A Costco rotisserie chicken leg and thigh is a popular ready-to-eat meal option. Many people enjoy the flavorful chicken but wonder about the calorie content. Knowing the calorie count can help you make informed decisions about portion sizes and how often to indulge in this tasty treat. In this article, we’ll examine the calorie content of a Costco rotisserie chicken leg and thigh. We’ll look at the total calories as well as the calories from fat, carbs, and protein. We’ll also explore how the calorie count compares to other proteins and meal options from Costco. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the calorie content of a Costco rotisserie chicken leg and thigh.
Total Calorie Count
According to the Costco nutrition information, one Costco rotisserie chicken leg and thigh (about 1/2 chicken) contains:
- 460 calories
- 32 grams of fat
- 0 grams of carbs
- 44 grams of protein
So in total, a Costco rotisserie chicken leg and thigh contains 460 calories. This offers a significant amount of calories in one serving. The leg and thigh together provide nearly a quarter of the daily calorie needs for most adults.
Calories from Fat
Out of the total 460 calories in a Costco chicken leg and thigh, a high percentage comes from fat.
There are 32 grams of total fat. Fat provides 9 calories per gram.
So 32 grams of fat x 9 calories/gram of fat = 288 calories from fat
This means about 288 of the total calories come from fat. Fat makes up the majority of calories in a Costco rotisserie chicken leg and thigh.
Calories from Protein
Protein contains 4 calories per gram.
The Costco chicken leg and thigh has 44 grams of protein.
44 grams of protein x 4 calories/gram of protein = 176 calories from protein
So out of the 460 total calories, 176 calories come from the protein content.
Calories from Carbs
According to the nutrition info, the Costco chicken leg and thigh contains 0 grams of carbohydrates.
With no carbs, there are 0 calories from carbs.
So the 460 calories come from fat (288 calories) and protein (176 calories). There are no calories contributed from carbohydrates.
How Calories Compare to Other Costco Proteins
Here is how the calorie count of a Costco rotisserie chicken leg and thigh compares to other high protein Costco offerings:
| Costco Product | Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Rotisserie chicken leg and thigh | 1/2 chicken | 460 |
| Kirkland wild caught salmon | 4 oz | 180 |
| Foster Farms teriyaki chicken wings | 3 wings | 210 |
| Kirkland roasted turkey breast | 4 oz | 140 |
As the table shows, the chicken leg and thigh contains significantly more calories than the same serving size of other Costco protein sources like salmon, chicken wings, and turkey. At 460 calories, it packs over double the calories of these other options for a comparable serving size.
Calorie Comparison to Other Costco Meals
Here is how the calories in a rotisserie chicken leg and thigh compare to some other prepared meal options at Costco:
| Costco Meal | Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken bake | 1 bake | 760 |
| Beef brisket sandwich | 1 sandwich | 470 |
| Chicken Caesar salad | 1 salad | 400 |
| Roasted turkey provolone sandwich | 1 sandwich | 480 |
The chicken leg and thigh is on the lower end for calorie count compared to other popular Costco prepared meal options. It contains fewer calories than the chicken bake, brisket sandwich, and turkey sandwich from the food court. The Caesar salad is the only slightly lower calorie option from Costco’s prepared meals.
Nutrition Advantages
While the calorie count is quite high, a Costco rotisserie chicken leg and thigh does offer some nutritional benefits:
- High protein – 44g per serving which is 88% of daily value
- Minimal carbs – 0g
- Provides vitamins and minerals like niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc
- Easy pre-cooked option for busy families
So while not low calorie, it does provide high quality protein, vitamins, and convenience.
Downsides of High Calorie Count
However, the elevated calorie content does have some downsides to consider:
- Nearly 1/4 of daily calories from 1 food item
- High fat content and saturated fat
- Minimal nutrients like fiber or antioxidants
- High sodium content – 660mg or 28% daily value
Eating high calorie foods occasionally is not detrimental, but the high fat, sodium, and calories could contribute to unwanted weight gain or other issues if eaten frequently or in large portions.
Ways to Make It Healthier
There are some simple ways to enjoy a Costco chicken leg and thigh while reducing the calorie count:
- Eat it with a large salad or vegetables
- Avoid eating the skin to reduce fat/calories
- Portion the thigh and leg rather than eating the whole half chicken
- Pair with lower calorie sides like roasted vegetables or greens
- Share it as part of a meal for multiple people
Being mindful of portion sizes and rounding out the meal can help counterbalance the high calorie density.
Conclusion
A Costco chicken leg and thigh contains a substantial 460 calories in just one serving. This comes almost entirely from its high fat and protein content. While it offers benefits like convenience,flavor, and protein, the calorie count is on the high side compared to other Costco options. Being conscious of portions and eating it moderately as part of an overall healthy diet is key to getting the benefits without overdoing the calories and fat. Use the nutrition info to make informed choices and enjoy this Costco staple as part of your healthy routine.