Buzz
To guarantee a succulent, perfectly cooked turkey that’s neither under nor overdone, it’s essential to get an accurate internal temperature reading. Beyond flavor, this ensures your Thanksgiving feast is safe to enjoy.
Essential Tools for Checking Turkey Temperature
Although general cooking times are helpful for preparing your Thanksgiving spread, you can't rely solely on them to achieve a safe internal temperature. The 'pop-up' timer that comes with the turkey is not a trustworthy option. The USDA strongly advises using a food thermometer to ensure accurate readings of your turkey's internal temperature.
Our top recommendation? An instant-read meat thermometer, which typically costs around $10. Alternatively, an oven-proof food thermometer works just as well. Once you have the right tool, here's how to remove your turkey from the oven at the perfect temperature.
The Ideal Temperature for Cooking Turkey
Your turkey is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F, as per the USDA. The federal agency advises against stuffing the turkey before roasting. However, if you choose to stuff it, ensure the stuffing also hits 165 F when checked with a food thermometer. Use these general time guidelines to estimate how long it will take your turkey to reach the safe minimum internal temperature:
Turkey Cooking Time Estimates
| Weight | Unstuffed Cook Time | Stuffed Cook Time |
| 4 to 8 pounds (breast) | 1½ to 3¼ hours | Not usually applicable |
| 8 to 12 pounds | 2¾ to 3 hours | 3 to 3½ hours |
| 12 to 14 pounds | 3 to 3¾ hours | 3½ to 4 hours |
| 14 to 18 pounds | 3¾ to 4¼ hours | 4 to 4¼ hours |
| 18 to 20 pounds | 4¼ to 4½ hours | 4¼ to 4¾ hours |
| 20 to 24 pounds | 4½ to 5 hours | 4¾ to 5¼ hours |
Correct Placement of a Thermometer in a Turkey
When measuring your turkey's temperature with an instant-read meat thermometer, place it in the deepest part of the thigh, wing, and the thickest section of the breast. If you're using an oven-safe food thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the inner thigh before placing the turkey in the oven.
New Africa/Getty ImagesHow to Verify the Temperature of a Turkey
- To check your turkey's temperature, first remove it from the oven and close the oven door to trap in the heat.
- Insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey's thigh, just above the fold where the thigh meets the breast.
- Ensure the thermometer probes the meat, not the bone, as this will provide an inaccurate reading.
- When the thermometer shows 165 F, your turkey is fully cooked. If using an oven-proof thermometer, once the thigh reaches 165 F, also measure the temperature in the wing and the thickest part of the breast, as per USDA guidelines. A 165 F reading throughout means it's ready to serve.
- Once your turkey hits 165 F or more, loosely cover it with aluminum foil and let it rest for 30 minutes before carving. This helps redistribute the cooking juices, ensuring moist, tender meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is the turkey done at 165 or 180?
A turkey is considered fully cooked when an instant-read thermometer registers 165 F when placed into the thigh, wing, and thickest part of the breast.
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Is turkey safe at 160?
As per the USDA guidelines, all poultry, including turkey, should reach a safe internal temperature of 165 F before consumption. However, it is acceptable to remove the turkey from the oven at 160 F, as the temperature will continue to rise as the turkey rests.
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Can turkey be pink even if it has reached 165?
The USDA confirms that turkey can remain pink even when it reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 165 F. Also, if you're smoking your turkey, be aware that smoked turkey meat is always pink and still safe to eat once it hits 165 F.
