Does Chicken Really Need To Be 165?
Yes, chicken needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure that harmful bacteria such as Salmonella are killed and the meat is safe to eat. Eating undercooked chicken can cause food poisoning and lead to serious health risks. It is important to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken while cooking and make sure it reaches 165°F before consuming it.