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Turkey Cooking Temperature
Making a turkey recipe and need a turkey temperature chart? My free printable chart gives you a handy reference for cheking the internal temperature of your turkey.
This food guide covers the safe minimum internal temperature for turkey, plus a higher cooking temperature for more tender thighs and legs.
From Smoked Turkey to Turkey Breast this temp chart can come in handy.
Visit my Ultimate Thanksgiving Food Guide for more helpful tips, printables, and recipes.
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Turkey Internal Temperature
These internal temperatures apply to whole turkey, individual cuts, and ground turkey. All turkey should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C. Thighs and legs can be cooked to a higher temperature for a more tender texture.
| Turkey Cut | Internal Temperature (°F) | Internal Temperature (°C) |
| Whole Turkey | 165°F | 74°C |
| Turkey Breast | 165°F | 74°C |
| Turkey Tenderloin | 165°F | 74°C |
| Turkey Thighs & Legs* | 175°F | 79°C |
| Ground Turkey | 165°F | 74°C |
The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C for all turkey. *Dark meat, such as turkey thighs and legs, is more tender when cooked to 175°F / 79°C, although it is safe to eat at 165°F / 74°C.
How to Take the Temperature of a Turkey
Here are a few tips when taking the temperature of the turkey:
- When cooking a whole turkey, check the temperature in three places: the thickest part of the breast and the innermost parts of the thigh and wing.
- For an accurate reading, the thermometer shouldn’t touch the bone or gristle.
Cooking Times
Cooking times will vary depending on the cut, thickness, and cooking method. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate readings.
Cuts of Turkey
These temperatures apply to the following popular cuts:
- Whole Turkey
- Turkey Crown
- Turkey Breast
- Turkey Tenderloin
- Turkey Wings
- Turkey Thighs
- Turkey Legs & Drumsticks
- Ground Turkey
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your dishes are cooked to perfection every time:
- To maximize juiciness and flavor, consider using a turkey injection recipe.
- Check out my popular recipes for Turkey Rub and Turkey Gravy.
- Here’s a list of the best wine with turkey pairings. This is a great go-to guide when looking to pair with Thanksgiving recipes.
- Allow your cooked meat to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
- It’s imperative to utilize an instant-read thermometer to measure the internal temp as it cooks. If you haven’t purchased a meat thermometer, make sure to do so!
More Delicious Turkey Recipes
Here are a few more turkey recipes to check out:
More Food Temperature Charts
Here are more food temperature charts to download and print.
Feel free to leave a comment below with any questions you may have! We’re here to help make your Thanksgiving dinner less stressful!
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