If you’ve ever wandered into Coles, stomach rumbling and mouth watering, only to find the roast chicken warmer as empty as a politician’s promise, you’re not alone.
But what if we told you there’s a secret that could turn your disappointment into a delicious, free dinner?
Thanks to a savvy Coles deli worker, the cat—or should we say, the chook—is finally out of the bag.
Let’s set the scene: It’s 6:30 pm, you’re tired, and the thought of cooking is about as appealing as a trip to the dentist.
You make a beeline for the deli, only to find the hot chicken display completely bare. Most of us would sigh, grab a frozen pizza, and shuffle home.
But, as it turns out, you could be walking away with a free roast chicken instead—if you know the magic words.
The Coles chicken promise: What is it?
Ellie, a Coles deli worker from Adelaide, recently took to social media to share what she calls the ‘best deli secret there is’.
According to Ellie, if you visit Coles before a certain time (usually 8 pm, but check your local store’s sign for specifics) and there are no hot chickens available, you’re entitled to a voucher for a free roast chicken.
That’s right—free! The policy is part of Coles’ ‘Our Promise’ to always have a hot chook ready for you.
But here’s the catch: you have to ask for it. Staff won’t offer the voucher unless you specifically mention the chicken promise.
‘You have to ask first, we don’t offer, that’s why it’s a secret,’ Ellie explains. Once you do, you’ll receive a voucher valid for a week, so you can come back and claim your free chicken when it suits you.
How does it work?
- Visit your local Coles between the times listed on the ‘Our Promise’ sign (often 9 am–8 pm, but this can vary).
- If the chicken warmer is empty, ask a staff member about the free roast chicken promise.
- If eligible, you’ll receive a voucher for a free hot chook, redeemable within a week.
It’s important to note that this policy is available in most Coles stores across Australia, but trading hours and eligibility times can differ depending on your location. Always check the signage at your local store for the exact details.
Why don’t more people know about this?
Despite being in place for years, this policy has flown under the radar for many shoppers. Ellie, who’s worked at Coles for seven years, says she’s only been asked for a chicken voucher a handful of times.
‘Not enough people know about this,’ she says, ‘so I thought I’d let you in on the best deli secret there is.’
Some seasoned shoppers have been making the most of this policy for years. One confessed, ‘I used to purposely go to Coles at 7:30 pm to get a voucher because my local Coles liked to clean and close early—so 90 per cent of the time they’d have no chickens left.’
Others, however, had no idea such a policy existed, with one lamenting, ‘I wish I had known about this sooner because the one where I live never has chickens at 6 pm.’
Not all stores are created equal
While the chicken promise is widespread, it’s not universal. Some shoppers have reported being turned away or told the policy doesn’t apply at their local store.
As with many things in life, your mileage may vary. If you’re ever unsure, just ask a staff member and check the signage.
Why does Coles offer this?
Supermarkets know that roast chickens are a dinner-time lifesaver for many Australians. By promising to always have one ready, Coles is banking on customer loyalty and satisfaction.
The free chicken voucher is a way to make good on that promise if they fall short. It’s a win-win: you get a free meal, and Coles keeps you coming back.
Tips for scoring your free chook
- Timing is everything: Visit during the eligible hours, but not too close to closing time.
- Be polite but persistent: If you see the ‘Our Promise’ sign and the warmer is empty, don’t be shy—ask for the voucher.
- Check your voucher: Make sure you know how long you have to redeem it.
- Don’t abuse the system: While it’s tempting to make a habit of this, remember it’s meant for genuine cases when the store runs out.
The verdict: A little-known perk worth knowing
For many of us, the humble roast chicken is a weeknight hero—affordable, tasty, and ready to go. Now, thanks to this insider tip, you’ll never have to leave Coles empty-handed (or empty-stomached) again.
Have you ever scored a free roast chook at Coles, or do you have another supermarket secret to share? We’d love to hear your stories, tips, and even your roast chicken recipes in the comments below! Let’s keep the conversation—and the chickens—rolling.
Also read: Coles and Woolies shoppers can’t find this freezer favourite—where has it gone?
