what temp is chicken thighs done
Chicken thighs are safe to eat at 165°F (74°C), but they’re usually most tender and juicy when cooked closer to 175–185°F (80–85°C).
Quick Scoop: Ideal Temp for Chicken Thighs
- Minimum safe internal temp (USDA-style): 165°F / 74°C.
- Better texture for thighs: 175–185°F / 80–85°C, because the extra fat and collagen melt and the meat turns tender instead of chewy.
- Many thigh-focused guides recommend:
- Boneless thighs: aim for around 170–175°F.
* Bone‑in, skin‑on thighs: aim for about 180–190°F (some cooks even go up to ~195–200°F for fall‑off‑the‑bone).
Think of it like this: 165°F is “safe and cooked through,” 175–185°F is “safe and actually amazing to eat.”
How to Check Doneness (Fast)
- Use an instant‑read thermometer. Insert into the thickest part of the thigh, not touching the bone.
- Pull them when they hit your target (at least 165°F, ideally 175–185°F).
- Let rest 5 minutes so juices redistribute and the temp evens out.
Bottom line: If you just want to know “what temp is chicken thighs done,” go for at least 165°F for safety, but shoot for around 180°F for that really juicy, tender thigh meat.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.