What temperature do you cook chicken at

Knowing how to roast a chicken is a must when learning to cook at home. It might seem intimidating to rookies, given the always-present possibility that a chicken breast turns out bland or a thigh comes out tough (not to mention food poisoning). An easy way to fix these problems is simply knowing to which internal temperature one should cook the individual pieces or whole chicken.

For white meat, you want to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, while dark meat should be 175 degrees F. How to figure that out? First you’ll need an instant-read thermometer, an absolutely necessary kitchen utensil. Not only will a thermometer help you achieve the ultimate texture and juiciness of chicken, but it also prevents you from eating anything undercooked and risking harmful bacteria.

How do I use an instant-read thermometer?

There’s a bit of a technique when it comes to measuring temperature. If you are roasting a whole bird, stick the thermometer into the thickest section of the breast and the thigh to check both the white and dark meat. When cooking individual breasts, stick the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. For thighs, wings, and drumsticks, yep—stick the thermometer into the thickest part of the piece without touching the bone.

What temperature do I cook white meat until?

Again, you want to aim for 165 degrees F, but remember that once you remove the chicken from the heat, it will continue to cook. To have the juiciest breast, pull the dish outaround 160-162 degrees and the chicken will continue to cook an extra few degrees once removed from the heat.

What temperature do I cook dark meat until?

We want to use the same technique here: Since you want the internal temperature to reach 175 degrees F, you can remove the chicken from heat when it hits 170-172 degrees.

How do I roast a whole chicken?

Throwing the whole bird in the oven can be a little scary when you're new to it! But it’s actually easier than you think. Equipped with an instant-read thermometer and your new knowledge of chicken temperatures, you’ll have a juicy, tender chicken in no time (well, in about an hour and a half). We recommend following this recipe, but generally you want to roast the chicken for about an hour at 425 degrees F until the meat registers at the temperatures above.

What does letting the chicken "rest" mean?

This step is crucial for getting that juicy chicken I’ve been raving about for the last 400 words. Right after removing the chicken from the heat, the temperature will rise, as discussed, but then fall a few dozen degrees. Waiting while it rests a few minutes allows the meat to retain all those juices internally instead of losing them all over the baking dish or plate.

If you are feeling super inspired to cook chicken now, check out two of our all-time favorite recipes: this Tuscan butter roast or a chimichurri roast chicken.

Felicia LaLomia is the Food & Culture Editor for Delish. When she isn’t covering food news or writing features about delicious trends in the culinary world, she’s searching for her next perfect bite.

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What's the correct temperature of cooked chicken? The answer should be pretty straightforward, but there's a lot of confusion out there.

In culinary school, times and food-safe temperatures were drilled into our heads. How long can cooked food remain unrefrigerated before it become unsafe? What are the conditions where you can defrost a chicken in water instead of the refrigerator? What’s the maximum amount of time that food can remain between 41° and 135°F? The one that was repeated the most often was the proper temperature of cooked chicken. I remember one of my instructors telling us that, as chefs, we basically had a license to kill. We could cause serious damage by serving bad chicken or undercooked chicken, especially when serving at-risk populations (like children, adults over 65 and anyone with a compromised immune system). Dramatic, sure, but it scared me enough to memorize the number 165°.

According to the USDA, 165° is the temperature that destroys bacteria like salmonella and E. coli. But some chicken recipes call for cooking chicken to 175°, and I’ve seen store-bought packages that say to cook chicken to 185°. So what’s the real answer for the correct temperature of cooked chicken? It really depends on what type of chicken you’re cooking.

How to Take the Internal Temperature of Chicken

The best way to take the internal temperature of chicken is with an instant-read thermometer. In general, you want to probe the chicken in the thickest part of the meat. Make sure the thermometer isn’t touching bone or a pocket of air or fat, which can give you a faulty reading. If you insert the thermometer into the locations listed below and pull it back a quarter inch, the reading should remain the same. If the reading jumps between those two locations, you know something is amiss.

These temperatures also apply when reheating chicken.

