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How to Make Rotisserie Chicken

Learn how to make rotisserie chicken like a pro!!  With crispy, golden skin and juicy, tender chicken, who doesn’t love rotisserie chicken? Making your own isn’t hard, and they’re so much better tasting.

Want to master the art of the rotisserie, using a rotisserie oven? Here’s how to make the best rotisserie chicken with only 3 ingredients!

A Whole Chicken Cooked on a Rotisserie Oven.
A Whole Chicken Cooked on a Rotisserie Oven.

Plump, juicy, steaming hot, and with crispy, seasoned skin, this is the spot for you if you’ve ever wondered How to Make Rotisserie Chicken!

When I tell my daughter that we are having rotisserie chicken for dinner her first question is; “Are you getting store bought chicken or are you making homemade?” 

If I tell her that it will be store bought, she does not want to eat it.  But, if I say that I’m making it at home on my Rotisserie Oven, she is all in and super excited about dinner!!

Rotisserie chicken at home is the best tasting chicken because of the golden-brown skin and is super flavorful!

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Store-Bought Chicken

Rotisserie chickens are available at most grocery stores, but those mass-produced chickens are injected with a sodium solution to keep the chicken plump and moist while being cooked. And, to ensure that the chickens are thoroughly cooked, they’re cooked for longer than they need to be.

Sure, store-bought rotisserie chicken is good, and it’s convenient, but once you’ve tasted a freshly rotisserie chicken, you’ll never go back to the store for more! My entire family hands down prefer this homemade rotisserie chicken recipe. 

What Is Rotisserie Chicken

Rotisserie cooking is cooking meat on a skewer over (or beside) heat. Many backyard grills are equipped with a rotisserie burner (usually to the side) and can accommodate a rotisserie skewer, called a spit rod.

You may need to purchase a small rotisserie motor – that’ll keep the spit rod turning – if your grill didn’t come with one.

But you can also use a rotisserie oven for cooking chicken. I love my oven – it’s perfect for year-round inside cooking, so I can get grilled chicken flavor even in the middle of a Michigan winter.

This chicken is cooked over low heat, and the constant rotation locks in all the juices. It has a grilled flavor but is cooked much more gently, so the meat is always fabulous.

Rotisserie chicken at home is the best tasting chicken because of the golden-brown skin and is super flavorful!

Ronco Rotisserie Oven

The best rotisserie oven that I have found is a Ronco Rotisserie Oven!!  Ronco has several products that they sell. 

They have a line of rotisserie ovens, food dehydrators and even a pocket fishing pole called the Pocket Fisherman.  In our house we have one of the food dehydrators and one of the rotisserie ovens that I have owned for more than 15 years. 

Ronco has been in business since 1964. The rotisserie cooker is easy to clean with some paper towels and your favorite cleaner. Many of the oven parts are dishwasher safe. 

How To Make Rotisserie Chicken

Before you get started, you need to get the chicken ready. 

Rotisserie Chicken Ingredients:  Whole Chicken, Sheet of Foil, Lawry's Salt, Morton's Natures Seasonings, Kitchen String, and Oven Parts
Rotisserie Chicken Ingredients

Start by rinsing the whole chicken and removing the neck or giblet bag that’s often tucked inside the chicken cavity.

Season the outside AND the inside of the chicken, so there’s lots of flavor. The chicken seasoning that you use can be your spice mixture. Don’t be afraid to experiment! 

Slide the chicken onto the spit rod as per the directions, then use kitchen string to tie the legs together and tie the wings against the chicken. You may need to re-season the outside of the bird if handling it brushed it off.

Ensure the drip tray is secured in the bottom of your rotisserie oven and if desired cover with aluminum foil for easy clean up. Set the spit into the brackets, and ensure it is secure.

Set the timer – use the recommended settings that came with the instruction guide for your rotisserie oven. I usually add another 5-10 minutes of cooking time. The rotisserie oven comes with a cheat sheet to help you figure out the correct time. 

When your chicken in the oven is done, use a digital instant read thermometer inserted into the chicken breast to check the internal temperature. It is safe to eat at 165°F.

Make sure the whole chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This is my favorite meat thermometer!

