barbecue chicken temperature grilling meat thermometer

Understanding Ideal Chicken Temperature on a Meat Thermometer

Written By Avi Green
Understanding Ideal Chicken Temperature on a Meat Thermometer

When youre cooking chicken, whether on the grill or in the oven, one of the crucial aspects to ensure is that it is cooked to the right temperature. Doing so helps you achieve not just the perfect flavor but also guarantees the meat is safe to eat. So, what temp should chicken be on a meat thermometer? In this article, we delve into the specifics to help all the barbecue enthusiasts ensure their chicken is always spot-on.

what temp should chicken be on meat thermometer

Why the Right Temperature Matters

Having your chicken cooked perfectly is more than a culinary goal; its a matter of food safety. Undercooked chicken can harbor dangerous bacteria like salmonella, leading to foodborne illnesses. On the other hand, overcooked chicken becomes dry and unpalatable. Therefore, knowing what temp should chicken be on a meat thermometer can save both your health and culinary reputation.

what temp should chicken be on meat thermometer

Recommended Cooking Temperatures for Chicken

Whole Chicken

For a whole chicken, the USDA recommends that the thickest part of the bird, typically the breast and thigh, reach an internal temperature of at least 165F (73.8C). This temperature ensures that any potentially harmful bacteria are killed and the meat is safe to eat.

Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts also need to hit that magic temperature of 165F (73.8C). However, because chicken breasts are leaner and more prone to drying out, some chefs recommend cooking them until they reach 160F (71.1C), then letting them rest to reach the final temperature. This method can help maintain juiciness while still reaching safe levels of doneness.

Chicken Thighs and Legs

Dark meat like chicken thighs and legs are a bit more forgiving and can be cooked to an internal temperature of 175F to 180F (79.4C to 82.2C). Cooking them to a higher temperature actually helps in rendering the fat and connective tissues, resulting in a more flavorful and tender piece of meat.

what temp should chicken be on meat thermometer

How to Use a Meat Thermometer

Utilizing a meat thermometer correctly can make or break your cooking experience. Heres a step-by-step guide:

  1. Calibrate Your Thermometer: Before using, make sure your thermometer is calibrated properly. Insert it into ice water to ensure it reads 32F (0C).
  2. Insert the Probe: Place the probe into the thickest part of the meat, ensuring its not touching any bones, as bones can affect the accuracy.
  3. Read the Temperature: Wait for the thermometer to stabilize and take the reading. If it hasnt reached the desired temperature, continue cooking and check again after a few minutes.
what temp should chicken be on meat thermometer

Different Types of Meat Thermometers

Choosing the right meat thermometer can also impact the outcome. Here are some common types:

Instant-Read Thermometers

These thermometers give a quick temperature reading, usually in 10 to 20 seconds, making them ideal for quick checks.

Probe Thermometers

Probe thermometers stay in the meat throughout the cooking process, giving you a continuous reading.

Wireless Thermometers

Wireless thermometers come with probes and a remote display, allowing you to monitor the temperature without opening your grill or oven.

FAQs about Chicken Temperature on a Meat Thermometer

How often should I check the temperature?

Its good to check the temperature periodically as the chicken cooks. For exact timing, refer to your recipe. For grilling, consider checking every 10-15 minutes.

Can I trust a pop-up thermometer?

While pop-up thermometers can be convenient, they are often less reliable than digital meat thermometers. For the most accuracy, its best to use a digital one.

What should I do if I overcook my chicken?

If you overcook chicken, consider salvaging it by adding a sauce or broth to regain some moisture. However, prevention is always better than cure, so keep that thermometer handy!

If you found this information helpful, check out this helpful guide on how to use a meat thermometer.

For more barbecue tips and tricks, make sure to visit our guides on where is the sensor on a meat thermometer, how to cook pork chops without a meat thermometer, and what to look for in a meat thermometer.

