Cups & Temps

Ground chicken & turkey internal temperature

USDA: cook ground chicken and ground turkey, including turkey burgers, to 165°F (74°C), higher than the 160°F used for ground beef or pork. No rest time is needed.

USDA safe minimum
165°F74°C internal temperature
Rest time
NoneNo rest required
In Celsius
74°CSame safe minimum
Check with
ProbeA food thermometer, not color

Safe minimums from USDA FSIS and FoodSafety.gov. Checked .

Is it done yet?

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165°FUSDA safe minimum

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Safe temperature for ground turkey

USDA: cook ground chicken and ground turkey, including turkey burgers, to 165°F (74°C), higher than the 160°F used for ground beef or pork. No rest time is needed.

Where to put the thermometer

Insert the thermometer at least 1/2 inch into the thickest part of the patty, or sideways for thin patties.

Questions people ask

Why is ground turkey 165°F but ground beef 160°F?

USDA sets 165°F for all poultry, ground or whole, versus 160°F for ground red meat.

Can turkey burgers be pink?

Color isn't reliable; use a thermometer and look for 165°F.

What temperature is ground turkey done?

USDA: cook ground chicken and ground turkey, including turkey burgers, to 165°F (74°C), higher than the 160°F used for ground beef or pork. No rest time is needed.

Sources