US Trends

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.