How Much Protein is in Rotisserie Chicken?

Rotisserie chicken is a popular convenient meal that can be found pre-cooked in most grocery stores But how much protein does rotisserie chicken actually contain? The amount of protein in rotisserie chicken depends on the cut and whether you eat the skin Let’s take a closer look at the protein content of different parts of a rotisserie chicken.

Protein Content in Different Cuts of Rotisserie Chicken

The white meat (breast) of a rotisserie chicken contains the most protein, while the dark meat (thighs and drumsticks) contains a bit less:

• A 3 oz (85g) serving of rotisserie chicken breast without skin has 24g of protein.
• A 3 oz serving of rotisserie chicken breast with skin has 22g of protein.
• A 3 oz serving of rotisserie chicken thigh without skin has 21g of protein.
• A 3 oz serving of rotisserie chicken thigh with skin has 18g of protein.

As you can see the breast meat contains slightly more protein than the thigh meat. Eating the chicken without the skin also boosts the protein content compared to eating it with the skin on.

Here is an overview of the protein content in 3 oz servings of different cuts of rotisserie chicken

Total Protein in a Whole Rotisserie Chicken

A typical whole rotisserie chicken weighs about 2.5-3 lbs or 1136-1360 grams.

Of that weight, about 32-35% is inedible bone and fat. So the edible meat makes up 65-68% of the total weight.

An average whole rotisserie chicken provides about 140-170 grams of protein total.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Whole chicken weight: 3 lbs or 1360g
• Edible meat weight: 65% of 1360g = 884g
• Protein content: about 19-20g protein per 3 oz (85g) serving
• Total protein: 884g edible meat / 85g per serving x 20g protein = ~170g protein

So in total, a 3 lb rotisserie chicken provides around 170 grams of protein when accounting for both white and dark meat.

Of course, the exact amount will vary depending on the size of the chicken. Smaller 2.5 lb chickens may provide around 140g protein, while larger 3.5 lb chickens can provide up to 200g protein.

Rotisserie Chicken Protein Compared to Other Protein Sources

Rotisserie chicken is a lean source of protein compared to some other animal proteins.

Here’s how the protein content of a 3 ounce serving of rotisserie chicken breast compares:

• Chicken breast (no skin): 24g protein
• 85% lean ground beef: 22g protein
• Salmon: 19g protein
• Tofu: 10g protein
• Lentils: 9g protein

As you can see, rotisserie chicken provides more protein than common vegetarian protein sources like tofu and lentils. It has a protein content comparable to lean beef and more than fatty fish like salmon.

Chicken is a lean and low-fat source of animal protein. It contains less saturated fat than red meats, making it a healthier choice for those looking to boost their protein intake.

Health Benefits of Chicken Protein

The high quality protein in rotisserie chicken provides a number of health benefits:

• Builds muscle: Chicken protein contains all the essential amino acids needed to build and maintain muscle mass. Consuming protein after exercise can help repair and rebuild muscle tissue.

• Aids weight loss: Protein is very satiating, keeping you feeling fuller for longer compared to fats and carbs. Eating protein-rich foods can help reduce appetite and calorie intake.

• Supports bone health: Chicken contains phosphorus, zinc, and other minerals important for bone density and strength. Protein intake also helps absorb and retain these bone-supporting minerals.

• Boosts metabolism: Eating adequate protein increases metabolism since your body uses more energy to digest protein than carbs or fat. This can help support weight management.

As long as you don’t eat the skin, rotisserie chicken is a healthy source of lean protein that provides all the benefits of high-quality animal protein. Enjoy it on its own, sliced in salads, added to sandwiches and wraps, or chopped in meals like rice bowls or pasta dishes.

How to Get the Most Protein from Your Rotisserie Chicken

Follow these simple tips to maximize the protein you get from your rotisserie chicken:

• Choose breast meat over thighs to get more protein per serving.

• Remove the skin before eating to eliminate excess fat and boost the protein ratio.

• Weigh your chicken portions to get a more accurate idea of protein content. A kitchen scale helps.

• Add chicken to salads, wraps, soups and grain bowls to turn them into more balanced, protein-rich meals.

• Pair chicken with a healthy carb like quinoa or brown rice and veggies for a nutritious meal.

• Use any leftovers within 3-4 days and incorporate into other recipes like sandwiches, stir-fries or breakfast scrambles.

Bottom Line

Rotisserie chicken is one of the easiest sources of lean protein you can buy. A typical 3 pound chicken provides around 140-200 grams of protein in total.

The breast meat contains slightly more protein than the thighs – especially when eating the chicken without the skin.

Including rotisserie chicken in your diet provides all the benefits of high-quality animal protein for muscle growth, weight management and overall health. It’s a nutritious and versatile ingredient to build healthy, protein-packed meals.

A full rotisserie chicken typically contains between 157g and 165g of protein, according to Nutritionix. The exact amount can vary slightly depending on the size of the chicken and how much fat and skin is included.

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a good source of protein. It’s a lean protein, meaning it provides a good amount of protein with relatively low fat content.

A 4-ounce serving of rotisserie chicken contains approximately 29 grams of protein, according to Eat This Much.

An 8-ounce serving of cooked rotisserie chicken contains approximately 53-57 grams of protein. The exact amount can vary slightly depending on whether the skin is included and the specific cut of meat (breast vs. thigh).