Internal Temperature Chicken — Chicken Breast, Thighs, Wings & Whole Chicken

The core temperature is the only reliable way to know if chicken is cooked through. Judging chicken by color doesn't work — chicken can be golden brown on the outside while still raw on the inside. On this page, you'll find the exact core temperatures for each part of the chicken on the BBQ.

Chicken Core Temperatures — Overview

Chicken Part Minimum Core Temperature Ideal Core Temperature Texture
Chicken Breast 74°C 74–77°C Juicy, fully cooked
Chicken Thigh (bone-in) 74°C 80–85°C Tender, almost falling off the bone
Chicken Thigh (boneless) 74°C 77–82°C Juicy and tender
Chicken Leg Quarter (drumstick + thigh) 74°C 80–85°C Tender, juicy, falls off the bone
Chicken Wings 74°C 80–85°C Crispy skin, tender meat
Chicken Drumstick 74°C 80–85°C Tender, juicy
Whole Chicken 74°C 80–82°C Fully cooked, juicy
Pulled Chicken 74°C 90–95°C Falling apart, perfect for pulling

Important: always measure at the thickest part of the meat, not against the bone. Bone conducts heat differently than meat and gives an incorrect reading. See also: how to measure core temperature correctly?

Chicken Breast Core Temperature — 74–77°C

Chicken breast is the most critical cut — it has little fat and dries out quickly. The ideal core temperature for chicken breast is 74–77°C. Above 80°C, chicken breast becomes dry and tough.

  • 74°C — minimally safe, maximally juicy
  • 77°C — ideal for most people
  • 80°C+ — overcooked, dry and tough

Tip: remove chicken breast from the BBQ at 72°C — the temperature will still rise by 2–3°C during resting.

Chicken Thigh Core Temperature — 80–85°C

Chicken thighs have more fat and connective tissue than chicken breast. They actually get better at higher temperatures — the connective tissue breaks down, giving a tender, juicy texture. The ideal core temperature for chicken thigh is 80–85°C.

  • 74°C — safe but still a bit tough
  • 80–85°C — ideal: tender and juicy
  • 90°C+ — for pulled chicken

→ Chicken Thighs on the BBQ — recipe

Chicken Leg Quarter Core Temperature — 80–85°C

A chicken leg quarter consists of the drumstick and the thigh together. Because it's a larger cut with more bone, it takes more time than a separate chicken thigh. The ideal core temperature for chicken leg quarter is 80–85°C, measured at the thickest part of the thigh — not near the bone.

  • 74°C — safe but still a bit tough
  • 80–85°C — ideal: tender, juicy, falls off the bone
  • Cooking time: 35–45 minutes at 170–185°C indirect

Tip: always measure in the thickest part of the thigh, not in the drumstick — the drumstick cooks faster.

Chicken Wings Core Temperature — 80–85°C

Chicken wings are small and cook quickly. The ideal core temperature for chicken wings is 80–85°C — high enough for crispy skin and tender meat. Measure at the thickest part of the drumette, not at the joint.

→ Chicken Wings on the BBQ — recipe

Whole Chicken Core Temperature — 80–82°C

For a whole chicken, measure in two places: the thickest part of the breast and the thickest part of the thigh. Both must reach a minimum of 74°C. The thigh takes more time than the breast — always measure the thigh as a reference.

  • Breast: 74–77°C ideal
  • Thigh: 80–82°C ideal
  • Resting time: 10–15 minutes under aluminum foil

→ Whole Chicken on the BBQ — recipe

Chicken BBQ Cooking Times

Chicken Part BBQ Temperature Cooking Time Method
Chicken Breast 180–200°C 12–18 min Direct + indirect
Chicken Thigh (bone-in) 170–185°C 25–35 min Indirect
Chicken Leg Quarter 170–185°C 35–45 min Indirect
Chicken Wings 200–220°C 20–25 min Direct
Whole Chicken (1.5 kg) 160–180°C 60–90 min Indirect
Pulled Chicken 120–140°C 3–4 hours Indirect, low & slow

Please note: cooking times are guidelines. Always use a core thermometer for exact doneness.

→ How to measure core temperature correctly?
→ Complete temperature and cooking time guide
→ How long does chicken take on the BBQ?

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Core Temperature

What is the core temperature of chicken breast?

The ideal core temperature for chicken breast is 74–77°C. Remove the chicken breast from the BBQ at 72°C — the temperature will still rise by 2–3°C during resting.

What is the core temperature of chicken thigh?

The ideal core temperature for chicken thigh is 80–85°C. Chicken thighs become more tender at higher temperatures than chicken breast — the connective tissue breaks down, giving a juicy texture.

What is the core temperature of chicken leg quarter?

The ideal core temperature for chicken leg quarter is 80–85°C, measured at the thickest part of the thigh. A chicken leg quarter needs 35–45 minutes at 170–185°C indirect.

How do I measure the core temperature of chicken wings?

Measure at the thickest part of the drumette, not at the joint. The ideal core temperature for chicken wings is 80–85°C.

Is chicken cooked at 70°C?

Technically, chicken is safe at 70°C if it stays at that temperature long enough. For the BBQ, we use 74°C as the safe minimum temperature — this is the international standard.

Why is my chicken dry?

Chicken breast dries out above 80°C. Use a core thermometer and remove the chicken from the BBQ at 72°C. Let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting.

Which rub do you use for chicken?

→ Chicken Rub — which rub to choose per chicken part?
→ Which rub goes with which meat?
→ Chicken on the BBQ — all recipes & tips
→ All BBQ recipes from The Rub Kitchen

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