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Chicken Meat Thermometers for Breasts, Thighs and Whole Birds

A fast, thin probe works well for portions; a heat-safe leave-in probe makes a whole roast easier to monitor.

A chicken meat thermometer tells you what browning cannot: whether the center has reached a safe temperature. Insert a food thermometer for chicken into the thickest edible portion and keep the sensor away from bone.

Chicken Meat Thermometers for Breasts, Thighs and Whole Birds

Meat thermometers

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Meat thermometers

Buying guide

Common questions

Questions before you buy

Where do you put a meat thermometer in chicken breast?

Insert it into the thickest part; for a thin breast, approach from the side so the sensor reaches the center.

What internal temperature is safe for chicken?

USDA specifies 165°F for all poultry, including breasts, thighs and ground chicken.

Should the probe touch chicken bone?

No. Bone can distort the reading, so place the sensor in the meat beside it.

Can chicken look done before it is safe?

Yes. Color and juices are unreliable safety checks; verify the center with a food thermometer.