What is the minimum internal cooking temperature for chicken?

The minimum internal cooking temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C). This temperature is critical because it ensures that harmful pathogens, specifically Salmonella and Campylobacter, which are commonly associated with poultry, are effectively killed. Cooking chicken to this temperature not only guarantees food safety but also helps to prevent foodborne illnesses that can result from undercooked poultry.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) provides these guidelines based on extensive research on the time and temperature needed to ensure the safety of food. In the case of chicken, reaching 165°F immediately and holding it at that temperature for a short period of time will allow the heat to penetrate throughout the meat, ensuring that it is safe to consume.

Other temperatures listed, such as 145°F (63°C), 150°F (65°C), and 160°F (71°C), are not sufficient for chicken to eliminate all potential pathogens effectively. While these temperatures may be appropriate for other types of meat or for certain preparations, chicken specifically requires the higher threshold of 165°F to ensure complete safety.