for the time stamp to ensure you’re getting the freshest option.) Consequently, their golden-brown rotisserie chickens are famed for their fresh taste and appearance. Moreover, they are among the healthier choices you can make at a Costco food court.
In addition to ripped skin, you might notice excess juice at the bottom of the container or bag or extra condensation inside the packaging. If the juice is from the chicken, the meat is likely not tender but rather tough.
Room-temperature poultry is a no-go
A third sign of potential issues is a chicken that appears and feels room temperature, rather than hot and moist. Keep in mind that freshly cooked rotisserie chicken should be maintained under heat lamps to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth.
Food safety expert Amanda Anderson states that cooked chicken must be kept at certain temperatures to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses (via KOLD News 13). “[Stores] can either maintain a temperature of 135 degrees [Fahrenheit] and above for a chosen time frame,” says Anderson. If the chicken you’re considering has been left on a regular shelf or countertop and feels lukewarm or cold, it’s probably best to avoid it.
In general, rotisserie chickens can be a great source of protein when you need a quick, cost-effective meal. (However, be cautious of hidden ingredients in store-bought rotisserie chicken that you might want to avoid.) Use your best judgment before purchasing your poultry.
