Quick Answer
The recommended safe minimum internal temperature for chicken breasts that are grilled is 165°F (74°C). Chicken should always be cooked to an internal temperature high enough to kill any harmful bacteria like salmonella. Using a food thermometer is the only reliable way to confirm chicken has reached a safe internal temperature.
What is the Safe Cooking Temperature for Chicken?
Poultry like chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be considered safe to eat. This temperature has been determined by food safety experts to effectively kill potentially harmful bacteria like salmonella and campylobacter that raw chicken can contain.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service, 165°F is the recommended safe minimum internal temperature for all poultry, including whole chickens and chicken breasts, legs, thighs, wings and ground chicken.
USDA Recommended Safe Minimum Internal Temperatures
| Food | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Chicken and turkey – whole, parts, or ground | 165°F (74°C) |
| Duck and goose | 165°F (74°C) |
| Stuffing (cooked alone or in bird) | 165°F (74°C) |
| Fresh pork, ham, ground | 145°F (63°C) |
| Fresh beef, veal, lamb – steaks, roasts, chops | 145°F (63°C) |
So when grilling chicken breasts, they should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F throughout to be safe to consume.
Why is 165°F the Recommended Temperature for Chicken?
The 165°F minimum internal temperature recommendation for poultry is based on scientific research on food safety. Studies have shown that rapidly heating chicken to 165°F is sufficient to kill up to 99.999% of salmonella bacteria that may be present.
Salmonella is one of the most common foodborne pathogens associated with chicken. The bacteria can survive in raw and undercooked chicken. Salmonella causes over 1 million illnesses each year in the United States. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps within 12-72 hours after infection.
Other foodborne pathogens like campylobacter and E. coli have also been associated with raw chicken. Heating chicken to 165°F helps destroy these bacteria as well.
So cooking chicken to 165°F minimizes the risk of food poisoning. Lower temperatures may not be reliable for killing pathogens. And chicken cooked below 165°F can remain pink and undercooked.
How to Tell When Chicken Breasts are Done Grilling
Using a food thermometer is the most reliable way to determine if chicken breasts have reached the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Thermometers take the guesswork out of knowing when the chicken is fully cooked.
To check the temperature, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, avoiding any bones. Make sure it’s not touching any grates or pan.
If the chicken reads at least 165°F, then it’s safe to eat. If not, continue cooking and keep checking the temperature until it reaches 165°F.
Visual Cues for Doneness
While thermometers are best for accuracy, there are some visual signs to look for too:
– The chicken breasts turn opaque and white throughout when fully cooked with no pink in the center.
– Juices run clear when pricking the chicken with a fork. (Raw chicken juices will be more reddish in color.)
However, the safest bet is using a good digital meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature. Visual cues alone can sometimes be inaccurate.
How Long to Grill Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
Grilling times for boneless, skinless chicken breasts can vary depending on thickness and whether they are fresh or frozen. Here are some general grilling time guidelines based on the USDA:
Fresh Chicken Breasts
– 1/2 inch thick: 8-12 minutes
– 3/4 inch thick: 10-14 minutes
– 1 inch thick: 12-18 minutes
Frozen Chicken Breasts
– 1/2 inch thick: 18-24 minutes
– 3/4 inch thick: 22-28 minutes
– 1 inch thick: 25-35 minutes
Always use a food thermometer to check temperature instead of relying solely on time. And allow for carryover cooking once removed from the grill as temperatures can rise another 5°F or so.
Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible during cooking to maintain heat and promote even cooking. Turn chicken only once halfway through grilling to get those nice grill marks.
Tips for Grilling Juicy, Tender Chicken Breasts
The key to juicy, flavorful grilled chicken breasts is avoiding overcooking. Here are some top tips:
– **Don’t cook frozen chicken straight from the freezer.** Always thaw breasts first by refrigerating overnight. This allows for shorter, more even grilling.
– **Use instant-read thermometer.** Check temperature early and often to prevent overshooting 165°F. Remove from grill when chicken is 5°F below target temp.
– **Keep it hot.** Heat grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F. The hot temperature helps chicken caramelize and makes juicier meat.
– **Skipsauces and marinades.** Sugary sauces can char, so brush on towards end of grilling. And marinating can affect browning.
– **Pat chicken dry.** Drying the surface helps chicken brown better.
– **Brush on oil.** Coating with a little oil prevents sticking and boosts browning.
– **Don’t move too much.** Let chicken sit undisturbed when first placing on grill. Moving it too soon can make it stick.
– **Get grill marks.** Turn chicken only once during grilling to get diamond marks. Don’t press down on chicken while cooking.
Following these grilling tips will help ensure tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Conclusion
Cooking chicken breasts to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F is critical for food safety. Using a good instant-read thermometer is the best way to determine when grilled chicken has reached a safe temperature to destroy any potential bacteria present and prevent foodborne illness. Visual cues like opaque meat and clear juices can supplement checking with a thermometer but should not be solely relied upon. Allowing enough grilling time for chicken breasts to reach 165°F internally results in juicy, tender meat that is delicious and safe to eat. Mastering the ideal grilling time and temperature helps ensure perfect chicken every time.