So, what's the magic number we're aiming for? According to the experts, a cooked turkey should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). That's right, folks, 165°F is the number you want to hit, especially in the thickest part of the breast and the innermost part of the thigh.
Now, you might be wondering, why 165°F? Is it just an arbitrary number, or is there some science behind it? Well, it turns out that 165°F is the temperature at which bacteria and other pathogens start to get killed off, making your turkey safe to eat. It's like a thermal bomb going off, annihilating all the bad guys and leaving you with a delicious, germ-free meal.
Of course, it's not just about the temperature; it's also about how you get there. You don't want to overcook your turkey, or it'll be drier than the Sahara desert. On the other hand, if you undercook it, you'll be playing a game of food poisoning roulette. Not exactly what you want to do on a holiday, right?