A Fully Cooked Rotisserie Chicken in an Oven.
A Fully Cooked Rotisserie Chicken in an Oven.

Carefully remove the spit from the oven and set the chicken on a serving platter, then remove the spit and let the chicken rest 5-10 minutes before carving.

What To Serve with Rotisserie Chicken?

You can make the best rotisserie chicken a part of a fancy main course cuisine or go more casual. It’s up to you! Pair the chicken with Smashed Potatoessweet potato fries, or just a nice green salad. My family likes homemade mashed potatoes and gravy with some stuffing on the side. 

What To Do with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?

I LOVE having leftover rotisserie chicken! There are so many more recipes that you can do with it, and I use it all, even the carcass! 

I’ll make homemade chicken stock from the chicken bones – I keep the carcass in a zipper-top freezer bag until I have 2-3 carcasses, then I’ll make a big batch of chicken stock for slow cooker soups, stews, and sauces.

Leftover chicken can be turned into an easy recipe like shredded chicken taco’s!  Here are some of my favorite recipes that I love making with leftover chicken: chicken salad sandwiches, chicken enchiladas, rotisserie chicken soup, and quesadillas

Let’s not forget salads topped with leftover chicken. The cooked chicken is so versatile to make a variety of chicken recipes with!

How to Store Leftover Chicken

Store cleaned chicken pieces in an airtight container in the fridge overnight or for up to 6 days. 

Can You Freeze Rotisserie Chicken?

Yes, you sure can! Remove all the chicken from the bones, skin, and fat.  Once the chicken is chilled, pop it into a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze it for up to 3 months.

Just thaw it and eat it! Reheating leftover chicken is easy – put it on a baking sheet and warm it in a low oven or microwave it. 

What is The Best Rotisserie Oven?

I love my Ronco Showtime Rotisserie oven. It is affordable, convenient, and works like a charm.  I have the rotisserie oven stored on the countertop in my garage. 

I can honestly say that we have had our Ronco rotisserie oven for many, many years and it is one of the best appliances that we own. 

Additional Chicken Options

  • Drizzle the freshly cleaned chicken breast side with flavored olive oil.
  • Use onion powder, cayenne pepper, or garlic powder for extra layers of flavor.
  • Create a spice rub or BBQ spice mixture to rub on the uncooked whole chicken. Remember to throw away any remaining spice mixture that may have come into contact with raw chicken.
  • Try special chicken seasoning.

Oven Roasted Chicken vs. Rotisserie Chicken

Many people ask what the difference is between oven roasted chicken and rotisserie chicken is? The flavor!! The flavor of a rotisserie chicken recipe is super moist and is a simple recipe that can be made by anyone!

My great recipe for rotisserie chicken has only 3 ingredients. If you want to use a roasting pan to make a roasted chicken, you won’t be disappointed. But compare the difference between an oven roasted chicken and a homemade rotisserie chicken and let me know what you think.

Whatever cooking methods that you pick for your whole chickens is up to you. My family has voiced their opinions very loudly!!

I have not cooked an oven roasted chicken in years! So, you might want to think about getting a chicken rotisserie oven as your next appliance purchase. 

Favorite Part of the Chicken?

Do you have a favorite part of the chicken or are you like me and love the whole chicken? My family members each have their own favorite chicken pieces.

Even my dog, Lola, has her favorite! My youngest daughter likes the chicken wings. The next in line at our house is my husband who likes the legs and thighs.

My oldest daughter, Lexie, likes the breast meat.  I tend to eat the chicken breast because everyone has already picked the good pieces. But if I were to pick a favorite it would be the chicken legs and I think Lola would agree with me!! 

Can Dogs Eat Rotisserie Chicken?

Yes, my recipe is only 3 ingredients, and your dog would love to eat this rotisserie chicken – if you want to part with it!!  My dog loves this chicken and enjoys leftovers for days!

Rotisserie Chicken Pieces on a Plate with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy and a scoop of Stuffing.
Rotisserie Chicken Pieces on a Plate with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy and a scoop of Stuffing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook a rotisserie chicken in a rotisserie oven?

