Kick Kirkland to the curb with this delicious DIY Rotisserie Chicken recipe.
Rotisserie chicken has never been so convenient to add to your shopping cart. It doesn’t matter what supermarket you prefer, chances are you’ll find a warm and toasty area full of pre-cooked, pre-packaged birds just waiting to satisfy your chicken cravings.
While store-bought rotisserie chicken is the easiest way to get this dinner on your plate, it just can’t recreate the flavors and textures of a homemade recipe. Sure, making rotisserie chicken from scratch will take extra time and effort, but foodies are always satisfied with the result. Plus, once you’ve mastered the basics of this recipe, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to work this meal into your weeknight plans.
Another great feature of cooking rotisserie chicken has to be its versatility. Even if you don’t dive into this golden deliciousness for dinner, you could put your chicken meat to work in countless simple and satisfying lunches throughout the week.
So, before picking up that tempting ready-to-eat rotisserie chicken, consider buying a whole chicken and making this recipe at home. Sure, it might not be as easy, but your tastebuds will thank you.
Is Rotisserie Chicken Healthy?
Cooking rotisserie chicken at home has a significant health benefit you can’t get from store-bought brands: You control the ingredients. While that doesn’t mean all pre-made rotisserie chickens are bad, you just can’t be sure what went into these birds, and you can’t make special requests. If you follow this recipe as-is, you’ll have a lean source of protein flavored with low-calorie, low-sodium spices — plus, you get to determine how much oil and salt you add.
To make your rotisserie chicken healthier, you could take the skin off the chicken for less fat, but this will eliminate the crispy exterior so many people crave. Alternatively, you could omit the oil and let your chicken bake in its natural juices to reduce the fat content. It’s also a great idea to pair your rotisserie chicken with healthy sides like Oven-Roasted Vegetables or Cauliflower Rice to ensure you get more vitamins and minerals into your meal.
Can I Use a Regular Oven Versus a Rotisserie?
Just because “rotisserie” is in the name doesn’t mean you need to run out and get a rotisserie rack to make this chicken recipe. Sure, a rotisserie helps ensure even cooking and browning, but you could put your chicken in the oven, rotate it, and baste it to get a similar effect.
To mimic the unique cooking process of a rotisserie, consider using a roasting rack to circulate heat more evenly around your chicken. You should also aim to baste your chicken about every 30 minutes for the best results. Lastly, remember to let your chicken rest for about 15 minutes after you take it out of the oven to let the juices redistribute and create a tender center.
How to make ahead and store
With rotisserie chicken, you can either carve slices for another traditional meal or shred your chicken for other recipes like Tacos or a Chicken Salad Sandwich. However you choose to cut your meat, you can preserve it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Rotisserie chicken stores well in the freezer for months in vacuum-sealed freezer-safe bags. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Rotisserie chicken and creamy potatoes are probably the most iconic pairing, but you don’t have to make a serving of Mashed Potatoes if you’re not a fan of starch. For anyone on a low-carb diet, you could easily swap this out with Mashed Cauliflower for a similar dining experience. Alternatively, you could roast a variety of veggies to get some extra use out of this heated oven, or make one of your favorite greens like Brussels sprouts, spinach, or broccoli.
Besides veggies, this recipe works great with plenty of healthy grains like brown rice or bulgur. You could also make some quinoa on the stovetop to add more protein, fiber, and a dash of vitamins and minerals. Honestly, it’s harder to find sides that don’t work with rotisserie chicken, so feel free to serve up whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken about 4-5 lbs
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil optional
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by removing any giblets, rinsing it inside and out, and patting it dry with paper towels. Then rub with olive oil if using.
- In a small bowl, mix together paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning mix all over the chicken, both inside and out.
- Truss the chicken by tying the legs together with kitchen twine and tucking the wing tips under the body. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
- Preheat your rotisserie to medium heat. Secure the chicken on the rotisserie spit and tighten it well.
- Cook the chicken on the rotisserie for about 70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Remove the chicken from the rotisserie and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it’s moist and flavorful.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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