How can I be sure that the chicken I cook in the microwave, oven, or stovetop has reached the right temperature and that it is not overcooked and dry?
Some meats can be eaten rare or medium-rare, but chicken is not and should be cooked well to avoid diseases such as Salmonella. Salmonella is the type of bacteria that’s the most frequently reported cause of food-related illness in the United States.
The short answer is 165 °F, Chicken is well cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of the cut and cooking method. According to USDA Internal Temperature Chart: The safe cooking temperature for all poultry products, including ground chicken and turkey, stays the same at 165 ºF.
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What tools do you need to measure temperature?
You need the right tool called an instant-read meat thermometer for this job. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat and check the temperature.
If you do not have a thermometer available, you should pay attention to the chicken juice so that it is completely clear and not be pink.
Chicken temperature celsius
To convert temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit to Celsius simply subtract 32, then multiply by 5, then divide by 9. So the right temperature for chicken in Celsius is 74°C.
Meat cooking chart how long and at what temperature
Usually, when I make a roasted (baked) whole chicken in the oven or microwave, I do not have good access to see the changes and check it, so having a time–temperature formula can help me to have a juicy fully cooked chicken that is safe to eat. (enjoy our comfortable cooking 🙂).
| Meat | Weight | Roasting (at 350ºF) | Simmering | Grilling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breast halves, bone-in | 6-8oz | 50-60 min | 35-40 min | 45-55 min/side |
| Breast halves, boneless | 4oz | 30-30 min | 25-30 min | 6-8 min/side |
| Legs or thighs | 4-8oz | 40-50 min | 40-50 min | 10-15 min/side |
| Drumsticks | 4oz | 35-45 min | 40-50 min | 8-12 min/side |
| Wings | 2-3oz | 30-40 min | 35-45 min | 8-12 min/side |
Important tips to have juicy well-done chicken
- Temper the meat: Be sure to bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking. When the chicken is frozen or cold, it dramatically affects the cooking time.
- Preheat the oven: If you use an oven, be sure to preheat the oven well so that the cooking process starts from the moment it starts with the right degree of heat.
- Check the juice: One of the visual signs of complete cooking of chicken is the clarity of chicken juice and not being pink.
- Rest time: Our chicken needs to rest for at least 10-20 minutes when cooked well so that it can reabsorb some of its lost moisture and not look dry.
Inspiring chicken recipes
Conclusion
With all the explanations and points I mentioned above, remember that cooking in the oven, apart from the recipe, requires experience. When you get familiar with the effective factors in cooking, then the work becomes very simple, so do not be afraid of something and try it
I would love to know what method do you use to get the best results?