USDA: chicken thighs and legs are safe at 165°F (74°C). For tender, juicy dark meat, cooks often go higher: about 175°F, and up to 185-195°F (ThermoWorks, America's Test Kitchen).
- USDA safe minimum
- 165°F74°C internal temperature
- Rest time
- NoneNo rest required
- Doneness range
- 175–195°FTender to fall-off-the-bone
- Safe & popular
- 175°FTender
- 175°FTender79°C
- 185°FVery tender85°C
- 195°FFall-off-the-bone91°C
Safe minimums from USDA FSIS and FoodSafety.gov. Checked .
Chicken thighs & legs temperature chart
| Doneness | °F | °C | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tender | 175°F | 79°C | America's Test Kitchen calls 175°F good; ThermoWorks recommends 170°F or higher |
| Very tender | 185°F | 85°C | ThermoWorks' author often cooks thighs to 185°F; collagen turns to gelatin |
| Fall-off-the-bone | 195°F | 91°C | ATK says 190-195°F is even better; avoid going past about 210°F |
Doneness targets come from the culinary sources listed below. USDA's food-safety minimum is 165°F (74°C); anything below it is a personal risk choice.
Safe temperature for chicken thighs
USDA: chicken thighs and legs are safe at 165°F (74°C). For tender, juicy dark meat, cooks often go higher: about 175°F, and up to 185-195°F (ThermoWorks, America's Test Kitchen).
When to take it off the heat
Carryover matters little for dark meat; ThermoWorks says you can pull at your target since the good-texture window is wide.
Where to put the thermometer
Probe the thickest part of the thigh or drumstick without touching bone (USDA FSIS).
Questions people ask
Why cook chicken thighs past 165°F?
Dark meat has more connective tissue; at higher temps collagen melts into gelatin, making it more tender (ThermoWorks, ATK).
Can you overcook chicken thighs?
Thighs are forgiving, but ATK warns they turn stringy above about 210°F.
What temperature to cook chicken thighs?
USDA: chicken thighs and legs are safe at 165°F (74°C). For tender, juicy dark meat, cooks often go higher: about 175°F, and up to 185-195°F (ThermoWorks, America's Test Kitchen).
What temp do chicken thighs need to be cooked to?
USDA: chicken thighs and legs are safe at 165°F (74°C). For tender, juicy dark meat, cooks often go higher: about 175°F, and up to 185-195°F (ThermoWorks, America's Test Kitchen).
What temperature does chicken thighs need to be cooked to?
USDA: chicken thighs and legs are safe at 165°F (74°C). For tender, juicy dark meat, cooks often go higher: about 175°F, and up to 185-195°F (ThermoWorks, America's Test Kitchen).
What temperature do chicken thighs need to be?
USDA: chicken thighs and legs are safe at 165°F (74°C). For tender, juicy dark meat, cooks often go higher: about 175°F, and up to 185-195°F (ThermoWorks, America's Test Kitchen).