Ate some chicken breasts cooked to 140F/60C

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In summary, the conversation discussed the optimal temperature for cooking chicken according to FDA food safety guidelines, which is 165°F/74°C. However, it was mentioned that cooking chicken at 140°F for several hours in a sous vide can also result in tender and juicy meat. The conversation also delved into the science behind the guidelines, which aim to kill bacteria by a factor of 10^-7 and are listed at a temperature that ensures instantaneous death of bacteria. It was noted that bacteria begin to die at temperatures in the 130s, so longer cooking times at temperatures between 140 and 165°F can also be safe. The conversation also referenced a book called "The Food Lab" by Lopez-Alt, which explores food
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BWV
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and they were great!

FDA food safety guidelines, as everyone knows, is 165F/74C

but the trick they were at 140F for several hours in a sous vide. Came out very tender and juicy. learned some of the science behind the guidelines - the goal is to kill bacteria by a factor of 10^-7. The guideline are meant to be idiot-proof so they list the temperature at which this happens more or less instantaneously, but bacteria begin to die as temps get into the 130s, so longer times at temperatures between 140 and 165 can cook safely

pasteurization time for chicken (not cooking times as it needs to be at this internal temperature for the time proscribed)

TemperatureTime
136°F (58°C)68.4 minutes
140°F (60°C)27.5 minutes
145°F (63°C)9.2 minutes
150°F (66°C)2.8 minutes
155°F (68°C)47.7 seconds
160°F (71°C)14.8 seconds
165°F (74°C)Instant

https://www.seriouseats.com/2015/07/the-food-lab-complete-guide-to-sous-vide-chicken-breast.html
 
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jedishrfu said:
There's a book that explores food science and provides similar temperature settings.

The Food Lab by Lopez-Alt

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393081087/?tag=pfamazon01-20

That is the author of the piece I linked to
 
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1. What is the recommended safe cooking temperature for chicken breasts?

The recommended safe cooking temperature for chicken breasts is 165F/74C. This ensures that any harmful bacteria present in the chicken are killed.

2. Is it safe to eat chicken breasts cooked to 140F/60C?

No, it is not safe to eat chicken breasts cooked to 140F/60C. This temperature is below the recommended safe cooking temperature and may result in the chicken not being fully cooked, which can lead to foodborne illness.

3. Can I cook chicken breasts to a lower temperature, such as 140F/60C, to keep them juicy?

It is not recommended to cook chicken breasts to a lower temperature in order to keep them juicy. The recommended safe cooking temperature of 165F/74C ensures that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat while still maintaining its juiciness.

4. How do I know when chicken breasts are fully cooked?

The best way to determine if chicken breasts are fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken and make sure it reads at least 165F/74C. Additionally, the chicken should be white all the way through and the juices should run clear.

5. Can I eat chicken breasts that have been cooked to a higher temperature, such as 180F/82C?

Yes, it is safe to eat chicken breasts that have been cooked to a higher temperature, such as 180F/82C. This temperature will ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat, but it may result in the chicken being slightly drier than if it was cooked to the recommended safe temperature of 165F/74C.

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