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Proper Internal Temperature of Chicken And Other Meats

How do you tell when meat is done? What is the proper internal temperature of chicken? What is the proper internal temperature of pork? What is the proper internal temperature for a steak?

Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to tell if your chicken or other meat is done. There are minimum temperatures which must be reached in order for the meat to be safe.

Following is a chart of the proper minimum recommended internal temperature for chicken, seafood and other meats.

Background Info

Why use a Meat Thermometer?

A critical factor in controlling possible bacteria in food is controlling the temperature. Bacteria grows very slowly at low temperatures, multiplies rapidly at room temperatures, and is destroyed at high temperatures. Raw meat can harbor harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E.coli. So, to be safe, meats must always be cooked thoroughly in order to reach an internal temperature capable of killing any possible bacteria. A meat thermometer is the most reliable test available to indicate if bacteria has been eliminated from your meat.

Research has shown that color changes are not a reliable indicator. A brown hamburger may not have reached a high enough temperature to kill all bacteria. But if it is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F it is safe, regardless of color.

How Do You Use a Meat Thermometer?

Make sure to always insert the meat thermometer into the center of the thickest part of the meat.

The best place to test the internal temperature of chicken or turkey is behind the inner thigh.

It should not touch bone, fat, or gristle. You will not get an accurate internal temperature if it does.

Begin checking the temperature toward the end of cooking, but before you expect it to be ready.

Be sure to clean your meat thermometer with hot soapy water before and after each use.

Safety Note: Do NOT partially cook meats and then put them in the fridge to finish cooking later because bacteria will continue to grow until the meat reaches its proper internal temperature.

What Is Rest Time?

“Rest time” is the period of time between when the meat is removed from the heat source until it is sliced or cut. Three minutes of rest time should be allowed as its temperature remains constant or continues to rise, continuing to destroy harmful bacteria.

Recommended Internal Temperature of Poultry, Meats and other Proteins

Meat	Type	Temperature	Notes
Internal Temperature of Chicken	Whole	165°	Make sure no blood runs in juices
Internal Temperature of Chicken	Breast	165°	Opaque throughout
Internal Temperature of Chicken	Thigh	165-175°
Internal Temperature of Pork	Roast/Chop	145° Medium Rare	Never eat pork less than medium rare
Internal Temperature of Pork	Roast/Chop	160° Medium	Never eat pork less than medium rare
Internal Temperature of Pork	Roast/Chop	170° Well	Never eat pork less than medium rare
Internal Temperature of Ham	Whole/Half	145°	Maximum of 160°
Turkey/Duck	Whole	165°	Make sure no blood runs in juices
Beef/Veal/Lamb	All	145°
Beef	Steak	Rare 125°
Beef	Steak	Medium Rare 135°
Beef	Steak	Medium 145°
Beef	Steak	Medium Well 155°
Beef	Steak	Well Done 165°
Ground Meats	All	160°	Meatloaf, etc.
Leftovers/Casseroles		165°
Egg Dishes		160°
Fish	All	145°	Opaque throughout and flakes with a fork
Clams/Oysters/Mussels		Until Shells Open	Do not eat ones where the shell does not open

What You Can Do

Which Type Meat Thermometer is Best?

Make sure your thermometer is designed for meat and poultry, not for candy or anything else.

Ovenproof Types: Place into meat at the beginning of cooking time and read throughout cooking. The temperature indicator will slowly rise as the meat cooks. Great for roasts.

Instant-Read & Digital Types: Not intended for oven use, but gives about a 15 second read when inserted into cooked food. Great for hamburg patties.

Pop-Up Types: Most often used for poultry, in fact many turkeys come with them already inserted.

Microwave-Safe Types: Designed only for microwave ovens.

Using the proper tool will ensure you reach the proper internal temperature of chicken, pork or any other meat. For more information on cooking foods properly visit FDA.

To find out how long other foods are good for, please visit the Dairy, Drinks, Fruits, Grains, Proteins, Vegetables and Other sections of Eat By Date or use the search function below.