What Is The Minimum Internal Temperature For Chicken Safety?

What is the minimum safe internal temperature for chicken? Whether you’re cooking chicken through roasting, pan-frying, deep-frying, grilling, or smoking, it’s crucial to ensure that the chicken reaches the appropriate internal temperature to ensure it’s safe to eat. White meat should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C), while dark meat should reach 175°F (79.4°C). Even when using leftover chicken in recipes, it’s important to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (73.9°C) to maintain food safety standards. This information was last updated on August 19, 2022.

Determining the correct temperature for perfectly cooked chicken is essential for a safe and delicious meal. When cooking a whole chicken, it’s crucial to ensure the internal temperature reaches 180°F (82°C), while chicken cuts should be cooked until they reach 165°F (74°C). This temperature variation is due to the difference in thickness and size between whole chickens and chicken cuts. Once you’ve reached the recommended temperature, it’s advisable to let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result. By following these temperature guidelines and letting your chicken rest, you can savor your meal with the confidence that it’s cooked to perfection.

To ensure the most flavorful and safely cooked white meat, such as breasts and wings, it is recommended to cook chicken to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). After removing it from the heat source, the temperature will continue to increase, ideally reaching about 165°F (74°C). This information was last updated on May 12, 2022.