You should count on about 15 minutes per pound.  So, if you have a 5-pound chicken, you will set the timer for 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes.  Just make sure to check the temperature of the chicken with a digital thermometer before eating.  You want in internal temp of 165°F at the thickest part of the chicken.

How do you get crispy skin on a rotisserie chicken?

Chicken skin is naturally fatty, so if you’re cooking your rotisserie chicken low and slow, the skin should naturally crisp up. If, for some reason it doesn’t, you can always pop the chicken under the broiler for a minute or two.

Is it cheaper to make your own rotisserie chicken?

It can be! Buy whole chickens when they’re on sale and, then pop them in the freezer. They’re quite affordable this way. The quality of chicken you’re buying from the store is usually better than the store-made rotisserie chickens, which are injected with a solution to keep them moist. This also changes the flavor of the meat. Homemade is so much better!

What do they inject into rotisserie chicken?

Many of the store-bought whole chicken rotisserie that you purchase are injected for added “flavor”. Beer butter, marinades, spicy sauce, dry seasonings, or fresh herbs mixed with oils are all common injection. This chicken recipe is not injected with anything and is a very simple recipe. 3 ingredients are all that you need to make my rotisserie chicken recipe. 

How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Recipe

Learn how to make this chicken recipe and get nutrition calories below.

Yield: 1 Whole Chicken

Best Rotisserie Chicken

A Whole Chicken Cooked on a Rotisserie Oven.

Learn how to make rotisserie chicken like a pro!! With crispy, golden skin and juicy, tender chicken, who doesn’t love rotisserie chicken? Making your own isn’t hard, and they’re so much better tasting. Want to master the art of the rotisserie, using a rotisserie oven? Here’s how to make the best rotisserie chicken with only 3 ingredients!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • Chicken, Whole 1 each
  • Lawry’s Seasoned Salt 2 tablespoons
  • Morton’s Natures Seasonings 2 tablespoons

Instructions

  1. Clean and rinse the whole chicken making sure to clean and remove unwanted inside parts.
  2. Carefully put the chicken onto the rotisserie spit according to the manufactures directions.
  3. Season the outside and the inside of the chicken.
  4. Use kitchen string and tie the legs together and tie the wings against the bird.
  5. Re-season the chicken if needed.
  6. Make sure the drip tray is in the bottom of the rotisserie oven. Cover with a piece of foil if desired.
  7. Set the rotisserie spit into the brackets of the rotisserie oven.
  8. Close the door and set the timer to the proper time making sure to add time for heating up the oven. I will set the time for how long the directions say and then add 5 to 10 minutes depending on the temperature around the oven.
  9. This best rotisserie oven will shut off when the time is done.
  10. Check the temperature of the chicken to make sure it reaches 165°F using a digital thermometer.
  11. Remove the rotisserie spit from the oven and place the fully cooked chicken onto a clean serving plate.
  12. Carefully, remove the spit from the chicken and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Ronco Rotisserie Oven
The most amazing rotisserie oven that I have found is a Ronco Rotisserie Oven!! Ronco has many products that they sell on their website. They have a line of rotisserie ovens, food dehydrators and as well as a pocket fishing pole called the Pocket Fisherman. We have one of the food dehydrators and also one of the rotisserie ovens that I have owned for more than 15 years. The Ronco company has been in business since 1964. The rotisserie cooker is easy to clean with some paper towels and your favorite cleaner and windex for the glass. All of the rotisserie oven parts are dishwasher safe.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains affiliate links. Click on the highlighted text in a post to explore a product. If you purchase through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). I ONLY EVER ENDORSE PRODUCTS THAT I TRULY LOVE. Thank you for your support!

Nutrition Information

Yield

6

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 34Total Fat 2gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 13mgSodium 723mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 3g

Note: For exact nutritional information, consult your dietitian. All nutritional information is simply a guideline.

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By on March 18th, 2022
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About Sherry Ronning

Welcome to FROM MICHIGAN TO THE TABLE! My name is Chef Sherry Ronning and I am a food blogger from Michigan. Professionally cooking and baking Midwestern Cuisine for more than 30 years. Specializing in fresh fish, venison, farm raised meats and griddle recipes. Please enjoy my recipes!!

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