Instant Pot Turkey Breast

When it comes to Thanksgiving or any holiday dinner, turkey is always the star of the show. But what if you could enjoy tender, juicy turkey breast without the fuss of roasting a whole bird for hours? That’s where the Instant Pot Turkey Breast comes in—it’s fast, easy, and delivers all the delicious flavors you crave without the hassle.

Cooking turkey breast in the Instant Pot is a total game changer. Not only does it significantly reduce the cooking time, but it also keeps the turkey incredibly moist and flavorful, which can sometimes be a challenge when roasting in the oven. Whether you’re looking to downsize for a smaller holiday gathering or just want to enjoy turkey on a weeknight, this recipe is perfect for you.

Plus, the best part? You get rich, savory turkey drippings to make an incredible gravy right in the pot. It’s like Thanksgiving magic—done in under an hour!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why you’ll fall in love with Instant Pot Turkey Breast:

• Quick and easy: No need to wait hours for the oven to do its thing—your turkey breast will be cooked in about 45 minutes from start to finish.
• Perfectly juicy: The Instant Pot locks in moisture, making it almost impossible to end up with dry turkey breast.
• Less cleanup: You cook the turkey and make the gravy all in one pot, minimizing dishes and kitchen mess.
• Great for smaller gatherings: If you don’t need a whole turkey, this recipe is the perfect solution for smaller families or a special dinner for two.
• Flavor-packed: With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll get a turkey breast that’s bursting with flavor—herbs, butter, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon to brighten it all up.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 45 minutes (15 minutes prep, 30 minutes cook time)
• Servings: 6-8 people (depending on the size of the turkey breast)
• Calories per serving: Approx. 280

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Instant Pot Turkey Breast:

For the Turkey Breast:

• 1 (4-5 lb) boneless or bone-in turkey breast: Make sure it fits comfortably in your Instant Pot.
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter: For browning the turkey and adding richness.
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a touch of smoky flavor and a beautiful golden color.
• 1 tsp dried thyme: Or use fresh thyme sprigs for extra flavor.
• 1 tsp dried rosemary: You can substitute fresh rosemary sprigs if you have them.
• 1 small onion, quartered: Adds flavor to the cooking liquid and drippings.
• 3 garlic cloves, smashed: For extra depth of flavor.
• 1 lemon, halved: The citrus adds a bright note that balances the richness of the turkey.
• 1 cup chicken broth or turkey stock: This will create steam for cooking and also make delicious gravy.

For the Gravy:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: You can substitute with cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
• Turkey drippings from the Instant Pot
• 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth: To thin out the gravy if needed.
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Turkey Breast

• Remove the turkey breast from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Dry skin ensures a good sear and helps the seasoning stick.
• In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure to get it under the skin as well for maximum flavor.

2. Sear the Turkey Breast

• Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and let it heat up for a couple of minutes. Add the olive oil or butter to the pot.
• Once the oil is hot, place the turkey breast, skin side down, into the pot and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip the turkey breast and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
• Remove the turkey breast from the Instant Pot and set it aside on a plate.

3. Add the Aromatics and Broth

• With the Instant Pot still on “Sauté,” add the quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, and lemon halves to the pot. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Pour in the chicken broth (or turkey stock), and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits add tons of flavor to your gravy!

4. Pressure Cook the Turkey Breast

• Place a trivet or steamer rack into the Instant Pot. Set the turkey breast on top of the trivet, skin side up.
• Lock the lid in place and set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” on high for 30 minutes for a 4-5 pound turkey breast. If your turkey breast is larger, add 5 more minutes to the cooking time.
• Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before performing a quick release to release any remaining pressure.

5. Check for Doneness

• Carefully remove the lid of the Instant Pot and check the internal temperature of the turkey breast using a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the breast should register at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
• If the turkey isn’t quite at 165°F, you can reseal the Instant Pot and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, then check again.

6. Optional: Broil the Turkey Breast

• If you want to crisp up the skin, transfer the turkey breast to a baking sheet and place it under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
• Let the turkey breast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat juicy.

7. Make the Gravy

• While the turkey breast is resting, strain the drippings from the Instant Pot to remove the onion, garlic, and lemon. You should have about 1-1 ½ cups of flavorful turkey broth.
• Set the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” and add the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. This will help thicken your gravy.
• Slowly whisk in the turkey drippings, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste, then pour it into a gravy boat or small bowl.

8. Slice and Serve

• Once the turkey breast has rested, slice it against the grain into thin pieces. Serve with the homemade gravy drizzled on top, and enjoy!

