Chicken Internal Temperature: Breast, Thigh, Wings, and Whole Chicken

Internal temperature is the most reliable way to check if chicken is done. Color alone is not enough: chicken can be golden brown on the outside while the thickest part has not yet reached the proper temperature.

Short answer: chicken must reach at least 74°C. Chicken breast remains juicy around 74–77°C, while chicken thighs, legs, and wings become more tender around 80–85°C.

Internal temperature chicken: overview

Chicken cut Minimum Ideal guideline Result
Chicken breast 74°C 74–77°C Juicy and fully cooked
Bone-in chicken thigh 74°C 80–85°C Tender and juicy
Boneless chicken thigh 74°C 77–82°C Juicy and tender
Chicken leg 74°C 80–85°C Tender and pulls away from the bone easily
Chicken wings 74°C 80–85°C Tender meat and crispy skin
Whole chicken 74°C Breast 74–77°C, thigh 80–82°C Fully cooked and juicy
Pulled chicken (thigh) 74°C 90–95°C Easy to pull apart

Always measure in the thickest part of the meat and not against the bone. For the technique, read how to correctly measure internal temperature.

Where do you measure the internal temperature of chicken?

  • Chicken breast: in the center of the thickest part.
  • Chicken thigh and leg: in the thickest part of the meat, without touching the bone.
  • Chicken wings: in the thickest part of the drumette, not near the joint.
  • Whole chicken: measure both in the breast and in the thigh.

Check multiple pieces when preparing a large batch. Small and large pieces may be done at different times.

Internal temperature chicken breast: 74–77°C

Chicken breast is lean and dries out quickly. Aim for 74–77°C in the thickest part. Above 80°C, the chance of dry and tough meat increases significantly.

Internal temperature chicken thigh: 80–85°C

Chicken thighs contain more fat and connective tissue than chicken breast. They are safe from 74°C, but often become more tender around 80–85°C. Do not measure against the bone.

Chicken thighs on the BBQ — recipe

Internal temperature chicken leg: 80–85°C

A chicken leg consists of the thigh and drumstick. Grill gently using indirect heat and measure in the thickest part of the thigh. At a BBQ temperature of 170–185°C, this often takes 35–45 minutes, but the internal temperature remains the key guide.

Internal temperature chicken wings: 80–85°C

Measure in the thickest part of the drumette. You can briefly crisp the skin over direct heat after the indirect cooking process.

Chicken wings on the BBQ — recipe

Internal temperature whole chicken

For a whole chicken, measure in two places. The breast is usually done before the thigh.

  • Breast: 74–77°C
  • Thigh: 80–82°C
  • Resting time: 10–15 minutes, loosely covered

Whole chicken on the BBQ — recipe

Cooking times for chicken on the BBQ

Chicken cut BBQ temperature Target time Method
Chicken breast 180–200°C 12–18 min Direct and indirect
Bone-in chicken thigh 170–185°C 25–35 min Indirect
Chicken leg 170–185°C 35–45 min Indirect
Chicken wings 200–220°C 20–25 min Direct or indirect
Whole chicken (1.5 kg) 160–180°C 60–90 min Indirect
Pulled chicken 120–140°C 3–4 hours Indirect, low & slow

Cooking times are guidelines. Thickness, bone, ambient temperature, and the BBQ make a difference. Also see the complete temperature and cooking time guide and how long chicken should be on the BBQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the internal temperature of chicken breast?

Aim for 74–77°C in the thickest part. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked without unnecessary drying out.

Why should chicken thighs reach a higher temperature than chicken breast?

Chicken thighs contain more fat and connective tissue. At 80–85°C, this softens, giving the meat a more tender texture.

Is chicken done at 70°C?

Safety depends on both temperature and time. For a clear, practical BBQ guideline, a minimum of 74°C in the thickest part is recommended.

Why is my chicken dry?

Usually, the chicken was cooked for too long or at too high a temperature. Use a thermometer, cook thick pieces indirectly after searing, and let the meat rest briefly.

Which rub should you use on chicken?

Compare flavors and chicken cuts in the selector Chicken Rub: Which Rub Fits Which Chicken Cut?. For application and marinating tips, go to Dry Rub for Chicken.

Chicken on the BBQ — all recipes and tips
All BBQ recipes from The Rub Kitchen