How Long To Cook A Turkey Crown for Perfectly Juicy Meat

A turkey crown makes an excellent alternative to cooking a whole turkey. Lower in cost and lower in waste, a crown still provides those succulent slices of white meat many crave at holiday meals. But to achieve ideal doneness, you need to know the right cooking times

Here are tips on how long to roast a turkey crown so it turns out moist and flavorful

Turkey Crown Basics

A turkey crown consists of the two whole breast halves still attached to the backbone. It contains no leg meat. Available bone-in or boneless crowns range from around 1.5 to 5 pounds.

Crowns have less fat than a whole turkey, so they cook faster. The bone also partly shields the meat, keeping it tender. Plan on roughly 15-20 minutes per pound at 350°F.

Stuffing adds moisture and flavor. Allow 15-30 minutes extra cooking time for stuffed crowns. Monitor temperature to prevent overcooking.

Key Times and Temperatures

Here are target cook times and temperatures for perfect turkey crown doneness:

• 1.5 pound crown – Cook for 1 hour 30 minutes plus a 20 minute rest. Internal temp of 165°F.

• 2 pound crown – Cook for 1 hour 50 minutes plus a 20 minute rest. Internal temp of 165°F.

• 2.5 pound crown – Cook for 2 hours plus a 20 minute rest. Internal temp of 165°F.

• 3 pound crown – Cook for 2 hours 15 minutes plus a 20 minute rest. Internal temp of 165°F.

• 4 pound crown – Cook for 2 hours 40 minutes plus a 20 minute rest. Internal temp of 165°F.

• 5 pound crown – Cook for 3 hours plus a 20 minute rest. Internal temp of 165°F.

These times are for unstuffed crowns roasted at 350°F. Extend cook times for stuffed crowns. Always let crowns rest 20 minutes before carving.

Checking Doneness

Use these methods to test crown doneness:

• Temperature probe – Insert probe into thickest breast area without hitting bone. Target 165°F.

• Instant read thermometer – Test center of breast, no bone contact. 165°F is ideal.

• Cut test – Slice into thickest area. Meat should be white throughout with clear juices.

• Leg wiggle – Grasp drumstick bone and wiggle. It should move easily if done.

Monitor temperature starting 30 minutes before recommended cook time ends. Crowns overcook quickly once beyond 165°F.

Resting the Turkey Crown

Resting finished turkey crowns for 15-20 minutes before carving is crucial. This allows juices to redistribute through the meat for better moisture.

Tent crowns loosely with foil during resting. Keep on a warm platter or cutting board to help retain heat. The temperature will rise 5-10°F during resting.

Don’t worry if the crown seems slightly underdone when first removed from oven. Carryover cooking will finish it perfectly.

Carving Tips

Use these techniques for easy, elegant turkey crown carving:

• Let crown rest at least 15-20 minutes before carving.

• Place crown breast-side up on a cutting board. Slice parallel to the breastbone.

• Make even slices, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.

• Angle knife inward to cut neat slices. Avoid sawing motions.

• Cut straight down along one side, then the other to portion all meat.

• Collect any juices from the board to stir into gravy or sauce.

Troubleshooting Problems

Follow these tips if your turkey crown has issues:

• Undercooked – Return to oven until 165°F. Allow extra resting time.

• Overcooked or dry – Compensate with gravy, sauces, or compound butter.

• Burnt skin – Carefully detach skin if needed. Meat under may be fine.

• Unevenly cooked – Microwave slightly undercooked parts to finish.

• Pink near bones – Normal effect of bone heat conduction. Meat is safe.

Storing Leftover Turkey

Properly stored, leftover turkey crown stays fresh for 4-5 days in the refrigerator. Here are storage tips:

• Let turkey cool completely before refrigerating.

• Divide meat into shallow containers for fast chilling.

• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.

• Use leftovers within 3-4 days for best quality.

• Freeze extra cooked turkey up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before use.

Delicious Ways to Use Leftovers

Leftover turkey crown is endlessly versatile. Here are tasty ways to repurpose it:

• Turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce and stuffing.

• Turkey salad with mayo, celery, and cranberries.

• Turkey noodle soup with veggies and herbs.

• Turkey tetrazzini casserole with mushrooms and cheese.

• Turkey hash with potatoes, onions, peppers and spices.

• Turkey enchiladas with green sauce and beans.

• Turkey pot pie topped with biscuits.

• Turkey shepherd’s pie or cottage pie.

The Takeaway

Perfectly cooked turkey crowns have juicy, tender meat with great flavor. Allow 15-20 minutes per pound in a 350°F oven. Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F doneness. Resting before carving and proper storage of leftovers completes the experience. With practice, you can master moist and delicious turkey crowns!