Priceonomics:

Is it any wonder that Americans will buy one billion rotisserie chickens this year, most of those from supermarkets or discount stores with grocery operations?

The price point of rotisserie chickens has captured consumers’ interest almost as much as the chickens themselves. At a typical supermarket, it might cost $7 or $8, the same as a fresh whole chicken in the refrigerator case. Less, in some stores. And the store pays for the herbs and the heat.

Why is rotisserie chicken so cheap?

This article was a lot more interesting than it had any right to be. I’ve never roasted a whole chicken, preferring to just cook the individual pieces I need (usually breasts or thighs, depending on the recipe) but, when I need a lot of chicken, I always grab a rotisserie bird from the supermarket if only for convenience and speed’s sake.