Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a convenient option that can be eaten on its own or used in recipes. The National Chicken Council claims that 900 million rotisserie chickens were sold in 2018 alone, but whether you buy these chickens frequently or not, there are health and safety factors to consider before you take a whole bird home.

In order to achieve juicy meat, brine is often injected into rotisserie chicken, which boosts its flavor, but also its salt content. The chicken's skin is also commonly rubbed with seasoning, including more salt, and Sam's Club Member's Mark Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken has a whopping 550 milligrams of sodium per 3-ounce serving.

Beyond sodium overload, rotisserie chicken can involve food temperature risks; you must make sure to buy a bird that is nice and hot in the store, and either use all the meat within 2 hours of taking it home or put it in the fridge or freezer. Either eat the refrigerated chicken in a few days or within 4 months of freezing, in order to avoid foodborne illness.