For millions of Brits a succulent rotisserie chicken is a staple food item for many midweek dinners and lunches. A key element to its appeal is the caramelised, moreish meat, and the best thing is it’s hot and ready to eat without any effort. 

With summer almost upon us, many of us will be turning opting for chicken as a cooler choice for the warmer months. Demand for rotisserie chickens is already on the rise for this year, according to Waitrose. Sales of their Good to Go Roti Chicken Half are up by 48%, compared with this time last year. 

Shoppers only need to go into almost every UK supermarket where they will be greeted with a hot counter full of golden chickens turning which you can’t help but stop and look at.

However, the question that has all chicken lovers in a flap is which supermarket sells the best rotisserie chicken and there is a clear winner of the chicken wars.

On a hunt for the best The Times tried and tested five rotisserie chickens from five major UK supermarkets and Sainsbury’s shoppers will be disappointed to hear that the chain’s simply seasoned whole rotisserie chicken failed to impress. 

Described as having a rotisserie style sprinkle the chicken was given a disappointing score of three out of five.

Tied in joint fourth place with Sainburys was Morrisons Market Street Hot Whole Extra Tasty Roast Chicken. Described as being “no mess or fuss, just tasty chicken” this meat was given a mere three out of five.

In bronze medal position was Waitrose’s Piri Piri Whole Rotisserie Chicken. This beautifully bronzed bird was praised for its mouthwatering taste but was a little dry and given a respectful four out of five.

Just missing out on the top spot was Asda’s Extra Tasty Large Whole Chicken. This tender meat has been given four out of five stars on the supermarkets website.

Taking the topspot is of course the almighty Marks and Spencer's. This whole rotisserie chicken was given a perfect score of five out of five. This chicken comes with a light, sweet marinade that boosts its rich flavour.