There’s something about a rotisserie chicken that feels like a little luxury at the end of a long day. You walk past that warming station at the grocery store, catch a whiff of the golden-brown skin and savory aroma, and suddenly dinner is solved — no pots, no pans, no stress.

For busy families, seniors cooking for one, or anyone who appreciates a ready-to-eat meal, it’s hard to resist. And if you’re watching your budget, Walmart’s rotisserie chicken — usually around $4.98 — might seem like an unbeatable deal.

But here’s the question: is it really worth it?

Size Matters More Than You Think

The first thing you notice when you pick up a Walmart rotisserie chicken is how light it feels in your hands. That’s not your imagination — Walmart’s birds weigh in at around 1 pound 13 ounces, just shy of 2 pounds.

That might be fine if you’re cooking for one person. But for a family dinner — or if you like having leftovers for sandwiches, salads, or soups — that missing pound makes a real difference.

The Costco and Sam’s Club Comparison

Now here’s where the comparison gets interesting. For almost the same price, Costco and Sam’s Club sell rotisserie chickens that weigh around 3 pounds — nearly double the size of Walmart’s.

Think about that: you’re paying about $5 in all three stores, but in two of them you walk out with a much bigger bird. The value per pound is dramatically better at Costco and Sam’s.