The great chook showdown: Which supermarket came out on top?

If you're looking for dinner ideas and on a budget, there are few better convenience foods than a hot roast chicken from the supermarket. Not only is it extremely tasty and affordable, but it's also an easy 'grab-and-go' option that's packed full of flavour.

They're not all created equal, though. Here at the SDC, we want to help you make sure you're always getting bang for your buck, and that almost always includes doing a bit of research on the best places to buy certain items.



Luckily for us, Bianca Hrovat from Good Food set out on a mission to sample hot roast chickens from a variety of supermarkets. She visited Costco, Woolies, and Coles, and upon her return, she had plenty of findings to share. And now we're sharing them with you, members!

Bianca judged each chicken's overall package, from the visual appeal and crunchiness of the skin to the texture and flavour of the meat and whether or not the chook had been raised humanely.

She also factored in value for money when assigning a final rating to each chook. Ready to find out which supermarket came out on top?


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Coles, Woolworths or Costco: which grocery store boasts the best-cooked chook? Credit: Pexels/Lukas.



6. Lilydale Free-Range Hot Roast Chicken with Sage and Onion Stuffing from Coles ($13, 1178g, 22cm)

Let's begin with the positives. The free-range chickens on the farm have the freedom to roam around, and they are fed a nutritious diet, which contributes to a more comfortable and stress-free life for them. Moreover, this has the advantage of not containing any artificial colours, flavours, or added preservatives.

However, there was a downside. It didn't perform well in the taste test, as it was cooked unevenly. The breast meat was dry, the skin was soft, and the thigh had an unusual gamey flavour.

5. Macro Free-Range Australian Hot Roast Chicken from Woolies ($12.50, 985g, 20cm)

When Bianca bought this chook from Woolworths, she noticed something unusual. The chicken looked surprisingly ‘sad’. It had a small body, thin and pale skin, and the bottom of the bag was a bit wet.

Despite its initial appearance, the meat from this chicken turned out to be tender, although still a bit fibrous. Additionally, it had a delicate flavour. While this chicken might not have been the most budget-friendly option, it can be a good choice for frugal shoppers who also care about the environment.



4. Kirkland Rotisserie Chicken from Costco ($6.99, 1207g, 27cm)

According to Bianca, this was one good-looking choice. It had an appealing appearance with its crisp, golden skin and plump, white flesh, which has attracted many fans. People eagerly reached for the steaming plastic packages as each fresh batch arrived.

Although it was a large and reasonably priced option, the meat turned out to be disappointingly dry and lacked the flavorful punch that its appearance promised. In other words, it didn't taste as good as it looked.

3. Classic Homestyle Roast Chicken from Coles ($12, 1083g, 24cm)

This roast chicken brings back fond memories of childhood for many. It was effortlessly shredded and served on fresh Turkish bread, generously buttered. Bianca recalled it being warm, slightly fatty, but undeniably delicious.

Even today, this roast chicken hasn't lost its charm. It maintains its appealing appearance, with crispy and golden skin, while the breast meat remains succulent.

However, there's a slight twist in its flavour, possibly due to the sugar and milk added to the marinade. Despite this, it would still make an incredible sandwich filling.



2. The Bare Bird BBQ Roast Chicken from Coles ($13.50, 1048g, 25cm)

This is a relatively new addition to the Coles BBQ chook stand. This new item is served in biodegradable packaging and is proudly free from steroids, hormones, antibiotics, artificial colours, and any added preservatives or flavours.

Although the chicken is not seasoned, Bianca found it to be surprisingly juicy, tender, and flavourful. This perfect combination of qualities has quickly made this chicken a favourite among Coles customers, even though the skin may be on the softer side.

1. Country-Style Roast Chicken from Woolworths ($12, 1035g, 23cm)

Woolies is fairly well-known for its roast chook, especially its limited-edition Memphis BBQ chicken, which sent the internet wild with joy.

However, the true favourite among customers is the Country-Style classic roast chicken—and Bianca had an amazing experience with it. With just one bite, it became evident that this chicken stood out as the best of the bunch.

Its appearance was inviting, with beautiful golden skin and a marinade that had caramelised around the edges. Beyond looks, the chicken's meat was plump, succulent, and bursting with delightful flavours.

Key Takeaways

  • Good Food's Bianca Hrovat has taste-tested six different supermarket roast chickens, ranking them based on appearance, taste, and value for money.
  • While the taste test included chooks from Coles, Woolworths, and Costco, the overall winner was the Country-Style Roast Chicken from Woolworths for its golden skin, plump and juicy meat, and punchy flavour.
  • The most affordable option, Kirkland Rotisserie Chicken from Costco, fell short on flavour, and the meat was disappointingly dry, despite its impressive size and appearance.

So there you have it, members! Do you agree with Bianca? Which supermarket chicken do you think is the best? Drop your thoughts in the comments section below! We're excited to know your preferences!
 
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What a rip off. $12 for a kilo of chicken!!😮

I only buy the fresh Steggles chickens ranging in weight between 2 to about 2.7kg and cook one on my BBQ every Saturday with home made chips. I always wait until there's an offer on them which is normally about $5.50-6 a kilo. Got about 5 in various weights in my freezer at the moment.

I wouldn't buy one of those overpriced small things. Not worth the money.😕
It’s not always about the money. Sometimes it’s about convenience or saving time, or because something unexpected has come up.
 
I prefer the Coles roast chicken - I have also bought roast chickens from Red Rooster and they are delicious too :)
 

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