Should Chicken Be Cooked to 165°F or 180°F? Safe Cooking Temperatures Explained
Learn the USDA-recommended chicken cooking temperature of 165°F and why some prefer 180°F for tenderness.
Video transcript
Chicken should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat. Cooking to this temperature kills harmful bacteria. For whole chickens or turkeys, some people prefer cooking to 180°F for tenderness, but 165°F is the USDA-recommended safe minimum.
Questions and answers
Why is 165°F the recommended safe temperature for cooking chicken?
165°F is the USDA-recommended minimum internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria like Salmonella, ensuring chicken is safe to eat.
Can I cook whole chicken to 180°F instead of 165°F?
Yes, some people prefer cooking whole chickens to 180°F for extra tenderness, but 165°F is sufficient for safety.
What happens if chicken is cooked below 165°F?
Cooking chicken below 165°F may not kill all harmful bacteria, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.
Related questions
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