How to Cook a Juicy, Tender Turkey Crown for the Holidays

Cooking a moist flavorful turkey crown can seem daunting but it doesn’t have to be with the right techniques. A turkey crown, which is the breast still attached to the bone, is a great alternative to cooking a whole turkey when you have a smaller gathering. It cooks faster, feeds fewer people, and helps reduce waste.

Follow this simple step-by-step guide for foolproof tips on how to prepare, roast and serve the perfect turkey crown this holiday season.

Ingredients Needed

• Turkey crown (bone-in breast with wings attached)
• Olive oil or melted butter
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh herbs like thyme, sage, and rosemary (optional)

Prep the Turkey Crown

Proper prep is key for maximum juiciness. Here’s how to get the turkey crown ready for roasting:

• Take the turkey out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
• Pat the skin completely dry with paper towels. Getting it as dry as possible leads to ultra crisp skin.
• Carefully loosen the skin from the breast meat with your fingers, without fully detaching it.
• Rub olive oil or melted butter under the skin. This bastes the meat from the inside out.
• Generously season under and on top of the skin with salt and pepper. Herbs like thyme, sage and rosemary also pair well with turkey.
• Tuck the wings under the crown and tie the legs together with kitchen string. This helps the turkey hold its shape.

Roast the Turkey Crown

Roasting is easy with these simple steps:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Place the seasoned turkey crown on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up. The rack allows airflow and prevents soggy skin.
• Roast for 15 minutes per 450g of turkey. So a 2.7kg crown would roast for about 90 minutes total.
• After the first 45 minutes, loosely tent foil over the breast to prevent overcooking. Let roast until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the breast reads 70°C (160°F).
• Baste with the pan juices every 30 minutes for added moisture and flavor.

Finish with a Rest

Never skip this important finishing step:

• When the turkey reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven.
• Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat.
• Transfer to a cutting board, remove the kitchen string, and carefully slice into thick pieces.

Make the Gravy

Take your turkey crown to the next level with rich, homemade gravy:

• Pour off most of the drippings from the roasting pan, leaving the browned bits.
• Place the pan over medium heat. Whisk in a few tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Gradually pour in chicken or turkey stock while whisking. Scrape up any browned bits in the pan.
• Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
• Strain through a fine mesh sieve if desired. Season with salt and pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your masterpiece turkey crown with:

• Fluffy mashed potatoes or brown butter sage stuffing
• Roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon
• Cranberry sauce
• Dinner rolls and butter
• Pumpkin or pecan pie for dessert

With these easy tips, you can have a show-stopping turkey crown ready for your next holiday meal. Let the savory aroma whet everyone’s appetite as you carry it to the table. Then slice into the juicy, tender meat and enjoy!