Poultry Cooking Times & Temperatures
Master the art of cooking poultry with our comprehensive guide to cooking times and temperatures. Whether you're roasting a whole turkey for Thanksgiving, grilling chicken breasts for a quick weeknight dinner, or smoking a whole chicken, our USDA-verified guidelines ensure perfectly cooked, safe, and delicious poultry every time.
All Poultry Items
Click any item for detailed cooking instructions and calculator
Whole Turkey Cooking Time
RoastingWhole Chicken Cooking Time
RoastingWhole Chicken Cooking Time
RoastingChicken Breast Boneless Cooking Time
BakingChicken Breast Baking Time
BakingChicken Thighs Cooking Time
BakingChicken Wings Cooking Time
BakingStuffed Chicken Cooking Time
BakingAir Fryer Chicken Breast Time
Air FryAir Fryer Chicken Wings Time
Air FryAir Fryer Turkey Breast Time
Air FryInstant Pot Chicken Breast Time
Pressure CookingInstant Pot Turkey Breast Cooking Time
Pressure CookingTurkey Breast Cooking Time
BakeChicken Drumsticks Cooking Time
BakeInstant Pot Whole Chicken Time
Instant PotPoultry Cooking Tips
Professional tips for perfect results every time
Safe Internal Temperature
All poultry must reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part.
Resting Time
Let poultry rest 10-15 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and ensure even temperature.
Even Cooking
For whole birds, truss the legs and tuck the wings to ensure even cooking throughout.
Skin Crispiness
Pat skin dry before cooking and start at higher heat for crispy, golden skin.
Food Safety Guidelines
- Always cook poultry to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
- Never wash raw poultry - it spreads bacteria. Pat dry with paper towels instead
- Prevent cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw poultry
- Refrigerate cooked poultry within 2 hours (1 hour if above 90°F ambient temperature)