James Martin Turkey Crown

Name: James Martin Turkey Crown
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: 1 turkey crown (2.5–3kg); 75g unsalted butter, softened; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, grated; 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Zest of 1 lemon; Salt and black pepper; 1 onion, sliced; 1 carrot, chopped; 200ml chicken stock

This James Martin Turkey Crown is a wonderfully simple yet impressive centrepiece, perfect for Sunday lunch or a smaller Christmas gathering. The meat is tender and succulent, with crisp golden skin and delicate herb butter flavour running through every slice. It is far easier to carve than a whole bird, making it ideal for confident beginners and experienced cooks alike. Preparation takes around 20 minutes, with a total cooking time of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Turkey

1 turkey crown (about 2.5–3kg)
75g unsalted butter, softened
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Roasting Tray

1 large onion, thickly sliced
1 carrot, roughly chopped
1 celery stick, chopped
200ml chicken stock

How to Make James Martin Turkey Crown

Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C or 180°C fan. Place a shelf in the middle of the oven so the turkey cooks evenly and the skin crisps beautifully.
Prepare the herb butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, salt and pepper until well combined.
Prepare the turkey: Pat the turkey crown dry with kitchen paper. Gently loosen the skin over the breast and spread half the herb butter underneath. Rub the remaining butter all over the top and sides, then drizzle with olive oil.
Arrange the roasting tray: Scatter the onion, carrot and celery in a large roasting tin. Sit the turkey crown on top and pour the chicken stock into the base of the tin.
Roast the turkey: Place in the oven and roast for 20 minutes at 200°C, then reduce the temperature to 180°C or 160°C fan and cook for a further 1 hour 15–1 hour 25 minutes. Baste once or twice during cooking.
Check for doneness: Insert a skewer into the thickest part of the breast. The juices should run clear and the internal temperature should reach 75°C.
Rest before carving: Remove from the oven, cover loosely with foil and rest for at least 20–30 minutes. This keeps the meat juicy and makes carving easier.

Tips

How do I keep the turkey crown moist?

Spreading butter under the skin and allowing the meat to rest properly after roasting makes a huge difference. Avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature.

Should I cover the turkey while roasting?

If the skin browns too quickly, loosely cover the top with foil for the remaining cooking time.

Can I add bacon on top?

Yes, laying streaky bacon over the breast adds extra moisture and flavour. Remove it for the final 20 minutes to crisp the skin.

Why is resting important?

Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, preventing dryness when carving.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy roast potatoes
Buttered Brussels sprouts
Honey glazed carrots
Rich homemade gravy made from the roasting juices
Traditional bread sauce or cranberry sauce

Storage

Room Temperature

Do not leave cooked turkey out for more than 2 hours. After serving, cool and refrigerate promptly.

Refrigerator

Store carved turkey in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Freezing

Freeze sliced turkey in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to prevent drying out.

Nutrition

Calories: 420 kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 55g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Sodium: 520mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.

FAQs

How long does a 3kg turkey crown take to cook?

A 3kg turkey crown typically takes around 1 hour 35 to 1 hour 45 minutes at 180°C, plus at least 20 minutes resting time.

What temperature should turkey crown be cooked to?

The internal temperature should reach 75°C in the thickest part of the breast for safe and juicy results.

Can I prepare the turkey crown the night before?

Yes, you can apply the herb butter and keep it covered in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting.

Is a turkey crown better than a whole turkey?

A turkey crown is ideal for smaller gatherings. It cooks faster, is easier to carve, and still delivers tender, flavourful breast meat.