What is the method to verify that chicken is cooked properly?

The method of verifying that chicken is cooked properly involves ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which is the safe cooking temperature recommended by food safety guidelines, coupled with the presence of clear juices. This temperature ensures that harmful bacteria are effectively killed, making the chicken safe to eat. Additionally, the juices running clear is a visual indicator that the meat is completely cooked, further verifying that it is safe and ready for consumption.

This approach is foundational in culinary practices to prevent foodborne illness and ensure food quality. While other methods like checking for visual appearance or the absence of pink meat can be helpful, they do not provide the same level of assurance as measuring the internal temperature. Therefore, the combination of clear juices and an internal temperature of 165°F is the most reliable method to confirm that chicken is fully cooked.