Is It Safer to Overcook or Undercook Chicken? Learn the Facts!

Discover why overcooking chicken can be safer than undercooking. Understand food safety and cooking tips for juicy chicken.

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It's safer to overcook chicken than to undercook it. Consuming undercooked chicken can lead to serious foodborne illnesses like salmonella. While overcooking may result in drier meat, proper seasoning and cooking methods can help retain moisture. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer to guarantee safety.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What temperature should chicken be cooked to for safety? Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it's safe to eat.
  2. Can you get sick from undercooked chicken? Yes, undercooked chicken can lead to serious illnesses such as salmonella which can cause food poisoning.
  3. How can I keep chicken moist when overcooking? To retain moisture while cooking chicken, use proper seasoning and cooking methods like marinating or brining.
  4. Is overcooked chicken unhealthy? While overcooking can make chicken drier, it is safer than undercooking and can still be healthy with proper seasoning.