Jamie Oliver Turkey Crown Recipe

Jamie Oliver Turkey Crown is a tender, flavour-packed roasted turkey dish designed for smaller gatherings, quicker cooking, and stress-free holiday meals. A turkey crown (the breast on the bone without legs) cooks faster than a whole turkey while staying juicy, especially when roasted with herbs, butter, and aromatics.
This recipe typically serves 6–8 people and takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, depending on size. In this guide, you’ll learn how to season the crown properly, roast it evenly, and keep the meat moist with simple techniques that always deliver delicious results.

What Makes This Recipe Worth Making

• Faster than roasting a whole turkey – The crown cooks more evenly and reduces oven time.
• Perfect for small gatherings – Ideal for holiday meals without too many leftovers.
• Stays juicy and tender – Basting, butter, and herbs keep the meat moist.
• Simple to prepare – Minimal prep with big flavour payoff.
• Beautiful presentation – A golden, herb-roasted crown looks impressive on the table.

What Is Jamie Oliver Turkey Crown?

Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Crown recipe involves seasoning a turkey breast crown with butter, herbs, garlic, and citrus, then roasting it until golden and juicy. It’s a simplified, flavour-rich version of traditional roast turkey designed for easier cooking and perfect results.

More recipes to add to your list

• Jamie Oliver Turkey Soup
• Jamie Oliver Roasted Parsnips
• Jamie Oliver Baileys Cheesecake

Jamie Oliver Turkey Crown Ingredients List

• 1 turkey crown (2–2.5 kg)
• 100g softened butter
• 1 lemon (zest + halves for roasting)
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• Fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme, sage
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 onion, halved
• Olive oil for rubbing

How to Prepare Jamie Oliver Turkey Crown – Simple Steps

1. Preheat the Oven

Set the oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure gentle and even roasting.

2. Prepare the Turkey Crown

Pat the turkey crown dry with kitchen paper. Gently loosen the skin with your fingers to create space for butter underneath.

3. Add Flavoured Butter

Mix softened butter with garlic, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs. Spread most of it under the skin and the rest on top.

4. Add Aromatics to the Roasting Tray

Place onion halves, lemon halves, and extra herbs in the tray to infuse the turkey crown with flavour.

5. Roast the Turkey Crown

Roast for 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, depending on size. Baste halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).

6. Rest Before Carving

Let the crown rest for at least 20 minutes. This keeps the meat juicy and easier to slice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Jamie Oliver Turkey Crown

• Forgetting to pat the turkey dry prevents crisp skin.
• Not seasoning under the skin reduces flavour.
• Overcooking makes white meat dry.
• Skipping the rest time results in dry slices.
• Using too high heat can brown the outside too quickly.

Delicious Side Dishes to Serve With Jamie Oliver Turkey Crown

• Crispy roast potatoes – A classic pairing that complements the juicy turkey.
• Honey-roasted carrots – Adds sweetness and colour.
• Buttered Brussels sprouts – A holiday favourite.
• Cranberry sauce – Brightens the richness of the turkey.
• Yorkshire puddings – Great for soaking up gravy.

Expert Tips to Get This Jamie Oliver Turkey Crown Just Right

• Spread butter generously – Helps moisture stay inside the meat.
• Tent with foil if browning too fast – Ensures perfect colour without drying.
• Use a thermometer – Guarantees the turkey is cooked but not overdone.
• Resting is essential – it keeps the juices inside the meat.
• Baste halfway – Encourages golden, flavourful skin.

How to Add More Flavour to Turkey Crown

• Add smoked paprika to the butter – For a warm, smoky aroma.
• Place bacon rashers on top – Keeps the breast moist and adds savoury depth.
• Stuff herbs under the skin – Increases fragrance and flavour.
• Roast with cider – Adds sweetness and moisture to the tray.
• Drizzle with garlic butter at the end – Enhances richness.

How to Adjust Turkey Crown for Kids

Use mild seasoning, skip garlic if they prefer simpler flavours, and serve with mashed potatoes or gravy to make the dish softer and more appealing.

Best Way to Store Turkey Crown Leftovers

• Cool completely – Store only when fully cooled.
• Refrigerate in airtight containers – Stays fresh for 3–4 days.
• Freeze for longer storage – Turkey slices freeze well for up to 2 months.

Best Ways to Reheat Turkey Crown Leftovers

• Oven method – Heat at 160°C (320°F) with foil to keep moisture.
• Microwave – Quick but best with a splash of stock to prevent dryness.
• Stovetop – Reheat gently in gravy for added flavour.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~260
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 14g
• Fibre: 0g

Best Herbs to Use for Turkey Crown

Rosemary, sage, thyme, and parsley work beautifully, offering classic roast flavours that pair well with turkey.

Can I Cook a Turkey Crown in the Air Fryer?

Yes, air fry at 160°C (320°F) for 55–75 minutes depending on size. Check temperature regularly and cover with foil if browning too quickly.

FAQs

How long should I cook a turkey crown per kilogram?

A turkey crown generally needs about 20 minutes per 500g at 180°C (350°F). Always check the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

How do I keep a turkey crown moist while roasting?

To keep a turkey crown moist, spread butter under the skin, baste halfway through cooking, and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. Covering with foil if it browns too fast also helps prevent dryness.

Should I cover a turkey crown with foil when cooking?

You can cover the turkey crown with foil for the first half of roasting to retain moisture, then remove the foil toward the end to achieve a golden, crisp skin.

Do you need to brine a turkey crown before roasting?

Brining is optional but beneficial. A simple salt-water brine for a few hours helps the crown stay juicy and adds flavour, especially if you want extra tenderness.

Final Words

This turkey crown is simple to prepare, tender, and packed with flavour, making it an excellent choice for holiday dinners or Sunday roasts. With the right seasoning and proper resting time, you’ll always get juicy slices and a beautifully golden finish.

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