What is the temperature for a well-cooked chicken breast?
by Karine Lemoine
Chicken breast is one of the most frequently undercooked meats at home, often overcooked as a precaution or undercooked due to lack of reference.
However, there is a precise temperature to be reached to guarantee both food safety and a pleasant texture.
Table of Contents
Here is the recommended temperature and the most reliable way to check it.
Recommended internal temperature
A chicken breast is considered safe to eat when its internal temperature reaches 74°C at the core of the piece.This temperature eliminates bacteria that may be present in raw poultry, including salmonella and campylobacters.
Below this temperature, meat can remain pink near the bone or in the center, which is a risk, even if the outside seems golden brown. Therefore, you should never rely solely on color to judge cooking.
Why not rely on color or cooking time
The color of cooked meat depends on many factors, such as the age of the animal, the method of breeding or even the pH of the flesh, and not only on the temperature reached. A chicken breast can thus remain slightly pink near the bone while being perfectly cooked, or on the contrary appear white when it has not reached the safe temperature.
Likewise, the cooking time indicated in a recipe remains an estimate: it varies according to the thickness of the piece, the starting temperature of the meat and the real power of the oven or pan.Only the measurement of the internal temperature gives a reliable guarantee.
How to measure the temperature correctly
A probe cooking thermometer is still the most reliable tool. To measure well:
- Insert the probe into the thickest part of the white, avoiding bones if there are any
- Wait a few seconds for the value to stabilize before reading the result
- Check elsewhere to see if the piece is irregular in shape
In the absence of a thermometer, we can ensure that the juice that flows when cut is clear and not pink, and that the flesh comes off easily, even if this mark is less accurate than a direct measurement.
Our tips
►Investing in a probe thermometer
It is the most effective tool to avoid both overcooked chicken and the health risk of undercooking. Instant models provide a readout in seconds.
►Let the meat rest for a few minutes
After cooking, the internal temperature continues to rise slightly while resting, which also helps to distribute the juices in the flesh for a softer result.
►Take the chicken out of the fridge a little before cooking
Room temperature meat cooks more evenly than meat straight out of the cold, which limits the risk of an undercooked center.
The safety of a chicken breast is judged on an internal temperature of 74°C, measured with a thermometer, and not on its external appearance or the time spent in the oven.
You can also read:How many chicken breasts are there in a poundandHow long does it take to boil chicken thighs.
Do not hesitate to leave a comment!
For more information and to receive our news, follow us on social networks!
Comments on What is the temperature for a well-cooked chicken breast?