How to Take the Temperature of Turkey
To determine your turkey’s doneness, you’ll have to take its temperature in more than one spot.
Nothing ruins turkey timing like a faulty temperature reading, leaving the turkey unpalatably dry or, worse, undercooked. To be sure we've cooked our turkey correctly, we take the temperature in multiple spots. And forget about those pop-up timers. They are set to go off when the turkey is overcooked.
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TO TAKE THE TEMPERATURE OF THE BREAST: Insert the thermometer at the neck end, holding it parallel to the bird. Confirm the temperature in both sides of the bird. The breast should reach 165 degrees.
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TO TAKE THE TEMPERATURE OF THE THIGH: Insert an instant-read thermometer between the breast and drumstick and into the thickest part of the thigh, staying away from the bone. The thigh should reach 175 degrees. Confirm the temperature in the other thigh.
