The Best Grocery Store Rotisserie Chicken Isn't Costco's, New Taste Test Says
Costco's $4.99 rotisserie chicken has earned a devoted following for good reason. It's affordable, convenient, and often tops shoppers' lists for an easy weeknight dinner. But another retailer earned the highest marks in a new taste test. While personal taste always plays a role, the results offer shoppers a helpful starting point if they're deciding where to pick up dinner on their next grocery run.
Consumer Reports recently evaluated rotisserie chickens from 10 grocery stores and warehouse clubs, comparing everything from taste and texture to seasoning and juiciness. Costco remained one of the publication's top picks, but it wasn't the chicken that experts ultimately ranked as their favorite.
So which store came out on top?
Which Grocery Store Has the Best Rotisserie Chicken?
After conducting a blind taste test, Consumer Reports named Sam's Club Member's Mark Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken its Best Overall pick.
According to the publication, tasters said the winning chicken stood out because it offered:
- Moist, juicy meat
- A deep roasted flavor
- Balanced seasoning with hints of onion, garlic and paprika
- An evenly browned, appetizing appearance
Consumer Reports placed the retailers into two categories. Sam's Club earned the Top Pick designation, while Costco, Stop & Shop, Walmart, Wegmans and Whole Foods all landed in the Best Overall group for their respective rotisserie chickens.
BJ's Wholesale Club, Hannaford, ShopRite and The Fresh Market were recommended as better choices for soups, salads and other recipes.
Related: 5 Festive 4th of July Foods at Costco Perfect for Family Fun
What Made Sam's Club's Chicken the Winner
Flavor was a major factor in Consumer Reports' rankings, but the publication also considered a few other details that can affect how a rotisserie chicken tastes and feels.
Experts considered things like:
- Texture
- Juiciness
- Seasoning
- Appearance
- Consistency between samples
Consumer Reports also reviewed nutrition information and tested the chickens for certain chemicals found in plastic packaging. While it detected phthalates in most samples, it found no PFAS in the packaging or meat.
If you're loyal to Costco, there's little reason to give up one of the warehouse's most popular grocery items. It still ranked among Consumer Reports' favorite rotisserie chickens thanks to its tender meat and savory flavor.
But if you're chasing the juiciest, most flavorful rotisserie chicken, Sam's Club is the warehouse to beat, according to the publication's latest blind taste test.
Related: Sam's Club's Cute $16 Storage Bins Turn Everyday Mess Into Decor
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This story was originally published June 27, 2026 at 7:25 AM.