A food thermometer is key to prevent foodborne illness.
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Chickenis the most popular meat in the United States.
Its arich source of protein, and as a white meat, its a leaner choice.
Photo:Istetiana/Getty Images
Specifically, raw chicken can be contaminated with bacteria like salmonella.
In fact, aboutone in every 25 packages of chickenat the grocery store is contaminated with salmonella.
So, how do you pick one?
Contaminated chicken looks the same aschicken that isnt contaminated.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to reduce your risk of foodborne illness from chicken.
Additionally, one of the most important aspects of handling chicken is cooking it to the right internal temperature.
At high temperatures, salmonella bacteria and other pathogens are destroyed.
Heres what you should probably know about safely preparing chicken.
What Temperature Should Chicken Be?
Temperaturesboth cold and hotplay a large role in handling chicken safely.
When its warm out, its best to avoid leaving it out for longer than one hour, theUSDAnotes.
This applies to all poultry and every part of the bird, including both white and dark meat.
There are many differenttypes of food thermometers, and the proper ways to use them may vary.
Some thermometers measure the temperature within a few seconds, while others take up to 20 seconds to register.
Different thermometers have different ways of indicating the temperature.
Some have digital displays that clearly state the temperature, while others flash indicator lights.
Cleaning methods may vary, so check the manufacturers instructions.
Generally, you could wash it with warm, soapy water.
To do so, you may need to calibrate it using an ice bath or boiling water.
As the chicken cooks, the pink flesh will become white on the outside.
Chicken also shrinks as it cooks, so it will appear smaller.
While no one wants dry chicken, you also want to avoid certain juices.
If you cut into cooked chicken and the juices run pink, its not done yet.
Fully cooked chicken will have clear juices.
To know if your chicken is done, cut into the thickest part.
If its white and the juices are clear, its likely fully cooked.
Using a food thermometer requires you to purchase yet another kitchen gadget, and its an extra step.
But its worth it to double-check your chicken is cooked to a safe temperature.