How to Serve

Instant Pot Turkey Breast is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Classic Thanksgiving Dinner: Serve the turkey breast alongside mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and stuffing for a complete holiday meal.
• Weeknight Dinner: Pair the turkey with roasted vegetables and a simple side salad for a comforting and nutritious dinner.
• Sandwiches: Use leftover turkey slices for delicious sandwiches with cranberry sauce, mayonnaise, and arugula on toasted bread.
• Turkey Salad: Toss leftover turkey into a salad with mixed greens, walnuts, apples, and a honey mustard dressing for a light and healthy meal.

Additional Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your Instant Pot Turkey Breast turns out perfectly:

1. Use a meat thermometer: To avoid dry or undercooked turkey, always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The breast should reach 165°F for safe consumption.

2. Natural release for juiciness: Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for at least 10 minutes before performing a quick release. This helps keep the turkey moist.

3. Don’t skip the sear: Searing the turkey breast before pressure cooking adds an extra layer of flavor and helps give the skin a beautiful golden color.

4. Broil for crispy skin: If you love crispy skin, transfer the turkey to the oven and broil it for a few minutes after cooking.

5. Make extra gravy: The turkey drippings make amazing gravy, so don’t skimp! You can even double the broth to ensure you have enough gravy for leftovers.

Recipe Variations

This Instant Pot Turkey Breast recipe is super flexible. Here are some ways to customize it:

• Herb Butter Turkey: Before searing, rub the turkey breast with a mixture of softened butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley for an even richer flavor.
• Cajun Turkey Breast: For a spicy twist, replace the seasoning with a Cajun spice blend for a bold, flavorful turkey.
• Lemon Garlic Turkey: Add extra lemon juice and zest to the cooking liquid and season the turkey breast with plenty of garlic for a bright and citrusy flavor.
• Apple Cider Turkey: Use apple cider instead of chicken broth for a sweet, autumnal twist on the classic turkey

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Serving Suggestions

This turkey breast pairs beautifully with traditional sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes: Classic mashed potatoes with butter and cream are perfect for soaking up that delicious gravy.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roast carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes for a healthy and colorful side.
• Cranberry Sauce: The sweet-tart flavor of cranberry sauce complements the richness of the turkey beautifully.
• Stuffing: A classic side for any turkey dinner—choose your favorite stuffing recipe for a complete Thanksgiving feast.

Freezing and Storage

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your turkey:

• Storage: Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked turkey breast for up to 3 months. Just slice it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the turkey slices in a baking dish with a little broth, cover with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave for quicker results.

Special Equipment

You’ll need an Instant Pot or other pressure cooker for this recipe, along with:

• Meat thermometer: Essential for checking the turkey’s internal temperature.
• Trivet or steamer rack: To elevate the turkey breast above the liquid in the Instant Pot.
• Gravy separator (optional): If you want to easily separate the fat from the drippings before making gravy.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a frozen turkey breast?
Yes! If using frozen turkey breast, increase the cooking time to 50-60 minutes. Make sure to add an extra 10 minutes for natural pressure release.

2. Can I make this recipe with a bone-in turkey breast?
Yes! The bone-in turkey breast will take a little longer to cook (about 35-40 minutes on high pressure).

3. Can I use turkey thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Turkey thighs are fattier and full of flavor. Cook them for 25-30 minutes on high pressure.

4. How do I prevent my turkey breast from drying out?
Make sure to let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for at least 10 minutes. This slow release helps keep the turkey breast juicy.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the turkey breast ahead of time and reheat it in the oven with a little broth to keep it moist.

6. What size Instant Pot do I need?
A 6-quart Instant Pot will fit a 4-5 lb turkey breast comfortably. If you have a larger Instant Pot (8-quart), you can cook a larger turkey breast.

7. Can I skip the searing step?
While you can skip the searing, it adds flavor and helps the turkey brown nicely. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, but I highly recommend taking the extra few minutes for the best flavor.

8. Can I use homemade turkey broth?
Yes, homemade turkey or chicken broth will add even more depth of flavor to the turkey and gravy.

9. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Dried herbs work well in this recipe. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent, so you may need to adjust the amounts slightly.

10. What’s the best way to slice turkey breast?
For the juiciest results, always slice turkey breast against the grain. This makes the meat more tender and easy to eat.

Conclusion

There you have it—an easy, quick, and incredibly flavorful Instant Pot Turkey Breast that will become your new go-to for Thanksgiving, holiday dinners, or even cozy weeknight meals. The Instant Pot makes this dish stress-free, delivering juicy turkey breast in a fraction of the time it takes to roast one in the oven.

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! Be sure to share your delicious creations on social media and tag me—I love seeing how you bring these meals to life. Happy cooking! 🦃🍂

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