For a fast food dinner that still has a semblance of nutritional value, nothing beats the take-out rotisserie chicken. They can be quickly turned into a pie. The carcasses make great stock. But which rotisserie chicken to buy? Fear not, we are here to help. Our first three chickens are from typical neighbourhood sources; Valumart (Loblaws affiliate), Sobey's, and Rabba.
VALUMART- $9.99
Packaging - Dark plastic tray with clear cover. Cardboard wrap forming handles. Lots of storage info labels (one listing the ingredients). Only packaging which leaked.
Appearance - Large, plump bird. Missing a strip of skin across the breast. Not well browned.
Flavour - Innocuous flavour.
Overall Impression - This bird was awash in a sea of juice, which soaked into our reusable bag. A bit fatty, the bird was moist but bland. Too much packaging.
SOBEY'S - $9.99
Packaging - Covered tray with cardboard. Like the Valumart version, this one came with instructions to store the bird under 40F or heat to above 140F.
Appearance - Nicely browned, but the skin was wrinkled.
Flavour - Tastiness is undercut by the dryness of the flesh.
Overall impression - Though the skin was a good colour, everything about this bird pointed to overcooking, compounded by steaming in plastic packaging.
RABBA - $7.99
Packaging - Foil-lined paper bag with no info
Appearance - Noticeably smaller than the other chickens, but still plump. Evenly golden.
Flavour - The wings tasted like celery salt, but the rest of the very moist flesh had the flavour of a classic Sunday-dinner chicken.
Overall Impression - Rabba's no frills, rotisserie chicken was attractive, delicious, and a bargain.
Stay tuned for Bitten Part Two - the Gourmet Grocers!
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