Who has better rotisserie chicken deals? Publix, Walmart or Costco?

Bipartisanship may be rare in Washington, but on April 22 it showed up in an unexpected place: the grocery store deli. Two Democrats and two Republicans joined forces behind the “Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act,” a proposal that would let recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) use their benefits to buy ready-to-eat staples like the ubiquitous supermarket rotisserie chicken — long a budget-friendly favorite at chains such as Publix, Walmart, Costco and Sam’s Club.

If the measure moves forward, it could reshape what millions of Americans can put on the dinner table with SNAP benefits. In the meantime, where can families get rotisserie chicken for cheaper?

Here’s what to know about the proposal and how rotisserie chicken prices compare across grocery stores in Jacksonville.

➤ Bipartisan lawmakers cook up ‘Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act’

Why is the Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act important?

If approved, the bill would allow SNAP recipients to use their benefits to purchase a hot rotisserie chicken.

It does not allow all hot foods to be purchased under SNAP or extend purchasing power to restaurants or other retailers outside of the already approved options.

Can you use SNAP to buy rotisserie chicken?

No. Currently, SNAP does not allow the purchase of hot prepared food in the U.S. or Florida.

If the rotisserie chickens are cooled and repackaged later, that's when they can be purchased through SNAP.

Florida's SNAP saw a big change earlier this week. As of April 20, Florida SNAP recipients may no longer use their benefits to buy candy, soda, energy drinks, or prepared desserts.

Which U.S. senators introduced the Hot Rotisserie Chick Act?

A bipartisan group of four U.S. senators introduced the Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act to allow SNAP recipients to purchase rotisserie chicken with their benefits.

They were:

• Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pennsylvania
• Sen. Jim Justice, R-West Virginia
• Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-West Virginia
• Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colorado

Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act 'fixes unnecessary barrier' for quick, nutritious meal

“Allowing folks on SNAP to buy hot rotisserie chickens is truly just commonsense," Justice said.

"It’s as basic as you can get to help busy parents or grandparents put something as simple as this on the table to feed their families. We have to give people the option to put a healthy, protein-dense choice on the table that actually tastes good and doesn’t take an hour and a half to cook,” Justice said.

“Congress should be making it easier, not harder, for families to put food on the table," Bennet said. "This bill fixes an unnecessary barrier and helps Colorado families get a quick, nutritious meal when they need it."

“Allowing SNAP recipients to purchase hot rotisserie chicken is a simple, practical step to make the program work better for the people it serves," Capito said.

"For seniors, working families, and those without reliable access to cooking equipment, this is about convenience and dignity." 

How does rotisserie chicken pricing compare between grocery stores in Jacksonville? Walmart, Publix, Costco, Sam's Club, Whole Foods, and Aldi

How much is a whole rotisserie chicken at Walmart?

Hot rotisserie chickens (2.25 lb) at Walmart in Jacksonville generally cost $5.97 for traditional or lemon pepper flavors. Alternatively, chilled 36-oz rotisserie chickens are available for $3.97. Prices may vary slightly by specific store location in the Jacksonville area, but these are standard, recent prices. 

Flavoring and pricing:

• Hot Traditional/Lemon Pepper (2.25 lb): $5.97
• Chilled Traditional/Lemon Pepper (36 oz): $3.97
• Shredded Rotisserie Meat (16 oz, Ref.): $7.97

How much is a whole rotisserie chicken at Publix?

A whole rotisserie chicken at Publix typically costs around $8.85 in the Jacksonville area, with flavors including Original Oven Roasted and Mojo. These hot, ready-to-eat chickens are found in the deli section. Prices may vary slightly by store location or with current sales. 

• Publix Deli Original Rotisserie Chicken: about $8.85
• Publix Deli Mojo Rotisserie Chicken: about $8.85

How much is a whole rotisserie chicken at Winn-Dixie?

