AT YOUR NEXT SUMMER COOKOUT OR PARTY.
DON’T UNDERCOOK THE CHICKEN!
OCHD recommends cooking whole chicken to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F as measured with a food thermometer. Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. For reasons of personal preference, consumers may choose to cook poultry at higher temperatures.
Rinsing or Soaking Chicken
Washing raw poultry before cooking is not recommended because bacteria in raw meat and poultry juices can be spread to other foods, utensils, and surfaces. This is called cross-contamination. The results of a recent USDA observational study showed how easily bacteria can be spread when surfaces are not effectively cleaned and sanitized after washing poultry.
Rinsing or soaking chicken does not destroy bacteria. Only cooking will destroy any bacteria that might be present in fresh chicken.
For approximate cooking times for meal planning, see the following chart.
