Cups & Temps

Whole chicken internal temperature

USDA: cook a whole chicken to 165°F (74°C), checked in the innermost thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. Many cooks like the thighs closer to 175°F.

USDA safe minimum
165°F74°C internal temperature
Rest time
NoneNo rest required
Doneness range
165–175°FBreast to thighs
Safe & popular
165°FBreast
  • 165°FBreast74°C
  • 175°FThighs79°C

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

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165°FUSDA safe minimum

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Whole chicken temperature chart

Doneness°F°CNotes
Breast165°F74°CUSDA minimum; breast dries out if cooked much higher
Thighs175°F79°Cculinary target for tender dark meat (ATK, ThermoWorks)

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 a whole chicken

USDA: cook a whole chicken to 165°F (74°C), checked in the innermost thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. Many cooks like the thighs closer to 175°F.

When to take it off the heat

ThermoWorks suggests pulling whole birds 10-12°F below target for carryover; USDA's guidance is that every part reach 165°F, so verify after resting.

Where to put the thermometer

Check the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast (USDA FSIS).

Questions people ask

Where do you check the temperature of a whole chicken?

USDA says the innermost thigh, the innermost wing, and the thickest part of the breast should all hit 165°F.

Is pink near the bone safe?

Per USDA, color doesn't indicate safety; young birds often stay pink at the bone even when fully cooked.

Sources