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where should you measure the temperature of a turkey drumstick

You should measure a turkey drumstick’s temperature in the thickest, meatiest part of the leg, close to where it meets the thigh, without touching the bone.

Exact spot to place the thermometer

  • Aim for the deepest part of the thigh–drumstick joint , not the skinny tip of the drumstick.
  • Slide the probe into the thickest part of the dark meat, keeping it parallel to the bone but not actually touching the bone (bone conducts heat and gives a falsely high reading).
  • Insert the probe at least about 2 inches into the meat so the sensing tip sits in the center of the muscle.

Think of it this way: you’re really checking the thigh meat right at the joint, using the drumstick as your “entry point,” because that joint area is one of the last places to finish cooking.

Target temperature and safety

  • The drumstick/thigh area should reach at least 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
  • Many cooks like dark meat closer to 170–175°F for extra tenderness, while still keeping the breast from drying out by focusing checks on the leg area.
  • Let the reading stabilize for a few seconds; if you see a big jump or drop, slowly pull the probe back until you find the lowest steady number—that’s the true internal temperature.

Quick mini-guide (step-by-step)

  1. Clean and turn on your meat thermometer.
  1. Feel for the thick joint area where the drumstick connects to the thigh.
  1. Insert the probe horizontally into the thickest, meaty part near that joint, avoiding the bone.
  1. Wait for the number to stop changing, then confirm it’s at least 165°F.
  1. Optionally, check the other drumstick to be sure both sides are done evenly.

“Where should you measure the temperature of a turkey drumstick?”
Answer: In the thickest part of the dark meat near the thigh–drumstick joint, not touching bone, at a minimum of 165°F.

SEO bits

  • Focus keyword used: where should you measure the temperature of a turkey drumstick (core explanation above).
  • This topic often shows up in holiday cooking searches and forum threads every November and December as people share turkey successes and horror stories.

Meta description (suggested)
For a perfectly cooked turkey, measure the temperature of the drumstick in the thickest part near the thigh joint, avoiding bone, and cook to at least 165°F for safety and juiciness.

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