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$27.98
(Set of 3) Heavy Duty Vegetable Grill Baskets for Outdoor Grill, Stainless Steel Veggie Grilling Basket for All Grills, BBQ Gifts for Men, 1 Large & 2 Small
$48.10
, 24025BMT, Cast 2-Burner, Liquid Propane Gas Grill, Black
$338.00
, 60936, Grill Light Cob Handle Mount,Black
$40.22
, Deli Slices, Hickory Smoked, 5.5 Oz
$10.28
, Inc. 1423 Broiler Brush, Black
$77.66
, One Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan Seasoning Mix, 1.5 Oz
$5.65
, Santa Maria Style Seasoning, 7 Oz.
$22.28
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$24.76
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- Greek Freak Mediterranean Spice Blend - All-Purpose Rubs, Spices and Seasonings - Use On: Chicken, Chickpeas, Beef, Seafood, Pork, Vegetables, Turkey, Potatoes and Salad Dressing - 4 Oz
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$108.08
- Magnetic Barbecue BBQ Light Set for Grilling - 6 Alkaline AAA Batteries Included - Works on All Grills with an Exception to Stainless Steel.
$56.02
- Master Grill Pan, Korean Traditional BBQ Grill Pan - Stovetop Nonstick Indoor/Outdoor Smokeless BBQ Cast Aluminum Grill Pan
$105.58
- Meat Claws Bbq Grill Accessories Set - 2 Silicone Gloves, Claws for Pulled Pork, BBQ Thermometer - Perfect Smoker Accessories Grilling Tools Gift Set for (Orange Glove-Thermometer-Claw)
$40.18
- Monterey Seafood Seasoning and Hog Wild Cajun Seasoning, Gluten-Free Bbq Rubs and Spices for Smoking
$55.17
- Onyx Collection, 12-Inch Grill Pan, Coated with New Teflon Platinum Non-Stick Coating (PFOA Free) (12-Inch)
$87.98
- Professional Grade Chef Apron for Kitchen, BBQ & Grill
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- Stovetop Indoor Korean BBQ Nonstick Grill Pan With, Pfoa-Free, Dishwasher Oven Safe, Made in Korea
$77.98
-Outdoor Gas Pizza Oven, Rotating Propane Pizza Grill Oven for Exterior Backyard Pizza Maker with 14" Pizza Stone, Portable Pizza Ovens for outside with Pizza Peel,Pia,Cutter,Gloves and Thermometer.
$500.58
. the Safer Grill Cleaning Brush. All Natural. No Metal Bristles.
$59.98
07047 Cool Touch Electric Griddle
$73.98
07061 22-Inch Electric Griddle with Removable Handles, Black, 22-Inch
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1 Piece Random Nonstick Enameled Cast Iron Pan/Pot (4 Styles: 10.25" Skillet/2Qt Saucepan/2.8Qt/4.8Qt Dutch Oven) – Healthy round Pot for Sourdough Bread Baking on All Stovetops, Mystery Cookware Box
$69.99
1-Piece 16.50 Inch Cast Iron Griddle Plate | Reversible Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan for Gas Stovetop | Double Sided Used on Open Fire & in Oven | Pre-Coated with Oil
$58.44
1/2" X 1/8" Lavalock High Temp BBQ Gasket Smoker Seal for Nomex Door Lid, Self Stick Grey
$46.82
1/3Pc Non-Stick BBQ Grill Mat 40*33Cm Baking Mat Cooking Grilling Sheet Heat Resistance Easily Cleaned Kitchen for Party
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$42.57
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$63.98
10" Portable round Barbecue BBQ Charcoal Grill with Handle for Outdoor Home Kitchen BBQ Picnic Camping
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10" Square Cast Iron Grill Pan Steak Pan Pre Seasoned Grill Pan with Easy Grease Drain Spout, with Large Loop Handles for Grilling Bacon, Steak, and Meats
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10-42 BBQ Brisket Rub - All-Natural Spice Seasoning for Steak, Rib, Beef Brisket - Barbecue Meat Seasoning Dry Rub - BBQ Rubs and Spices for Smoking and Grilling - No MSG, 0 Calorie - 10.5Oz Bottle
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10-42 BBQ Brisket Rub | All-Natural Spice Seasoning for Steak, Rib, Beef Brisket | Barbecue Meat Seasoning Dry Rub | BBQ Rubs and Spices for Smoking and Grilling | No MSG, 5.5.Oz Bottle
$31.37
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$40.18
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$18.40
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$53.96
100% Compostable Food Prep Gloves, Restaurant-Quality,For Food Handling, Powder-Free, 100 Count, Medium, Earth Friendly Highest ASTM D6400, US BPI and Europe OK Compost Certified, San Francisco
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$40.14
12 Inch round Pizza Stone, Heavy Duty Cordierite Pizza Grilling Stone, Bread Baking Stone for RV Oven, Grill and Toaster Oven, Ideal for Baking Crisp Crust Pizza, Bread, Cookies and More
$73.03
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