Chicken breast

Push the tip of the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast a little more than halfway through, avoiding the bone if cooking bone-in chicken. Most times, it’s easier to go in through the top, although it’s sometimes better to go in through the side. Use your best judgment based on which presents the thickest part of the chicken breast.

After the temperature stabilizes on the thermometer, slowly pull the probe back until it reaches the center of the chicken. If the lowest temperature reading is 165°, the chicken is done.

Chicken thighs

Push the tip of the thermometer through the thickest part of the thigh towards the meat’s center. There’s a small bone that runs through the center of the thigh, so you’ll want to pull the probe back if you happen to hit it.

When the temperature stabilizes on the thermometer, slowly pull the probe back to see if the temperature changes. If the lowest temperature reading is 175°, the chicken is done. You may want to continue cooking the thigh to as high as 195°, depending on personal preference.

Roast chicken

With a roast chicken, you’ll want to check two temperatures: the thighs and the breasts. Use the locations specified above and continue cooking until both locations reach the appropriate temperature.

Chicken wings and chicken drumsticks

It’s difficult to check the temperature on chicken wings and drumsticks. The goal is to insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the meat without touching bone, but wings don’t contain a lot of meat and drumsticks have a large bone running through the middle.

If you can’t get an accurate reading, you can tell if chicken drumsticks and drumettes are finished cooking by looking at the meat on the skinny side of the leg. The meat should shrink up, and you should be able to see a lot more bone than you could when you started cooking.

Internal Temperature for White Meat Chicken

White meat chicken (found in chicken breasts and chicken thighs) should reach an internal temperature of 165° and remain at that temperature for at least 30 seconds. Exceeding this temperature can result in dry, chewy chicken.

Because white meat chicken is so lean, it’s best to cook it at hot temperatures. Chicken breasts roasted in a 450° oven tend to turn out juicier than those cooked in a 350° oven.

Internal Temperature for Dark Meat Chicken

Dark meat chicken (found in chicken drumsticks and chicken thighs) is technically good to eat at 165°, but it’s better to reach a minimum internal temperature of 175° or higher (I generally take my chicken drumsticks closer to 190° to reach the perfect level of tenderness). This type of chicken has more connective tissue than white meat chicken, so it needs higher temperatures to break down. It’s similar to lean beef tenderloin versus fatty beef brisket: Beef tenderloin tastes great at rare or medium-rare temperature, but beef brisket needs to reach 195° to 200° to become tender.

Using lower, slower cooking methods is best for dark meat chicken. Roast dark meat in a 300° oven, braise it in a flavorful liquid or cook it over indirect heat on the grill.

Cooked Chicken FAQs

How to tell if chicken is cooked without a thermometer

An instant read thermometer is the best way to tell when chicken recipes are done. If you find yourself without one, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to view the color. Cooked chicken should be firm, white and opaque, and the juices should run clear as you cut into the meat.

The best meat thermometers to use for checking internal temperature

Look for a digital thermometer with quick reading speeds and a thin probe, so you don’t lose too many juices when checking the temperature. Our Test Kitchen’s favorite thermometer is this speedy Thermapen. It reads the temperature in less than a second, so you can test the doneness without keeping the oven open for extended periods.

Does the cooking method matter for chicken temperature?

Whether you’re roasting chicken in the oven, pan-frying, deep-frying, grilling or smoking, internal temperatures all remain the same. White meat should reach an internal temperature of 165° and dark meat 175°. The internal temperature of meat in leftover chicken recipes should still reach 165°.

Is 145° safe for chicken?

According to ThermoWorks, pasteurization of chicken is obtained by reaching 165° or by holding chicken at 145° for 8-1/2 minutes. Both of these methods kill harmful bacteria like salmonella and E. coli. That’s why you may see some sous vide recipes that call for cooking chicken at lower temperatures. That said, you should use the USDA recommended temperature minimum of 165° if you have any concerns about food safety or if you’re feeding an at-risk population.

Is it OK to eat chicken that’s a little pink?

