We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. However, these meats can also harbor bacteria, including Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes, what temperature to cook chicken can cause serious foodborne illnesses.
This article discusses the recommended temperatures for safely cooking different meats and explains how to properly take the temperature of meat. Safe cooking temperatures vary depending on the type of meat being prepared. This refers to whole birds, as well as all parts of a bird that people might eat, including wings, thighs, legs, ground meat, and giblets. Raw poultry may be contaminated with Campylobacter, which can cause bloody diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and muscle cramps. Ground meats often have a higher internal cooking temperature, as bacteria or parasites spread to the entire batch when you grind meat. Beef is a source of E. O157:H7, a bacterium that can cause life-threatening conditions.
The protein that causes Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which is related to mad cow disease, has also been found in beef products. They’re often eaten unprocessed, but some cultures around the world eat smoked and salted lamb. These types of meat have their own safe internal cooking temperatures, but they are similar to those of other meats. This includes traditional meats like chicken and beef, as well as wild game. It’s impossible to tell if meat is thoroughly cooked just by smelling, tasting, or looking at it. A meat thermometer should be inserted into the thickest part of the meat. It should not be touching bone, gristle, or fat.
For hamburger patties or chicken breasts, insert the thermometer through the side. When meat is done cooking, it should sit for at least three minutes before being carved or eaten. This period is called rest time. It can safely remain in the meat as it cooks in the oven. The temperature is ready to read in about 10 seconds.
This type is common in poultry and sometimes comes with a packaged turkey or chicken. The thermometer will pop up when it reaches its safe internal temperature. These are one-time use readers designed for specific temperature ranges. 10 seconds, indicating that they’re ready to read. When choosing a meat thermometer, think about the types of meat that you usually cook, as well as your cooking methods.