We Tasted 5 Store-Bought Rotisserie Chickens And The Winner Was Unanimous

Southern Living • January 19, 2026 • business

Key Points:

A taste test was conducted by editors to evaluate store-bought rotisserie chickens from Sam’s Club, Walmart, Whole Foods, Publix, and Costco based on taste, texture, and overall experience.
Sam’s Club’s rotisserie chicken was the unanimous favorite, praised for its balanced, natural flavor, moistness, and tenderness, making it enjoyable on its own or in recipes.
Walmart’s chicken was drier with a chewier texture but had good smoky pepper flavor, suitable for casseroles or soups where texture is less critical.
Whole Foods and Publix chickens were drier and less flavorful, with Publix noted for a lack of seasoning but a generous amount of meat, making both better suited for dishes with added moisture or seasoning