Laura Fuentes

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Eat Healthy
  • Quick Meals
  • Pancakes
  • About
  • Pasta Night
  • Best Chicken Recipes
  • Meal Plans
  • Cookbooks
  • Contact
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Eat Healthy
  • Quick Meals
  • Pancakes
  • About
  • Pasta Night
  • Best Chicken Recipes
  • Meal Plans
  • Cookbooks
  • Contact
×
Home » Kitchen Skills

How to Know When Chicken is Done (with or without a thermometer)

By Laura Fuentes Updated May 17, 2024

No ratings yet

If you’re tired of wondering if your chicken has cooked long enough and is safe to eat, these quick tips will show you what to look for and how to know when chicken is done, so you don’t end up accidentally serving raw (or partially cooked) chicken.

Whether you’re trying a new chicken recipe or want to improve your chicken cooking skills the tips below apply to all your chicken recipes.

two images of chicken thighs on sheet pans - before and after baking

The good news is that hundreds of chicken recipes, 5 published cookbooks, and an entire eBook dedicated to chicken have taught me a thing or two when it comes to cooking it, and I’m thrilled to share the easy way to check for undercooked chicken no matter what cooking method you use.

How to Tell If Chicken Is Fully Cooked

Checking the chicken’s internal temperature is the best way to know if the chicken is fully cooked; white meat chicken should be cooked to 165F (73C) and dark meat should reach 175F (79C).

You can also check the internal color of the chicken meat by using a sharp knife and making a very small incision in the thickest part of the meat. If you see pink meat, it’s not ready, however, if the meat on the piece of chicken is white/opaque, it’s good to go.

Checking the Internal Temperature of Chicken for Doneness

A meat thermometer is the most accurate device to gauge the internal temperature of the chicken and know when it’s time to turn off the heat.

The chart below displays the ideal internal temperature for different cuts of chicken, so your protein turns out juicy and tender.

Cut of ChickenInternal Temp
Breast
(white meat)
165F / 73C
Thigh
(dark meat)
175F / 79C
Drumstick
(dark meat)
175F / 79C
Wing
(white meat)
175F / 79C
Whole roasting chicken165F / 73C (at breast)
175F / 79C (at thigh)

To learn all about cooking time and cooking temperature, check out these posts I’ve written about the different chicken parts.

Chicken drumsticks | Chicken thighs | Chicken breasts

The short answer is that a higher temperature means the chicken will reach that internal temperature with clear juices faster, however, for different methods of cooking, the recommended cook time for best results and juicy chicken may be different.

How to Use a Meat Thermometer on Chicken

To properly check for internal temperature insert the tip of the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, thigh or whole chicken.

If using a digital thermometer, the temperature will read in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius, according to what it is programmed to. Analog thermometers will have a red arrow that points to the accurate temperature in both degrees.

How to Know When Chicken Is Done Without a Thermometer

If you don’t have a good meat thermometer, you can use these two visual cues to gauge whether the chicken is ready or not:

  1. Color of the juices
    To test, pierce the thickest part of the chicken fillet or cutlet with a knife or fork and observe the color of the liquid that runs out. If it is a pink color, the chicken needs more time, if the juices are clear, the chicken is ready. Seeing how the chicken looks is the easiest way to check that your chicken has reached a safe internal temperature for eating, even when you don’t have a meat thermometer.
  2. Size
    The proteins in chicken will shrink as they cook. If the chicken fillet or cutlet looks seared and golden on the outside but is still the same size as its raw state, it needs more time. If the chicken has shrunk, check the color of the juice before removing it from the heat.

Checking the size and color of the meat is also a great way to double-check that you didn’t get an inaccurate reading from your thermometer and that the chicken has reached the right temperature to avoid foodborne illnesses.

sliced chicken breast on a cutting boar with a baking sheet in the background

Avoiding Overcooked, Dry Chicken

Before you start cooking (or finish cooking) here are a few tips to help you avoid dry and overcooked chicken:

  • Check for internal temperature
    Cooking chicken according to internal temperature ensures juicy chicken that’s just right.
  • Use a good recipe
    You want a recipe that shows you how to make great-tasting chicken in the skillet or oven, step-by-step. It should include directions on which cut of chicken to use, the temperature to heat the oven or skillet, and to check for internal temperature.
  • Let the chicken rest
    Once the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature, remove it from the heat source, and let it rest at least 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This gives the meat time to lock in all those juices and flavor!

Now that you’ve learned everything you need to know about making sure your chicken is cooked, check out my chicken eBook!

THE Only Chicken Cookbook You’ll Need

The 70+ recipes inside Chicken. It’s What’s For Dinner will make everyone’s favorite white meat more exciting to eat!

Whether you’re just learning to cook or know your way around the kitchen, the recipes inside the eBook are simple and delicious.

chicken ebook displayed on an ipad and phone screen
Buy the eBook
by Laura Fuentes

If you enjoyed the article, please share it with others. Thank you!

More Kitchen Skills

  • round loaf of homemade bread on parchment paper
    No Knead Dutch Oven Bread
  • shredded chicken on a bowl and a whole chicken on the side
    How to Shred Rotisserie Chicken
  • closeup of cooked spaghetti squash half
    How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave
  • spaghetti squash in a slow cooker
    Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Hi! I'm Laura.
Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, mom of three, and the woman behind the world’s best pancakes—here to help you ditch the mealtime drama with recipes your family will actually eat.

More about me →

Let's Be Social!

Facebook Pinterest Instagram YouTube
5 Secrets to Healthy(er) Family Meals

Fresh Favorites

  • large stack of fluffy pancakes with slice of butter on top
    Best Fluffy Pancakes Recipe
  • rotisserie chicken alfredo
    Rotisserie Chicken Alfredo
  • three hard shell tacos
    How to Make Taco Shells
  • 4 fillets of baked cajun salmon served with roasted potatoes and broccoli
    Baked Cajun Salmon

Trending Now

  • large stack of pancakes topped with a slice of butter. a small bottle of maple syrup behind the stack of pancakes.
    How to Make Pancakes Without Eggs
  • copycat canes nuggets and fries with texas toast and two sauces
    Copycat Cane’s Chicken Recipe with Homemade Cane’s Sauce
  • large plate of freshly baked mixed chicken pieces
    Juicy Baked Chicken Pieces
  • creamy garlic sauce in a large pot with pepper on top
    5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce

Footer

Browse

  • Start Here
  • Eat Healthy in 30 Days
  • Weekly Family Meal Plans
  • Recipe Index

Useful Links

  • Contact
  • Permissions
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

COPYRIGHT © 2025 LAURA FUENTES · DESIGN BY FUENTES MEDIA

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required