Let’s say you used a thermometer that confirmed your chicken reached a safe temperature. When you cut into the chicken, the meat is a little pink or the juices don’t run clear. Is the chicken still safe to eat? Probably! Color is a good indicator when you don’t have a thermometer, but a chicken’s coloring can be affected by more than just temperature. Hemoglobin, the chicken’s feed, whether the chicken has been previously frozen or bone marrow pigment can all color chicken meat, giving it a pink hue even after cooking.

Our Best Baked Chicken Recipes

Pan-Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

This one-dish roast chicken with vegetables tastes as if it took hours of hands-on time to put together, but the simple ingredients can be prepped in mere minutes. The rosemary gives it a rich flavor, and the meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. It’s unbelievably easy! —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin Go to Recipe

Baked Chicken Parmigiana

Spaghetti sauce mix is the secret to the flavorful breading in this chicken parmigiana recipe. Just top juicy chicken breasts with prepared sauce and mozzarella cheese. —Trisha Lange, Appleton, Wisconsin

Chicken Marsala en Croute

I love puff pastry and chicken Marsala, so I decided to combine the two. The result is a very special meal perfect for Sunday dinner or any special occasion. Be sure to keep the puff pastry chilled so it is easier to work with. —Lorraine Russo, Mahwah, New Jersey

Cornflake Chicken

I took a recipe off a box of baking mix and altered it to make the prep easier. The result was this moist oven-fried cornflake chicken with a thick golden coating that's a lot crisper than the original. —Angela Capettini, Boynton Beach, Florida

Louisiana Chicken

Green peppers and mint add a surprise to this Louisiana chicken recipe. A roasting bag keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. —Jill Werle, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Oven Chicken Fingers

Baked chicken tenders are golden strips of breaded chicken with two tempting sauces for dipping. —Mary Peterson, Charlestown, Rhode Island.

Baked Chicken and Zucchini

This easy baked chicken and zucchini recipe is one of my favorites. I make it often in summer. It's especially good with tomatoes fresh from the garden. —Sheryl Goodnough, Eliot, Maine

Chicken Biscuit Potpie

This hearty chicken potpie recipe with biscuits takes just 10 minutes to assemble before you can pop it into the oven. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas

Greek Chicken Bake

As soon as the weather turns cold, I know it's time to pull out this go-to recipe. I assemble it in the morning, then put it in the oven just before dinner. —Kelly Maxwell, Plainfield, Illinois

Poppy Seed Chicken

This simple yet delicious dish is terrific for dinner, but the leftovers are a bonus for lunch. It reheats really well in a microwave, so you may want to double the recipe. —Janet Zoss, Jackson, Michigan

Lemon Chicken Bake

This lovely lemon chicken bake is moist, tender and lemony with a nice crunch. It's a delicious picnic entree as well as a wonderful meal with scalloped or baked potatoes and a fresh green salad on the side. —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon

Sheet-Pan Chicken Curry Dinner

This sheet-pan chicken curry is a quick way to get a meal on the table without fuss. Everyone loves it, and it's healthy to boot! Serve it with a side of jasmine rice. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Hot Chicken Salad Pies

These hot chicken salad pies come together in a snap! They're perfect for when you have leftovers on hand and need to use them up. —Shirley Gudenschwager, Orchard, Nebraska

Caprese Chicken with Bacon

Smoky bacon, fresh basil, ripe tomatoes and gooey mozzarella top this appealing chicken caprese recipe. The aroma as it bakes is irresistible! —Tammy Hayden, Quincy, Michigan

Baked Chicken Chimichangas

I developed this quick and easy recipe through trial and error. I used to garnish it with sour cream, too, but I eliminated it in order to lighten the recipe. My friends all love it when I cook these chimichangas, and they're much healthier than deep-fried. —Rickey Madden, Clinton, South Carolina

Baked Swiss Chicken

Canned soup, white wine, Swiss cheese and crushed croutons dress up the chicken breasts in this elegant entree. Ideal for unexpected guests, it requires only a few ingredients. The creamy sauce is excellent with garlic mashed potatoes or rice. —Beverly Roberge, Bristol, Connecticut