A whole hot rotisserie chicken at Winn-Dixie in Jacksonville typically costs around $10.33 to $11.48.  These are generally available in the deli section from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., with options including Traditional, Mojo, and BBQ flavors. 

• Price Range: from $10.33 to $11.48 per chicken
• Available Flavors: Traditional, Mojo, BBQ, Lemon Pepper

How much is a whole rotisserie chicken at Costco?

As standard Kirkland Signature whole rotisserie chicken at Costco in Jacksonville, Florida, is $4.99, maintaining the same price point it has held since 2009.

How much is a whole rotisserie chicken at Sam's Club?

A whole Member's Mark Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken at Sam's Club, including Jacksonville locations, is priced at $4.98. This price is consistent for a standard-sized, fully cooked bird found in the deli section and is available for curbside pickup, say Member's Mark Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken - Samsclub.com and whole chicken - Sam's Club. 

How much is a whole rotisserie chicken at Whole Foods?

A standard rotisserie chicken at Whole Foods generally costs $7.99 to $8.99, while organic options are typically higher, often around $10.99. For the best price in Jacksonville, Prime members can find weekly deals on rotisserie chickens. 

• Price: Around $7.99 for classic and $8.99-$10.99 for organic.
• Prime Savings: Deals are available on specific days (often Tuesdays/Fridays).

Does Aldi sell rotisserie chicken? How much is shredded rotisserie chicken at ALDI?

Aldi does not sell rotisserie chicken. However, it does sell seasoned Rotisserie-style pulled chicken, which based on ALDI's current pricing (April 2026), a 16-ounce package of is approximately $7.89 in Jacksonville. Since it is not considered "hot," SNAP recipients can purchase it.

Rotisserie-style pulled chicken (16 oz): about $7.89

• Lunch mate rotisserie chicken (16 oz): about $6.29
• Appleton farms rotisserie chicken strips (16 oz): from $4.49 - $5.75

Why doesn't SNAP currently allow the purchase of hot foods?

“The Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act is a commonsense solution to an unnecessary problem," said Harrison Kircher, president of the National Chicken Council.

"Right now, a SNAP family can buy a cold rotisserie chicken — but the moment it’s hot, it’s off limits. There is no nutritional difference. There is no logical difference. There is only an outdated technicality."

“America’s best (and delicious) affordability play is Costco’s $4.99 rotisserie chicken,” Fetterman said.

“It’s one of my family’s favorites and I’m proud to join this bill with Senator Justice for all to try. SNAP funds would be well spent to feed our nation’s families who need it.”

Does Florida allow SNAP benefits to be used on hot foods?

No.

According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, households can use food assistance benefits to buy:

• breads
• cereals
• fruits
• vegetables
• meats
• fish
• poultry
• dairy
• plants and seeds to grow food for your household to eat

Households cannot use food assistance benefits to buy:

• hot foods
• food to eat in the store
• pet food, soaps, paper products, or household supplies
• Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
• vitamins and other medicines

Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act amends 2008 Food and Nutrition Act

The Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act would amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to modify the definition of food by adding “hot rotisserie chicken.”

The act currently defines food as any food for home consumption but specifically mentions hot food as an exception for items allowed with SNAP benefits.

Florida bans purchase of candy, soda with SNAP benefits

As of April 20, Florida SNAP recipients may no longer use their benefits to buy candy, soda, energy drinks, or ultra-processed prepared desserts. The move is part of a two-year pilot program to encourage healthy eating.

➤ Florida SNAP now blocks candy, soda. Here are sweet, healthy alternatives

Florida is one of 22 states that requested waivers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make changes to their food assistance programs, and its new policy is one of the most restrictive in the country. Most of the other states' waivers only ban soft drinks and candy.

Contributor: Cheryl McCloud and C.A. Bridges, USA TODAY Network-Florida

Doris Alvarez is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for The Florida Times-Union. You can get all of Jacksonville’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free Daily Briefing and News Alerts newsletters at jacksonville.com/newsletters.