You don’t need a fancy chef’s gadget. A simple digital thermometer costs about the same as a latte. It’s the best kitchen investment you’ll ever make.
Insert the probe into the thickest part of the chicken breast. Avoid the bone if you have a bone-in piece.
Wait three seconds. If it reads 165°F, you’re a winner. If it’s lower, give it another minute in the pan or oven.
Why color is a liar
Your grandma might tell you, “Chicken is done when the juices run clear!” I love Grandma, but she’s wrong sometimes.
Chicken Internal Temp: The Secret to Safe, Perfect Chicken - Foodiosity
Chicken can still be undercooked even if it looks white and the juices are clear. Especially if it’s brined or frozen. Color is a liar; temperature is the truth.
Remember: pinkness doesn't always mean danger, and whiteness doesn't always mean safe. Trust the numbers, not your eyes.