Christmas Smoked Turkey Crown with Herb Butter & Applewood

Name: Christmas Smoked Turkey Crown with Herb Butter & Applewood
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 200 min
Yield: 6-8
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 3 kg turkey crown; 150 g softened butter; 2 tsp salt; 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 tsp dried thyme; 2 tsp dried rosemary; 4 garlic cloves, minced; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 tbsp olive oil; Applewood chunks or chips (for smoking)

This Christmas smoked turkey crown with herb butter and applewood delivers juicy, flavour-packed turkey with beautifully crisp skin and gentle festive smoke. Easier to cook than a whole bird, a turkey crown is perfect for smaller households and cooks more evenly on a BBQ or electric smoker.

Slowly cooked over indirect heat and infused with subtle applewood smoke, this method keeps the breast moist while building a golden, aromatic crust. The herb butter under the skin ensures maximum flavour and tenderness.

If you’re new to smoking or indirect BBQ cooking, read our Beginner’s Guide to BBQ & Smoking (UK) before starting.

For precise timing and perfect doneness, use our Smoker Time Calculator to avoid overcooking your turkey crown.

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time (hours)

4hrs

Cook Time (minutes)

Servings

6-8

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Cuisine:

British

Course:

Main

Difficulty:

Easy

Keyword:

smoked turkey crown electric smoker

Author:

Kitchen Sizzlers

Cooking Temp

170

Ingredients

3 kg turkey crown
150 g softened butter
2 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp dried thyme
2 tsp dried rosemary
4 garlic cloves, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp olive oil

Applewood chunks or chips (for smoking)

Chef’s Notes

Brining the turkey crown overnight significantly improves moisture retention.

Avoid heavy smoke — turkey meat is delicate and can develop bitterness if oversmoked.

Pull the turkey at 72–73°C if you prefer extra juiciness; carryover cooking during resting will bring it safely to 74°C.

For extra crispy skin, briefly increase BBQ temperature to 190–200°C during the final 10 minutes.

Leftovers are perfect for Boxing Day sandwiches or turkey curry.

Equipment Used

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KEEP FOOD FRESH LONGER - Promote your restaurant or catering business by serving your take-away foods in almost dine in condition! This set of to go containers will ensure that entrees and appetizers stay hot until your customers get home. Even better, they can quickly reheat their food by placing the foil tray right in the oven!

Sale

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