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This Christmas Turkey Crown is a juicy and tender Turkey cooked with thyme, basil, and fresh oranges for a citrusy twist!
Citrus Turkey Crown
This incredible recipe is not only delicious but only requires a few ingredients. And, with how crazy the holidays can get, I’m always looking for simpler ways to cook. The bake time is only about 2 hours which is a lot less time than a normal turkey recipe. This is an easy recipe that anyone can make and that all will enjoy!
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Turkey Crown: This is the turkey breast with the legs removed.
Seasonings: I like to use a mixture of dried basil, thyme, and salt to bring out the flavors with additional spices.
Oranges: This will cook under the skin of the turkey to infuse it with a sweet and citrusy flavor.
How To Make Christmas Turkey Crown
Step 1. Set the oven to 390 degrees. In a bowl, combine the soft butter, salt, dried basil, and thyme until a soft spreading paste forms. Clean and dry the turkey and gently separate the skin from the breast and lift. Spread on about 1/3 of the butter mixture. Cut the orange into thin pieces about 1/2-inch thick and put them under the Turkey skin, I use 4 pieces. Brush with the rest of the butter mixture and salt.
Step 2. Using a high-side roasting dish, set the turkey crown on it and add about 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the baking dish. Top turkey with orange juice and the rest of the orange slices. Gently cover with foil and put into the oven. Allow the turkey to bake for 1 hour and 40 minutes before taking the foil off. Bake for an additional 20 minutes uncovered at 400 degrees to get that perfect golden crust.
Step 3. To make sure it is ready, you will puncture the fillet and if the meat juices run out clear, it is ready. Cut into slices or serve whole. Enjoy hot or cold!
What To Serve With Christmas Turkey Crown?
You can serve all the normal sides you can think of with this turkey recipe. Things like stuffing, potatoes, corn, green beans, broccoli salad, bread, etc. And, then right after you are done eating this tasty recipe, you can enjoy dessert!
Tips & Tricks
- Store the leftover turkey in an airtight container for the best storage method. This recipe will last about 3-4 days in the fridge and longer if stored in the freezer.
- Feel free to use the leftover turkey for other recipes or shred it up and make leftover turkey sandwiches. YUM!
- I love using a turkey baster to suck up the juices of the turkey and spread it on top while it cooks.
- Its best to have a meat thermometer so you can check the internal temperature of the meat.
More Turkey Recipes:
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Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 390F. Put soft butter in a bowl and add salt, dried basil, and thyme leaves.
- Mix the butter with the herbs to make a soft spreading paste.
- Wash and dry the turkey crown. Carefully separate the skin from the breast and lift it up.
- Spread turkey fillet with butter, using a third of the total amount.
- Slice a portion of the orange into thin slices (about 1/2 inch thick) and place under the skin. Four pieces will be enough.
- Brush the turkey crown all over with the remaining herb butter and salt.
- Place the turkey crown in a high-sided roasting dish. Pour 1/2 cup of water into the baking dish. Drizzle the turkey crown with orange juice and place the remaining sliced oranges under the crown. Carefully cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for at least 1 hour and 40 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes at 400F to obtain a golden crust. To check the readiness of the turkey crown, you need to puncture the fillet and if clear meat juice comes out, the turkey is ready.
- Serve the turkey crown whole or cut it into slices. Can be served both hot and cold.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Hello, can I scale this receipe for a 20 pound turkey?