For many British households, the humble roast chicken is the cornerstone of Sunday dinner - but which supermarket delivers the golden bird worthy of your roast potatoes? We conducted a rigorous blind taste test of pre-cooked chickens from all the major retailers to separate the truly succulent from the sadly subpar.
The Great Chicken Challenge: Our Methodology
Our panel of food experts sampled birds from Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, and Lidl. Each chicken was evaluated on multiple criteria including texture, flavour, seasoning, and overall enjoyment - all without knowing which supermarket it came from.
The Surprising Winner Takes the Crown
In a result that defied expectations and price tags, Marks & Spencer emerged as the clear champion. Their chicken impressed judges with its "perfectly seasoned skin" and "incredibly moist, tender meat that fell effortlessly from the bone." One tester noted it "tasted like a proper homemade roast" rather than a supermarket convenience product.
The Premium Contender That Almost Stole the Show
Waitrose put up a formidable challenge, securing a close second place. Their offering was praised for its "clean, natural chicken flavour" and "beautiful golden appearance." While slightly more expensive, many testers felt the quality justified the premium for special occasions.
The Mid-Range Marvels
Sainsbury's and Tesco delivered solid performances in the mid-price bracket. Sainsbury's chicken was noted for its "generous size" and "reliable quality," while Tesco scored points for "consistent seasoning" and "good value for money."
The Budget Birds That Impressed
In perhaps the biggest revelation, Aldi's chicken outperformed several more expensive rivals, earning praise for its "surprisingly good flavour" and "excellent texture." At nearly half the price of the premium options, it represents outstanding value for everyday meals.
What Makes a Great Supermarket Chicken?
Our experts identified three key factors that separated the exceptional from the ordinary:
- Moisture retention: The best chickens remained juicy throughout, not just in certain sections
- Balanced seasoning: Herbs and salt that enhanced rather than overwhelmed the natural flavour
- Texture: Firm but tender meat with properly rendered, crispy skin
The Verdict: Is Premium Always Better?
While the premium supermarkets generally delivered superior quality, our testing proved that price doesn't always guarantee perfection. Several budget options outperformed mid-range competitors, offering exceptional value without compromising on taste.
Whether you're planning a special Sunday feast or need a quick weekday dinner solution, our comprehensive taste test reveals that the perfect supermarket chicken is out there - and it might not be the one you'd expect.
