Walmart’s $4.98 rotisserie chicken may appear to be a good value, especially given the low price. However, if you pay attention to what you’re actually receiving, you might reconsider grabbing another one. Walmart’s rotisserie chicken weights only 1 pound, 13 ounces—a shockingly little bird considering the price. Compare this to competitors such as Sam’s Club and Costco, where you can get a larger, juicier 3-pound chicken for the same price.
Although Sam’s Club is owned by Walmart, the rotisserie chickens are definitely not the same. Sam’s Club’s chicken weighs a full 3 pounds, which matches Costco’s rotisserie offering, and both are well-known for their flavor and value. The greater size alone may appear to justify the trade, but the quality difference does not end there.
Taste tests consistently show that Costco’s rotisserie chicken has the best flavor, softness, and consistency, whereas Walmart’s chicken falls short. Walmart’s chicken has received conflicting reviews online, with several consumers complaining about variable quality—some say it was overcooked and dry, while others said it was undercooked.
One Reddit user even wrote, “Sam’s rotisserie chickens crush Costco’s rotisserie chickens every day of the week,” praising their balanced flavor and consistency. Nonetheless, many customers continue to rely on Costco for a juicy, tasty chicken.
When it comes to nutritional content, Walmart stands out, though perhaps not for the right reasons. Its rotisserie chicken has 690 mg of sodium per 3-ounce serving, more than Sam’s Club (550 mg) and Costco (460 mg). If you’re looking for a low-sodium option, Whole Foods provides rotisserie chicken with only 280 mg of sodium per 1/4 of a bird, making it a healthier choice for individuals watching their sodium intake.
Finally, while Walmart’s $4.98 price point may appear to be a bargain, the smaller size and uneven quality may cause you to reconsider. For a more pleasing bird with consistently high reviews, Sam’s Club or Costco may be a superior alternative in terms of both quality and quantity.