To determine the minimum hot-holding temperature for chicken nuggets, it is important to refer to food safety guidelines which specify the temperatures required to keep food at safe levels to prevent bacterial growth.
After reviewing the options:
a. [tex]$135^{\circ} F \left(57^{\circ} C \right)$[/tex] - This temperature is generally used for holding hot foods but is not high enough to meet the specific safety standards for chicken products.
b. [tex]$145^{\circ} F \left(63^{\circ} C \right)$[/tex] - This is the safe cooking temperature for seafood, beef, and pork, but it does not apply to poultry products such as chicken nuggets.
c. [tex]$155^{\circ} F \left(68^{\circ} C \right)$[/tex] - This temperature is often recommended for ground beef and pork but is still not sufficient for chicken products.
d. [tex]$165^{\circ} F \left(74^{\circ} C \right)$[/tex] - According to food safety guidelines, this is the minimum internal temperature required to ensure that chicken, including chicken nuggets, has been cooked thoroughly and is safe to eat.
Given these factors, the correct answer is:
d. [tex]$165^{\circ} F \left(74^{\circ} C \right)$[/tex]
