How do I test the temperature of chicken thighs?
The best way to temp your chicken thighs is to use an instant-read thermometer. Unlike relying solely on cooking time or feel, an instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking, telling you exactly what’s going on inside your food. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when taking the temperature of dark meat:
- Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh.
- Avoid the bones. Touching bone will give an incorrect reading. Make sure you’re at least ¼ inch away from the bone to get an accurate reading.
- Allow a few seconds (2-3 for our preferred) for the thermometer to accurately read the meat temperature.
ATK’s preferred instant-read thermometer is the ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE. In our testing of instant-read thermometers, the reviewers considered speed, accuracy, size and design. They loved the Thermapen ONE's large, grippy handle; rotating screen with large, highly legible numbers; and a backlight that goes on when viewing conditions are dim. It's also waterproof, it goes to sleep when not in use, and the display wakes up automatically when you pick up the entire unit.