There’s something comforting about a rotisserie chicken.

You pass that glowing display at the grocery store, smell the golden skin crisping under the heat lamps, and feel the day’s weight ease off your shoulders. Dinner, solved. No pans, no prep, no mess — just a warm, ready meal waiting to be carved and devoured.

For millions of busy shoppers — parents rushing between activities, seniors cooking for one, students trying to stretch a budget — a rotisserie chicken is both a convenience and a small indulgence. And at first glance, Walmart’s $4.98 chicken seems like one of the best deals in the store.

But here’s the catch: that bargain bird might not be quite the deal it appears to be.