Cooking troubleshooting
Chicken burnt outside but raw inside: next steps
A dark outside with an under-165°F center means the chicken needs more cooking at a gentler heat exposure.
U.S. home food-safety guidance.Check the source and scope
What to do
- Check the thickest meat with a thermometer, keeping the probe off a grill grate or pan.
- Move a piece to indirect or lower heat when the appliance permits, and cover or shield the surface as appropriate.
- Continue cooking, then recheck the center and other large pieces before serving.
Conditions and limits
- Do not cut away the burnt outside and serve an unverified center.
- Very uneven thickness or a frozen center may require separate portions or a different method.
Source and scope
Primary reference: FoodSafety.gov minimum temperatures. Equipment-specific steps and quality suggestions are practical guidance; check the appliance or product instructions for your model. How this site uses sources.