How Long to Cook a Turkey Crown for a Perfectly Juicy Feast

Preparing a juicy, flavorful turkey crown is an art that takes some practice and planning. With the right techniques, timing, and temperature, you can master cooking a tender, moist turkey crown that will wow your guests. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about cooking times, sizes, and recipes to nail turkey crown perfection.

Turkey Crown Sizes and Recommended Cooking Times

The most important factor in determining turkey crown cooking time is the size and weight of your crown, Here are general guidelines for cooking times based on crown size

• Large turkey crowns (2.4 – 2.8 kg): Cook for 120 to 130 minutes
• Medium turkey crowns (2 – 2.3 kg): Cook for 110 to 120 minutes
• Small turkey crowns (1.5 – 1.9 kg): Cook for 100 to 110 minutes

These times are for a turkey crown cooked at 180°C (350°F) Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness – the internal temperature should reach 70°C (158°F) in the thickest part of the breast,

Handy Time-Saving Tip

To streamline cooking times, select a turkey crown as close to your target size as possible. Opting for a slightly smaller or larger crown within the size range means you don’t have to fine-tune cooking times as much.

Factor in Thawing

For the juiciest safest results never cook a frozen turkey crown. Thaw crowns in the refrigerator 24 hours for every 500g of turkey. For a 3 kg crown, thaw for 72 hours total.

Rushing the thawing leads to uneven cooking, so build thawing into your cooking timeline.

Season and Brine for Flavor

To infuse your turkey crown with more moisture and flavor, consider brining before cooking. A saltwater brine adds seasoned flavor to the meat. For ideal juiciness, brine 8-12 hours in the refrigerator.

If skipping the brine, generously season the turkey with herbs, salt, and pepper prior to cooking. Stuffing aromatic ingredients like lemon, garlic, or onions under the skin boosts flavor too.

Cook Low and Slow

The absolute key to a juicy crown is low, slow cooking. Cook at 180°C and no higher. Higher heat leads to a dried-out exterior. Slow roasting gives time for the collagen in the meat to fully break down into succulent gelatin.

Rest, Rest, Rest

Never omit the resting time. Resting allows juices to redistribute through the meat for a tender texture. Let the cooked crown rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Tent it loosely with foil to keep warm. Resting completes the cooking process for foolproof juiciness.

Handy Temperature Tips

• Always rely on a meat thermometer for accuracy, not the pop-up timer.
• If the breast hits 70°C but other parts are under, tent with foil and continue cooking.
• If the thigh reaches 70°C before the breast, remove and let the breast cook longer.

Paying close attention to the temperature ensures no undercooked meat.

Golden Crispy Skin

To get the crispiest crown skin, coat it in oil or butter before cooking. Baste occasionally with pan juices. In the last 30 minutes, increase the heat to 220°C to crisp the skin.

If the skin browns too fast, tent foil over it and continue cooking until the breast hits 70°C.

Moisture-Locking Methods

Beyond brining and low, slow cooking, other tricks like barding and basting add moisture:

• Bard the breast with bacon or pancetta – the fat bastes the meat.
• Baste every 30 minutes with melted butter, turkey drippings, or chicken stock.
• Place a layer of aromatics like onions or carrots under and over the crown.

Handy Equipment

Having the right tools helps ensure tender, juicy turkey crowns:

• A good meat thermometer is essential for monitoring doneness. Invest in a leave-in probe thermometer for most accuracy.
• Use a heavy roasting pan so the crown cooks evenly. Avoid crowded pans.
• Soak aromatic wood chips like apple or cherry, then scatter over the coals in a smoker or grill for added flavor.
• Let meat rest on a cutting board with a moat to collect juices for gravy.

With the proper techniques and tools, cooking the perfect juicy turkey crown is totally achievable this holiday season. Monitor that temperature, take it low and slow, rest sufficiently, and get ready to enjoy tender, flavorful meat. A little practice goes a long way to turkey crown mastery.