Explanation
Can an infrared thermometer check chicken doneness?
No surface reading from an infrared gun establishes that chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) inside.
U.S. home food-safety guidance.Check the source and scope
What to do
- Use the infrared instrument, if desired, to compare pan or surface conditions according to its manual.
- For doneness, insert a clean food thermometer into the thickest meat, away from bone.
- For a whole chicken, measure breast, inner thigh, and inner wing separately.
Conditions and limits
- A hot crust can surround a cooler interior.
- Do not convert an infrared surface number into an inferred center temperature.
Source and scope
Primary reference: USDA FSIS Food Thermometers. Equipment-specific steps and quality suggestions are practical guidance; check the appliance or product instructions for your model. How this site uses sources.