Turkey Roasting Temperature and Times

Asked by Unknown. Answered on 25th December 2015

Full question

Hi, I'm cooking NIgella's Spiced And Superjuicy Turkey in brine for Christmas. I'm a bit anxious about the temperature of 200c. Is the bird roasted at this temperature for the full cooking time? Thanks Teresa.

Hello! Just wondering if the Spiced And Superjuicy turkey recipe is any different for a turkey crown (3kg) in terms of method/cooking time/quantities of ingredients used? I wasn't sure if it makes a difference that it doesn't have an open space inside like a whole turkey does. This is not only our first time cooking Christmas dinner but also first time cooking a big joint of meat/poultry! Thanks.

Our answer

Nigella's Spiced And Superjuicy Turkey (from Christmas and on the Nigella website) is roasted at 200c (400F) for the full cooking time and this is a fairly normal cooking temperature for turkey and chicken. The brining process helps to season the turkey and adds moisture, so there is a reduced risk of the turkey becoming dry.

The temperatures given are for a regular oven. If you have a fan or convection oven then you should consult your oven handbook for the necessary adjustments to the oven temperature. Also check that the turkey is cooked all of the way through by inserting a small, sharp knife into the thickest part of the thigh (or the thickest part of the breast for a turkey crown). If the juices run clear then the turkey is cooked. If the juices are pink or have traces of blood then return the turkey to the oven for 15 minutes and check again.

For a turkey crown you would use the same brine mixture as for the regular recipe, but you will probably only need to make a half quantity of the brine to cover the turkey crown. Also as the crown is smaller you should brine for 6 hours. Roast the turkey crown in an oven preheated to 200c (400F) and allow a cooking time of 45 minutes per kilo (20 inutes per pound) plus an additional 20 minutes if your turkey has come straight out from the fridge. Check that the turkey is cooked through by using the guidelines above.