Sobeys; a fire roasted real deal

 

Today, I found myself making a special trip out to Sobeys. Not for groceries, but just for their ready-made rotisserie chicken. Since the store is located across town, groceries were not done there this week. I have to say, apart from a pleasant drive locked in traffic round trip, it was well worth it! 

Sobeys is set up slightly different in that their ready-made food counter is located in the front centre where the checkout lanes are. There is also a hot food cart parked right in the middle of the main aisle. It’s not bad of an idea if you think about it. Due to the very close proximity to the check out, you’d be more inclined to grab your dinner as you leave. I think I got there just in time too; those birds were sparsely spread out. 

My initial impression looking down through the plastic containers, I’m thinking these chickens were well done. I mean, you can clearly see char. The wing tips were black! I’m kind of wondering about this. It doesn’t matter which container I select, they all look like this. Can this be an accident or is this how they are cooked? 

 I’m a bit nervous about this but I check out anyway and walk to the car with it. As I drive home, I get that lingering smell of BBQ filling the cabin. Yeah, it’s chicken, but it smells like it went on a BBQ grill or something. This is consistent with what it visually appears like and I start having happy thoughts about this. Could I be coming closer to the ultimate goal of finding the best tasting grocery store rotisserie chicken?

Let’s not waste any time here. I quickly unpack, sliding the cardboard sleeve off and open the lid. Oh, it’s not a pretty sight; random dark char spots. It is seasoned well and that steam hits me like a truck, the smell is unbelievable. 

Okay, it definitely looks cooked, but how does it cut? I take a knife and plunge it down the centre of the breast. It’s juicy. It feels good on the cut. The meat is moist. I try next the leg and thigh, slowly cutting into it. Again, it’s the same thing, very moist. I admit it looks worse than it seems, even the skin is well done, but yet it’s not overcooked.

I can’t contain my excitement and proceed to confirm my suspicions. I take in some of the breast meat.  It’s amazing! The taste is very different from any other ready-made rotisserie chickens thus far. It’s moist, juicy and has that smoky flavour that truly makes it a BBQ rotisserie chicken. It’s what you’d call naked, there is no sauce, just seasoning. This is what I’ve been looking for. Next, I taste a few strips off the thigh. So good; it melts in your mouth. The skin is tight and full of fired charred goodness.  I’m impressed all around.

 At looking at the packaging, there is no mention of how this chicken is cooked. All it says is that its BBQ seasoned and that it’s a family sized chicken.  I’d say that it’s very generous for the price of $10.99 and while the pricing is a bit more than most stores, it’s certainly is worth it.

If I could summarize, eating this chicken was a party in mouth. I was instantly put into a trance, transporting me to a place of utter satisfaction. While the taste of this chicken is reminiscent of Swiss Chalet, it is not a clone. I’m referring more to the method of cooking rather than actual Swiss Chalet flavourings. Grocery stores advertise their ready-made rotisserie chicken as being BBQ flavour. Well, they may have certain aspects of some faux BBQ flavouring or the use of a poor excuse sauce, but they are not barbecued. This is the real deal. I don’t know how Sobeys pulled it off but they certainly set themselves apart here.

I have to say, it will be hard to beat this one, but since there are still a few more grocery stores to try, I have to be sure, so the challenge will continue. For the time being, I will definitely recommend Sobeys rotisserie chicken. Give it a try!

Has anyone tried this delightful tasting chicken? If so, what did you think? Am I right about this?

Let me know, leave a comment below.