Chicken is a worldwide favorite and a staple in many households. However, cooking this beloved meat wrong can cause serious illnesses such as salmonella.

One of the most essential things to do when preparing chicken is ensuring it is fully cooked all the way through. Here’s a guide on how to check if your chicken is cooked all the way through.

1. Invest in a meat thermometer

One of the best ways to guarantee that chicken is cooked sufficiently is by using a meat thermometer. The thermometer measures the internal temperature of the chicken.

The USDA suggests that the chicken should reach a minimal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness from bacteria like salmonella, E.coli, and campylobacter.

2. Slice into the Meat

Slicing into the biggest part of the chicken will allow you to inspect the meat. The meat should be opaque rather than translucent or pink. If there is no pink and the meat is tender, then your chicken is good to go.

However, if the meat still looks pink or rubbery, it should be returned to the pan to cook for a few more minutes.

3. Consider The Juices

After cooking chicken, you should let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. As soon as you take chicken from heat, its muscle fibers contract, which means that if cut too fast, it will release all the juices making it dry.

These juices ought to stream clear rather than pink or red. Ruddy or red juices show that the chicken is undercooked; clear juices show a thoroughly cooked piece of chicken.

4. Look at the Internal Texture of the Chicken

The chicken texture should be firm but not hard or rubbery. Checking the texture can help you know if the chicken is cooked thoroughly. Undercooked chicken will feel soft and squishy, whereas raw chicken will feel slimy.

5. Color-Coded Cooking

Preparing chicken is not just about studying the temperature. You can determine whether chicken is correctly cooked by merely paying attention to the color of the meat. Chicken loses its pink color as it warms, becoming white.

If the chicken is no longer pink, but rather an opaque white /yellow color, then it’s cooked properly although the temperature must still be checked with a meat thermometer.

6. Pressure-Cook Your Chicken

Pressure cooking chicken allows it to cook evenly and properly without drying it out. By pressing the chicken, you will be able to guarantee that it’s well-cooked all the way through.

7. Grilling Tips

Chicken is also a favorite for grilling. When you grill your chicken, ensure you cook it in the center of the barbecue. Firstly sear the chicken breasts; then, move it away from the heat.

This technique is known as direct/indirect cooking, and it ensures that your chicken is grilled all the way through.

8. Know Your Cut

Different cuts of chicken cook at different times. For example, chicken wings take less time to cook than chicken drumsticks. Thinner cuts of chicken like chicken cutlets and boneless chicken breasts cook faster than thicker cuts that have bones-in.

As such, you should be aware of how long each cut takes to cook.

9. Marinating Your Chicken

Marinating your chicken not only tenderizes the meat but also ensures it cooks properly. Marinades consisting of acidic ingredients like vinegar, citrus, and yogurt help break down fibers, allowing the meat to cook thoroughly.