Farewell to HEB Honey Jalapeno Rotisserie Chicken (Rice: buy, shop)

[cla]

Originally Posted by ChocolateBabz

I am a little sad that I never tried a Honey Jalapeno chicken. Since discovering 'Beer Can Chicken' on the grill hubby doesn't want it any other way - this is the recipe I use Beer Can Chicken with Cola Barbecue Sauce Recipe : : Recipes : Food Network

I have yet to try Beer Can chicken. The HJ chicken was just too convenient (and awesome). I guess I will have to add beer can chicken to my list of things to try next on the grill.

[ChocolateBabz]

Originally Posted by cla

I have yet to try Beer Can chicken. The HJ chicken was just too convenient (and awesome). I guess I will have to add beer can chicken to my list of things to try next on the grill.

You definitely should. So easy, buy chicken, apply rub, stick a beer can where the sun don't shine, stick on grill. I bought a proper stand from Amazon (I actually bought a twin stand so I could make 2 at a time) so the chicken(s) wouldn't fall over on the grill. I bet you could make a great honey jalapeño marinade or glaze that would taste great!

[funeral979]

Originally Posted by elnina

I find all HEB rotisserie chicken just "meh"... ( I have to admit - I never had the HJ chicken, but tried the others).
The HEB chicken is injected with broth so the meat just taste cooked not roasted. If you do it at home in one of the rotisserie machines, then you will see and taste the difference in meat texture. The meat will be still moist and juicy, but not salty/watery. And of course you can experiment with different seasonings.
Try it, and you will fall in love with your rotisserie machine in no time!

I have been working for HEB in the deli department for the past 3 years, and the above is simply not true.

Actually, they discontinued the honey mesquite flavor as well (my personal favorite). Its funny about the honey jalapenos though....they were the slowest seller of all the chickens, but when they were discontinued several people a day came up to the deli counter with the saddest looks in their eyes

HEB DOES use the Tony injector, but not for their roti chickens. These are used for the in house roasted cajun turkeys.

We did start carrying a cajun roti chicken..... presumably for the 'HJ' fans, but they are just ok.

[elnina]

Originally Posted by funeral979

I have been working for HEB in the deli department for the past 3 years, and the above is simply not true.

I don't work there but I noticed that the meat is just unnatural juicy ( press a piece of breast with the fork and see how much juice it will create ) and the meat texture/taste is different compared to chicken you rotisserie at home.

[crbcrbrgv]

Originally Posted by cla

I have yet to try Beer Can chicken. The HJ chicken was just too convenient (and awesome). I guess I will have to add beer can chicken to my list of things to try next on the grill.

Well as long as you don't choke on your chicken, the HJ should be just fine.

[Thila]

Funeral979, I have often wondered how the rotisserie chickens were cooked. So no injected anything in the chickens?

As a single person, I find the rotisserie chickens a blessing. I can buy one on Sunday and make it last practically the entire week. It is nice to open the refrigerator and see it there because I know that I will not have to create a giant mess in the kitchen making something just for me, myself, and I.

And by the way, I prefer the original flavored although I am curious what flavor is requested the most.

[funeral979]

No, we don't inject them with anything at all....we get them in fresh almost everyday, and the skin of the flavored ones are lightly coated (the honey mesquite and honey jalapeno in particular as nothing is added on to these). For the italian herb, lemon pepper, and mesquite bbq we sprinkle a seasoning on these for additional flavor. The new cajun ones are just the original flavor that we marinate with spices (I don't think the cajun is available at all stores).

The best seller by far is the original

[HookTheBrotherUp]

I agree with the previous poster about the rotisserie machine at home. The "Set it and Forget it" unit... we have one, you take note of the weight of the chicken, put in 15 minutes per pound and it will cook it to perfection every time. Chicken is great hot off the machine, and is just as good later. The chicken just falls off the bone. The only problem is it is bulky to clean; but mainly just the tray and a wipedown on the inside. Christmas is coming soon! I wonder when we will see the first advertisements for Christmas... last year I saw Lowes getting ready in August.

[Thila]

Yes, I am lazy. I used to have a giant rotisserie chicken toaster oven but it was a royal pain to clean up! I will gladly pay the $6.99 for the chicken already cooked.

Thanks funeral979 for the information about the chicken. That makes me feel a bit better.

[cla]

Originally Posted by funeral979

I have been working for HEB in the deli department for the past 3 years, and the above is simply not true.

Actually, they discontinued the honey mesquite flavor as well (my personal favorite). Its funny about the honey jalapenos though....they were the slowest seller of all the chickens, but when they were discontinued several people a day came up to the deli counter with the saddest looks in their eyes

HEB DOES use the Tony injector, but not for their roti chickens. These are used for the in house roasted cajun turkeys.

We did start carrying a cajun roti chicken..... presumably for the 'HJ' fans, but they are just ok.

I did try the cajun and it was rather bland. I don't think enough people tried the Honey Jalapeno. Everyone I talked into trying it became hooked - I guess I should have expanded my campaign beyond my closest friends and co-workers. Maybe I could have saved the beloved HJ. Or maybe HEB could have done a better job of promoting the honey jalapeno. I bet a meal deal that said "Free HJ with purchase of Original rotisserie chicken" would have done the trick.

Maybe there's still a chance - what about a protest with signs like "I want an HJ"?

I did notice that the honey mesquite was gone as well. I occasionally got that if I couldn't get a hj.