What is the safe minimum internal temperature for chicken?

What is the safe minimum internal temperature for chicken?

• A. 155°F (68°C)
• B. 165°F (74°C)
• C. 145°F (63°C)
• D. 180°F (82°C)

Answer: (B)

Chicken must reach a safe minimum internal temperature to ensure harmful bacteria are destroyed. For chicken, that minimum is 165°F (74°C). Reaching this temperature throughout the meat neutralizes pathogens like Salmonella and Campylobacter, making the meat safe to eat. To verify, insert a calibrated thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding bones, and confirm it reads at least 165°F. While higher temperatures will also kill bacteria, they can dry out the meat, so 165°F is the recommended target. Temperatures lower than 165°F do not reliably guarantee safety for poultry.

Chicken must reach a safe minimum internal temperature to ensure harmful bacteria are destroyed. For chicken, that minimum is 165°F (74°C). Reaching this temperature throughout the meat neutralizes pathogens like Salmonella and Campylobacter, making the meat safe to eat.

To verify, insert a calibrated thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding bones, and confirm it reads at least 165°F. While higher temperatures will also kill bacteria, they can dry out the meat, so 165°F is the recommended target. Temperatures lower than 165°F do not reliably guarantee safety for poultry.