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?


Screen Shot 2023-07-28 at 2.24.29 PM.png
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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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?


View attachment 26203
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!
I agree.
Always preferred the roast chicken from Woolies even though Cole’s tried hard to promote its roast chicken.
 
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?


View attachment 26203
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!
 
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?


View attachment 26203
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!
Hi , as an avid consumer and buyer of Roast Chickens I have found that the Red Rooster chicken is far and away the best in every way, taste, price ,size and flavour
 
Well this is my dogs and cats voting
Coles Classic Hot Chicken…..Dogs give is a 3 Cats screw up noses and walk away
IGA and Farmer Jacks…….Dogs think about it and slowly eat Cats walk away
Woolworths Classic….. Dogs scoff within minutes Cat demand immediately.

My lot see the bags and know their colors too. I will listen to my fur babies choices before I try any other brands 😂😂
I have 4 Beagles and 1 Maremma and 5 cats
 
Do they deliver?
As far as I know, they don't deliver, I think you can get through click and collect. Not convenient to me as I have to go into Woolies to get my cat her fresh Roast Chicken - she loves it. I have no idea as I don't eat chicken.
 
mmm,,love Woolies roast chicken but to be fair I haven't tried Coles and we don't have the other chicken suppliers in Tasmania as far as I know
 
Surprised that the Costco chicken was dry. I’ve always found them to be excellent and the lowest price of all. However, the last time I bought one it was undercooked to the point of being raw in the middle. I guess it’s a question of how individual batches turn out.
 
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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?


View attachment 26203
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!
I like IGA chicken
 
We have be3n disappointed by Coles and Red Rooster when we have tried them but always very happy Woolworths, well cooked, moist and tasty. We stick to them now.
 
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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?


View attachment 26203
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!
Hi
What about the smaller supermarkets like Iga, drakes?
Thanks
Wayne
 
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apart from all being small, and bottom of bags often wet - it really depends on who is left in charge of the cook- as From both Coles and Woolies I have dried, tasteless, overly greasy, rather burned and shrivelled skin, soft meat or dry meat. I also find at one store the bags have not been fully sealed so this adds to the drying out.
 
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