How to Cook Chicken Perfectly Every Time – Understanding the Basics of Temperature

Cooking chicken can be both tricky and time-consuming. As one of the most popular meats around, chicken is a kitchen staple that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Regardless of whether you plan to roast, fry, or otherwise cook chicken, it is important to understand the basics of temperature. Doing so will help ensure that you end up with a perfectly cooked chicken dinner each and every time.

The Basics of Temperature

When it comes to cooking chicken, the most important thing to understand is that you need to reach a specific safe internal temperature in order to know the chicken is done. The safe temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). To reach this temperature, the chicken needs to have an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) all the way through.

The best way to check the internal temperature is to use a digital meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. For chicken, that is typically the thigh or breast.

Using the Right Temperature

It is also important to adjust the temperature based on how you plan to cook the chicken.

Roasting: If you plan to roast chicken, the ideal temperature range is 350-425ºF (177-218ºC). For best results, start at a higher temperature and then lower it to finish the cooking process. The cooking time will vary based on the size of the chicken, so be sure to check the internal temperature regularly.

Grilling: Grilling chicken is another popular cooking method, and it requires a slightly lower temperature than roasting. The ideal grilling temperature is 325-400°F (163-200°C). Again, the time and cooking temperature will vary based on the size of the chicken.

Frying: Frying is another popular cooking method for chicken, but it requires a higher temperature than roasting or grilling. The ideal frying temperature is 350-375°F (177-190°C). When frying, make sure to use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil frequently to ensure it stays in the ideal range.

Finishing Touches

Once the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), it’s time to take it off the heat. Depending on how you plan to serve the chicken, you may want to take the time to let it rest before slicing or serving it. Resting the chicken will allow the juices to be reabsorbed, which will give you a juicier, more flavorful final dish.

Conclusion

Cooking chicken perfectly every time requires understanding the basics of temperature. The safe temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). The temperature will also vary based on how you plan to cook the chicken. Roasting typically requires temperatures between 350-425ºF (177-218ºC); grilling requires temperatures between 325-400°F (163-200°C); and frying requires temperatures between 350-375°F (177-190°C). Once the internal temperature has been reached, the chicken can be removed from the heat and rested before serving. By following these guidelines and using a digital thermometer, you can be sure that your chicken will be cooked to perfection each and every time.