How to Tell if Chicken Is Done: Using a Food Thermometer & Other Signs

How to Tell if Chicken is Done

Knowing how to tell when chicken is done is an important skill for looking after your health and ensuring that every meal is cooked correctly. To help you determine when chicken is cooked, here are several methods that can be used:

Using a Food Thermometer

Inserting a food thermometer into the chicken’s thickest part is the most reliable way to confirm if the chicken is done. Cooked chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

Checking the Color and Texture

When you cut into the chicken, the flesh should be opaque and the juices should run clear. The edges of the chicken should also look cooked through and no pink color should be present. Make sure you also check that the skin is cooked and has a slightly crisp texture.

Smell and Taste

Finally, smelling and tasting the chicken can also provide clues as to whether the chicken has cooked properly. The chicken should not smell or taste uncooked and should produce a slightly smoky aroma.