What is the minimum cooking temperature for chicken?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the minimum safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). This temperature ensures that harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter, often found in raw chicken, will be killed. It's important to use a meat thermometer when cooking chicken to accurately check the internal temperature, especially when cooking large or irregular-shaped pieces like whole chickens, chicken breasts, or thighs, to ensure they are done and safe to eat.