How Much Meat Comes From a Rotisserie Chicken?

Rotisserie chicken is perfect for quick meals, whether you're looking for easy summer dinners or speedy weeknight options year-round. Pre-seasoned and roasted, it's ready to carve and enjoy, or shred for endless recipe ideas like tacos, soups, and pot pies. Knowing the meat yield from a rotisserie chicken helps you plan portions for recipes or figure out how many people it can serve. If you've ever been unsure in the deli aisle, whether at the supermarket or Costco, read on to find out exactly how much meat comes from a rotisserie chicken so you can shop smarter next time.

How Much Meat Can You Get From a Rotisserie Chicken?

A typical rotisserie chicken weighs around 2 pounds and offers roughly 3 cups of meat. While this may seem small compared to larger raw chickens that weigh between 4 to 6 pounds, it's important to note that cooked meat weighs less than its raw counterpart. Rotisserie chickens are usually smaller to ensure they cook evenly on the rotating spits, making them more economical for stores to prepare and sell. Most shredded rotisserie chicken recipes designed for 4 people require between 1 and 3 cups of meat.

How Much White and Dark Meat Does a Rotisserie Chicken Have?

A typical rotisserie chicken contains about 2 cups of white meat (from the breasts) and 1 cup of dark meat (from the legs and thighs). Most recipes using shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken don't differentiate between the two, as combining both types adds flavor and ensures none of the meat goes to waste.

How to Shred a Rotisserie Chicken

To shred a cooked rotisserie chicken, start by carving it into manageable pieces. Remove the legs, thighs, and breast halves from the bone. Then, discard the skin and bones. Shred the meat by hand, following the grain, or use two forks or tongs for easier handling. Shredding by hand is typically the simplest method.

How to Store Your Rotisserie Chicken

Keep shredded rotisserie chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze it in a resealable bag for up to one month. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight and reheat with a little chicken broth to restore moisture.