Importance of Using a Meat Thermometer for Grilled Chicken

Using a meat thermometer is crucial when grilling chicken to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature. The USDA recommends poultry reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety, but professional cooks often take it off between 155 and 160 degrees due to temperature rise during resting. Knowing how to pasteurize meat safely involves a seven-log reduction in bacteria, achievable at a lower temperature like 145 degrees. Understanding how temperature affects food safety and texture is key to perfectly grilled chicken.