Is Chicken Safe to Eat at 180°F? What You Need to Know

Learn why cooking chicken to 180°F is safe and how it affects tenderness, especially for dark meat like thighs and drumsticks.

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Video transcript

Yes, chicken is safe at 180°F. The USDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe. However, cooking it to 180°F can make the meat more tender, especially for dark meat like thighs and drumsticks. Just ensure your meat thermometer shows the right temperature before serving.

Questions and answers

  1. What is the safe internal temperature to cook chicken?

    The USDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

  2. Is it okay to cook chicken to 180°F?

    Yes, cooking chicken to 180°F is safe and can make dark meat like thighs and drumsticks more tender.

  3. How do I check the internal temperature of chicken?

    Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached the recommended temperature before serving.