Chicken / chicken cook temperature

See our cooking chart for times and temperatures for specific cuts, click here. Chicken thighs and wings need to be cooked until the internal temperature is 180 degrees F. Chicken breasts need to reach an internal temperature of 170 degrees F. Cooking times vary depend on the cut of the chicken you are using. Thinner cuts require less time as thicker cutes require longer cooking times.

A meat thermometer is the best way to determine if the chicken is properly cooked. Cutting into chicken to determine if it is cooked through is inconvenient and could release moisture from the chicken causing it to be dry or just plain ugly. A good meat thermometer will aid in preventing food borne illness and prevent overcooking. Make sure the meat thermometer you purchase is designed for meat and poultry and has the temperatures for both on the face.

Just about any kind of meat thermometer you could want can be found at Tech Instrumentation. Ranging from about 10 dollars to a couple of hundred dollars.

Poultry Button® - for chickens only
Created specifically for chicken, the poultry Button (pictured at right) is a handy tool to have. For around $5 US the poultry button takes the guesswork out of chicken temperature. You can purchase a Poultry Button at www.BBQ-store.com.