Country Roasted Chicken

This Dutch oven roast chicken recipe gets wonderful flavor from the celery, onion and parsley tucked inside. This is my family's favorite way to make roast chicken. When my daughter was away at school, she even called home to ask me for the recipe so she could make it herself. —Judy Page, Edenville, Michigan

Tasty Onion Chicken

The secret to this French onion chicken is the yummy, crunchy coating that keeps the meat juicy and tender. Round out your meal with green beans and buttermilk biscuits. —Jennifer Hoeft, Thorndale, Texas

Pineapple Chicken Casserole

I'm always looking for one-dish dinners like this Hawaiian chicken casserole that save time and cleanup. I love to cook, but with teaching school, playing handbells at church, and juggling my husband's and teen twins' schedules, I have little time in the kitchen. —Susan Warren, North Manchester, Indiana

Goat Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Chicken

This spinach-stuffed chicken breast recipe is special to me because it has so much flavor, yet not too many calories. I love Italian food, but most of the time it is too heavy. This is a healthy twist on an Italian dish! —Nicole Stevens, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Sheet-Pan Honey Mustard Chicken

This sheet-pan chicken is an easy gluten-free, low-carb meal ideal for busy weekdays. The chicken is tender, juicy and so delicious! It's now on the list of our favorite meals. You can substitute any low-carb vegetable for green beans. —Denise Browning, San Antonio, Texas

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

This easy chicken tetrazzini is made with leftover cooked chicken and canned soup. It's the perfect recipe for busy weeknights because it's so easy to assemble. Once you pop the dish in the oven, you'll have time to take care of other things on your to-do list. —Martha Sue Stroud, Clarksville, Texas

Chicken Biscuit Bake

Golden biscuits cover this homespun dish laden with chicken, broccoli and cheese. It's then topped with a celery seed mixture. My family requests this all-in-one dinner once a month. —Karen Weirick, Bourbon, Indiana

Texan Ranch Chicken Casserole

Every time I serve this creamy chicken ranch casserole, it gets rave reviews. The recipe was passed down to me and is so good! It's really easy to make, freezes well and has just a touch of heat. If your family likes more, add some jalapenos! —Kendra Doss, Smithville, Missouri

Easy Chicken Piccata

Easy chicken recipes are my go-to dinner choice. My chicken piccata pasta dish is ready to serve in a half hour. It takes just a few minutes in the oven to bake to tender perfection. —Hannah Williams, Malibu, California

Chicken & Dumpling Casserole

This savory casserole is one of my husband's favorites. He loves the fluffy dumplings with plenty of gravy poured over them. The basil adds just the right touch of flavor and makes the whole house smell so good while this dish cooks. —Sue Mackey, Galesburg, Illinois

Roasted Chicken with Rosemary

Herbs, garlic and butter give this hearty meal in one a classic flavor. It's a lot like pot roast, except it uses chicken instead of beef. —Isabel Zienkosky, Salt Lake City, Utah

Sheet-Pan Chicken Parmesan

Saucy chicken, melty mozzarella and crisp-tender broccoli—all in one pan. What could be better? —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri

Deviled Chicken Thighs

I make this dish when I invite my next-door neighbor over for supper. It's just enough for the two of us. The tasty chicken is tender and moist with a bit of crunch from the cashews. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri

Chicken Manicotti

When one of my friends came home from the hospital with her newborn, I sent over this freezer casserole. She and her family raved over how good it was. Try substituting olives for mushrooms or using veal instead of chicken. —Jamie Valocchi, Mesa, Arizona

Arizona Chicken in Acorn Squash

Give stuffed acorn squash a taste of the Southwest with this comforting recipe. We love the crunch of the toasted almonds, heat of green chiles, and creamy texture of avocado. —Martha Sparlin, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Smokin'-Philled Chicken Breasts

Combine cream cheese filling, crunchy coating and smoky heat from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to seriously up your chicken dinner game. —Carolyn Kumpe, El Dorado, California

