Want to make sure your meats are always perfectly done?
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Learn more.
Why You (Truly) Need an Instant-Read Meat Thermometer
Updated on Jun. 22, 2023
Instant-read meat thermometers are essential in any kitchen. For a home cook, they’re an indispensable tool for making a tender pot roast or crisp and juicy roast chicken, all without breaking a sweat. The beauty is that meat thermometers are so easy to use! Whether you’ve accidentally dried out your dinner in the past or—worse—undercooked it, using an instant-read meat thermometer will make sure your meals are always perfectly done.
Perfect Roast Chicken Recipes
Louisiana ChickenGreen peppers and mint add a surprise to this Louisiana chicken recipe. A roasting bag keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. —Jill Werle, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
This dish is perfect for summer, as are these grilled chicken recipes.
Greek Chicken BakeAs soon as the weather turns cold, I know it's time to pull out this go-to recipe. I assemble it in the morning, then put it in the oven before dinner. —Kelly Maxwell, Plainfield, Illinois
Do you know how to bake chicken breasts, too?
Country Roasted ChickenThis Dutch oven roast chicken recipe gets wonderful flavor from the celery, onion and parsley tucked inside. This is my family's favorite way to make roast chicken. When my daughter was away at school, she even called home to ask me for the recipe so she could make it herself. —Judy Page, Edenville, Michigan
For another easy, delicious method, learn how to cook chicken in an air fryer.
Crispy Baked Chicken ThighsIt doesn’t take a lot to get the most tender, juicy, crispy baked chicken thighs. Just a few ingredients and one pan, and you have your new favorite baked chicken recipe.
Honey-Lime Roasted ChickenIt's hard to believe this finger-licking main course starts with only five ingredients. The chicken is easy, light and so good. It's just as tasty prepared outside on the grill. —Lori Carbonell, Springfield, Vermont
Roasted Chicken with RosemaryHerbs, garlic and butter give this hearty meal in one a classic flavor. It's a lot like pot roast, except it uses chicken instead of beef. —Isabel Zienkosky, Salt Lake City, Utah
Garlic-Roasted Chicken and VegetablesThe first time my Greek father-in-law made this chicken, he proudly shared the recipe with me. It's my favorite way to roast chicken.
Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken with PotatoesThis is a meal I have my students make in our nutrition unit. It has a delicious lemon-herb flavor and is simple to make. —Mindy Rottmund, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Garlic Clove ChickenMy Greek neighbors made this chicken frequently, and I couldn’t get enough of it. If you like garlic, you’ll love this recipe. —Denise Hollebeke, Penhold, Alberta
Roasted Lime ChickenThe subtle citrus flavor infused throughout this moist and baked lime chicken makes the most-requested dish for family dinners. It's the ideal way to use fresh herbs such as rosemary, sage, thyme and parsley. —Kathy Lewis-Martinez, Spring Valley, California
Roast Chicken with Creole StuffingI've used this recipe ever since I roasted my first chicken. Our whole family looks forward to it. The combination of shrimp, sausage, ham, vegetables and seasonings makes the stuffing unique and delicious.
Roasted Chicken Thighs with Peppers & PotatoesMy family loves this dish! There's nothing better than oven baked boneless chicken thighs for dinner. It looks and tastes like you fussed, but it is really simple to make. These roasted chicken thighs use healthy olive oil and fresh herbs from my garden. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire
Maple-Roasted Chicken & Acorn SquashWhen I became a new mother, my mom helped me find comforting and simple recipes to have on hand. This terrific roast chicken is a happy discovery. —Sara Eilers, Surprise, Arizona
Apple-Butter Barbecued Roasted ChickenI love cooking so much I sometimes think of recipes in my sleep and wake up to write them down! This dream-inspired dish is my family's favorite way to eat chicken. —Holly Kilbel, Akron, Ohio
Balsamic Roasted Chicken Thighs with Root VegetablesI will always remember the way my grandmother's house smelled when she made these balsamic chicken thighs every Sunday. Ever since she gave me the recipe, the heartwarming flavors always take me back to my childhood. — Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York
Roast ChickenHave a hankering for roast chicken? The Taste Recipes Test Kitchen has tips on how to roast a chicken perfectly every time.
Baked Balsamic ChickenAs far as roast chicken ideas go, this baked balsamic chicken recipe is one of our favorites. When the aroma from this dish fills your house, your family will think you spent all day cooking. But this elegant Sunday-special roast chicken, flavored with rosemary, wine and balsamic vinegar, is surprisingly simple to make. —Tracy Tylkowski, Omaha, Nebraska
Glazed Roast ChickenI like to make this for weeknight dinners. You can make this roast chicken with apricot glaze or quince jelly. —Victoria Miller, San Ramon, California
Slow-Roasted Chicken with VegetablesEven a beginner cook could make this slow cooked chicken and have it turn out perfectly. This recipe could not be easier. A few minutes of prep and you'll come home to a delicious dinner. —Anita Bell, Hermitage, Tennessee
Slow-Cooker Roast ChickenMake the perfect slow-cooker roast chicken with our easy-to-follow recipe. It's minimal prep, maximum flavor and a foolproof method for a delicious dinner every time.
How to Use a Meat Thermometer
Using a meat thermometer is a piece of cake. Aim for the thickest, meatiest part of your roast (like the chicken thighs, for instance). Digital meat thermometers read the internal temperature of your dish within seconds and then display it on an easy-to-read screen. Typically, they’re accurate within two to three degrees, so you’ll know if you’re where you need to be in the cooking process.
The reason why it’s so necessary for the kitchen isn’t just to achieve a moist and tender turkey; cooking to the correct internal temperature is a safety matter, too.
When you’re using the oven at home, it’s important to reach a safe core temperature in your meat, fish or poultry dishes. Doing so kills off any potentially harmful germs and protects you and your family from food-borne illnesses (like E. coli). Here’s a quick refresher on the minimum safe internal temperatures for various foods:
- Beef, veal and lamb: 135°F for medium rare, 145° for medium well
- Pork: 145°
- Chicken and other poultry: 165°
- Fish: 160°
Find all our Test Kitchen-recommended temperatures here.
When to Use a Meat Thermometer
There are lots of different ways to use your handy thermometer—and if you don’t have one, our Test Kitchen cooks love this convenient (and colorful) option from Thermoworks. We know they’re most often used for checking temps on foods cooked in the oven. But these must-have tools are for more than roasts! Keep a thermometer on hand whenever you’re frying in oil, too. Whipping up fries or corn dogs for the kids? Make sure to have an instant-read meat thermometer so you know when your oil is the right temperature for getting that beautiful golden brown crispiness.
You’ll never go wrong with an instant-read meat thermometer in your kitchen’s armory!
Ready to cook? Consider joining a meat of the month club.
