What is the required internal temperature and time for cooking chicken to be safe?

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Multiple Choice

What is the required internal temperature and time for cooking chicken to be safe?

Explanation:
Cooking chicken safely requires reaching a high enough internal temperature long enough to destroy harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. The standard target is 165°F, and holding that temperature for at least 15 seconds ensures the meat is pasteurized throughout. Lower temperatures like 155°F or 160°F don’t reliably kill these pathogens in poultry, even with a 15-second hold, so they aren’t considered safe. Heating to 170°F would also be safe, but it’s hotter than necessary and can dry the meat. Therefore, 165°F for 15 seconds is the correct minimum requirement.

Cooking chicken safely requires reaching a high enough internal temperature long enough to destroy harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. The standard target is 165°F, and holding that temperature for at least 15 seconds ensures the meat is pasteurized throughout. Lower temperatures like 155°F or 160°F don’t reliably kill these pathogens in poultry, even with a 15-second hold, so they aren’t considered safe. Heating to 170°F would also be safe, but it’s hotter than necessary and can dry the meat. Therefore, 165°F for 15 seconds is the correct minimum requirement.

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