Breaded Curry Chicken Drummies

These drumsticks are crispy with just the right amount of zing to get your mouth watering for more! They are super easy to make and are baked rather than fried so they save on fat but not on flavor. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or assorted chicken parts can be used instead of all drumsticks. —Lynn Kaufman, Mount Morris, Illinois

Pancetta and Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken Breast

I was inspired by a stuffed chicken Marsala dish I had at a restaurant and wanted to come up with my own version using a different flavor profile. —Ashley Laymon, Lititz, Pennsylvania

Mediterranean Chicken

As special as it is simple to prepare, this flavorful skillet creation is dressed in tomatoes, olives and capers. It’s a knockout main dish at my house. —Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York

Garlic Lover's Chicken

The garlic and lemon are great together on this breaded chicken. I've served this several times for special-occasion dinners. —Janice Steinmetz, Somers, Connecticut

Parmesan Chicken

The savory coating on this chicken has the satisfying flavor of Parmesan cheese. It's easy enough to be a family weekday meal yet impressive enough to serve to guests. When I make this baked parmesan crusted chicken for dinner, we never have leftovers. —Schelby Thompson, Camden Wyoming, Delaware

Sage Chicken Cordon Bleu

It's nice to surprise the family with special meals like this during the week. I usually double the recipe so we can enjoy leftovers the next day. —Martha Stine, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Crispy Onion Chicken

My family loves chicken, and I'm always trying new ways to prepare it. This golden-brown chicken with its crunchy french-fried onion coating is great with rice, baked potatoes, macaroni salad or potato salad. —Charlotte Smith, McDonald, Pennsylvania

Baked Chicken Fajitas

I can't remember when or where I found this oven-baked fajitas recipe, but I've used it nearly every week since. We like it with hot sauce for added spice. —Amy Trinkle, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Bruschetta Chicken

We enjoy serving this tasty chicken bruschetta to both family and to company. It just might become your new favorite way to use up summer tomatoes and basil. —Carolin Cattoi-Demkiw, Lethbridge, Alberta

Baked Mushroom Chicken

This mushroom chicken bake recipe is the perfect way to dress up a standard weeknight dinner. It's a recipe I can count on to yield tender and flavorful results every time. —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania

Roast Chicken with Vegetables

Love a moist and tender chicken but not the mess of actually roasting one? Use an oven cooking bag to keep a chicken and veggies easily under control. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Chicken Provolone

Chicken Provolone, though one of my simplest dishes, is one of my husband’s favorites. It is easy to prepare and looks fancy served on a dark plate with a garnish of fresh parsley or basil. Add some buttered noodles for an easy side dish. —Dawn Bryant, Thedford, Nebraska

Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken with Potatoes

This is a meal I have my students make in our nutrition unit. It has a delicious lemon-herb flavor and is simple to make. —Mindy Rottmund, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Chicken Tortilla Bake

Mother frequently made this comforting chicken tortilla casserole when I was growing up. Our family would scrape the pan clean. Chicken, cheese and zippy green chiles are a mouthwatering mix.—Jerri Moror, Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Deviled Chicken

My family has always loved this flavorful golden brown chicken. I watch for frequent sales on leg quarters to keep the cost per serving low. —Linda Trammell, Kingston, Missouri

Baked Chicken and Mushrooms

I made up this dish years ago, and it still remains the family's favorite healthy baked chicken recipes. It's a fast weeknight meal, but the fresh mushrooms and sherry make it special enough for a weekend dinner party. —Lise Prestine of South Bend, Indiana

Greek-Style Lemon-Garlic Chicken

I love celebrating my Greek heritage with this super simple and scrumptious Sunday dinner idea. Prep time is a breeze and the ingredient list is relatively short for such a flavorful one-dish meal. Each time I make this I'm transported back to my ya-ya, who gave me the special honor of squeezing the lemons! —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri

Chicken Cordon Bleu in Pastry

Baking chicken breasts in a flaky dough makes them turn out moist and delicious every time. This fancy dish is nice to serve family as well as guests.

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