I always get many questions from people worrying about their turkey this time of year, so use Phil’s Perfect Turkey method to help you relax and have a stress-free Christmas with my perfect turkey recipe.
This year is the 25th time I have showed this recipe on This Morning, but I have used it for 44 years professionally, so you can rest assured it works every time.
Every year, I use my perfect turkey method and get the same superb results without fail. It works for all turkeys and even turkey crown sizes if you adjust the cooking times from the tables below.
What size turkey do I need?
Allow 500g / 1lb of meat on the bone for each person; this will give you enough for a meal with some leftovers.
6-8 people: 4kg (8lbs 13oz) turkey
10 people: 5kg (11lbs) turkey
12 people: 6kg (13lbs 4oz) turkey
Make sure you have a roasting tray big enough for your bird and that it will fit in your oven.
How long to defrost a frozen turkey?
At a cool room temperature (no more than 17.5°C), it will take about 2 hours for every 450g / 16oz.
Visit the British Turkey website and click on the cooking link to find its Defrosting Calculator, which will do the maths for you.
Go to the British Turkey Cooking Times Calculator
How do I calculate the cooking time?
My method is different from traditional methods and has a unique set of preparation and cooking steps. If you follow these simple steps closely, you will have a perfectly cooked succulent turkey in just a couple of hours.
Stuffed Turkey Cooking Times
| Weight Kg (lbs) | Steam for | Brown for | Resting Time |
| to 1kg (2lbs) | 45-50 mins | 20 mins | 1 hr |
| 1 to 3kg (2 to 6½lbs) | 1 hr 15-30 mins | 20 mins | 1 hr |
| 3 to 4kg (6½ to 9lbs) | 1 hr 30 mins maybe slightly more | 20 mins | 1 hr |
| 4 to 5kg (9 to 11lbs) | 2 hrs possibly 15 mins more | 20 mins | 1 hr |
| 5 to 7.5kg (11 to 16½lbs) | 2 hrs 30 mins possibly 15 mins more | 20-30 mins | 1 hr |
| 7.5 to 10kg (16½ to 22lbs) | 3 hrs 15 mins possibly 15 mins more | 20-30 mins | 1 hr |
| 10 to 15kg (22 to 33lbs) | 3 hrs 45 mins possibly 15 mins more | 20-30 mins | 1 hr |
Turkey Crown Cooking Times
Or, for a traditional recipe, you can visit the British turkey website and click on the cooking link to reveal the Roasting Calculator. Key in the weight of your bird (after stuffing it), and it will give you an approximate cooking time. It’s just a guide because ovens vary, so keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overcook.
Do I need to rest the Turkey?
Absolutely YES, resting time is the real key to a succulent Turkey; it allows the meat to relax, making it tender and juicy, and to finish cooking. I have found that 1 hour is the ideal length of time to rest if you wrap it in foil, and importantly, it frees up your oven to cook everything else.
Phil's Perfect Turkey Method
My perfect turkey roasting method should not be confused with traditional turkey recipes. Depending on the size, my method will ensure a juicy, well-cooked turkey in just a couple of hours. But you need to follow the instructions carefully. Click on the full recipe below for the exact details.
- For my method, the oven needs to be set to Gas 6 / 400 °F / 200 °C / 180 °C Fan.
- The tray must be filled with the right amount of liquid and brought to a rapid boil.
- Once REALLY well sealed with foil (essential), the tray needs to boil rapidly for 5 minutes before transferring to the preheated oven.
- Ovens vary so much, heat control, thermostats, fan-assisted, etc., so keep an eye on the cooking. I can only give you information based on my oven and experience, so be prepared for fluctuations in cooking and timings. But I will be as precise as possible to the best of my ability.
A Section of Festive Recipes
Phil's Perfect Roast Turkey
Phil’s Perfect Roast Turkey
Christmas Stuffings
Chestnut, Sage & Onion Stuffing
Christmas Sauces
Christmas Cranberry & Apple Sauce
Christmas Red Wine Gravy (Gluten-Free)
View Recipe
Christmas Roast Potatoes
Roast Potatoes
Christmas Vegetables
Roasted, Honey Parsnips & Carrots
Brussel Sprouts with Garlic & Chestnuts
This turkey recipe is fantastic! I make it every year, and it always impresses my guests.!