The Hairy Bikers’ Turkey Crown recipe is a fantastic way to prepare a succulent and flavorful turkey for festive occasions. A turkey crown, which is essentially a whole turkey minus the legs, is perfect for smaller gatherings and ensures evenly cooked, juicy meat. With a delicious herb butter coating and golden skin, this dish is a showstopper for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special meal.
What is Hairy Bikers Turkey Crown?
A turkey crown is the breast of the turkey still on the bone, offering a simpler and quicker alternative to roasting a whole bird. The Hairy Bikers’ recipe enhances the natural flavors of the turkey with a herb-infused butter, ensuring moist meat and crispy, golden skin.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Perfect for Smaller Gatherings: A turkey crown is ideal for feeding a few people without leftovers.
- Moist and Flavorful: Herb butter keeps the meat tender and adds incredible flavor.
- Easier to Cook: Requires less time and effort than a whole turkey.
- Beautiful Presentation: Golden and crispy skin makes it an elegant centerpiece.
- Great for Holidays: A versatile dish that pairs well with classic holiday sides.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Turkey Crown
For the turkey
- Turkey Crown (2-3kg): Serves 6-8 people, adjust size for your needs.
- Butter (100g, softened): For keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
- Fresh Thyme (2 tsp): Adds a subtle herby aroma.
- Fresh Rosemary (2 tsp, finely chopped): Enhances the flavor of the turkey.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the butter with depth of flavor.
- Zest of 1 Lemon: Adds brightness and freshness.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
For Roasting
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Helps achieve golden, crispy skin.
- Onion (1, quartered): Adds flavor to the roasting tray.
- Carrot (1, roughly chopped): Contributes to a flavorful base.
- Celery (1 stalk, roughly chopped): Adds depth to the juices.
- Chicken or Turkey Stock (250ml): Prevents the turkey from drying out and creates a base for gravy.
Equipment Needed
- Roasting tray
- Small bowl for herb butter
- Basting brush or spoon
- Meat thermometer
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Turkey Crown
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and position the rack in the center.
Step 2: Prepare the herb butter
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Prepare the turkey crown
Place the turkey crown on a roasting tray. Use your fingers to gently loosen the skin from the breast meat, being careful not to tear it. Spread half of the herb butter under the skin and the other half on top of the skin. Drizzle the turkey with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Add vegetables to the tray
Scatter the onion, carrot, and celery around the turkey in the roasting tray. Pour the stock into the tray to keep the turkey moist during cooking.
Step 5: Roast the turkey crown
Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes per kilogram, plus an additional 20 minutes. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the juices in the tray.
Step 6: Check for doneness
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast. It should read 74°C (165°F) when fully cooked.
Step 7: Rest the turkey
Remove the turkey from the oven and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Step 8: Serve
Carve the turkey crown into slices and serve warm with your favorite sides.
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Turkey Crown
- Roast Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside.
- Steamed Vegetables: Green beans, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
- Stuffing: A classic side that pairs beautifully with turkey.
- Cranberry Sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Gravy: Use the roasting juices to create a rich turkey gravy.
- Yorkshire Puddings: A delightful addition to any roast dinner.
- Bread Sauce: A creamy, spiced complement to the turkey.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Turkey Crown
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensures the turkey is cooked perfectly without drying out.
- Rest the Turkey: Allowing it to rest after roasting helps retain the juices.
- Baste Regularly: Keeps the meat moist and enhances the flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: Check the temperature early to avoid dry meat.
- Add Flavor to the Gravy: Use the vegetables and juices from the roasting tray to make a rich gravy.
- Customize the Herbs: Add sage or parsley for additional flavor.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Turkey Crown
- Add Bacon: Layer streaky bacon over the crown for extra flavor and moisture.
- Spice It Up: Rub smoked paprika or chili powder onto the skin for a hint of heat.
- Citrus Twist: Use orange zest instead of lemon for a sweeter flavor.
- Glazed Finish: Brush the skin with honey or maple syrup in the last 10 minutes for a caramelized glaze.
- Garlic Butter Only: Skip the herbs and use just garlic butter for a simpler version.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Turkey Crown
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: Wrap slices tightly in cling film and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat Gently: Warm slices in the oven at 180°C (350°F) with a little stock to prevent drying out.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
Final Words
The Hairy Bikers’ Turkey Crown is a delicious and hassle-free way to prepare a succulent turkey centerpiece. With its golden skin and juicy meat, this recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or Sunday roasts. Give it a try and enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Mary Berry Leftover Turkey Pie
- Mary Berry Turkey and Ham Pie
- Hairy Bikers Turkey and Ham Pie
- Nigella Leftover Chicken Pie
Hairy Bikers Turkey Crown Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 100
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: British
Description
A turkey crown is the breast of the turkey still on the bone, offering a simpler and quicker alternative to roasting a whole bird. The Hairy Bikers’ recipe enhances the natural flavors of the turkey with a herb-infused butter, ensuring moist meat and crispy, golden skin.
Ingredients
For the turkey
- Turkey Crown (2-3kg): Serves 6-8 people, adjust size for your needs.
- Butter (100g, softened): For keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
- Fresh Thyme (2 tsp): Adds a subtle herby aroma.
- Fresh Rosemary (2 tsp, finely chopped): Enhances the flavor of the turkey.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the butter with depth of flavor.
- Zest of 1 Lemon: Adds brightness and freshness.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
For Roasting
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Helps achieve golden, crispy skin.
- Onion (1, quartered): Adds flavor to the roasting tray.
- Carrot (1, roughly chopped): Contributes to a flavorful base.
- Celery (1 stalk, roughly chopped): Adds depth to the juices.
- Chicken or Turkey Stock (250ml): Prevents the turkey from drying out and creates a base for gravy.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and position the rack in the center.
Step 2: Prepare the herb butter
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Prepare the turkey crown
Place the turkey crown on a roasting tray. Use your fingers to gently loosen the skin from the breast meat, being careful not to tear it. Spread half of the herb butter under the skin and the other half on top of the skin. Drizzle the turkey with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Add vegetables to the tray
Scatter the onion, carrot, and celery around the turkey in the roasting tray. Pour the stock into the tray to keep the turkey moist during cooking.
Step 5: Roast the turkey crown
Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes per kilogram, plus an additional 20 minutes. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the juices in the tray.
Step 6: Check for doneness
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast. It should read 74°C (165°F) when fully cooked.
Step 7: Rest the turkey
Remove the turkey from the oven and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Step 8: Serve
Carve the turkey crown into slices and serve warm with your favorite sides.
