After testing this method over many weeknights and small holiday gatherings, I’ve perfected the timing and seasoning to deliver juicy, flavorful results every single time! Making turkey breast in the Instant Pot is hands-down one of my favorite time-saving kitchen tricks! If you’re looking for a reliable, stress-free way to get dinner on the table, this method is one you can trust from my kitchen to yours!
Making turkey breast in the Instant Pot has been such a total game-changer for me! It’s so quick and easy, especially when I want to whip up a hearty dinner recipe for the family without spending hours in the kitchen. When I first made this, my husband could not believe how juicy and tender the turkey way! Especially because the turkey breast can be quite draw when cooked, but the Instant Pot locks in all the flavors!
The best part is, I don’t have to babysit it! Just set it, forget it, and focus on sides or even relax for a bit. Whether it’s for a mini holiday dinner or just a Sunday night meal, everyone always loves this recipe. It’s become one of my go-to family favorites.
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Ingredients in Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Here are the list of the simple ingredients you need to make this delicious dinner!
- 3.5 lb to 4 lb turkey breast (bone-in or boneless).
- Olive oil. To help sear the skin and lock in those juices.
- Spices. We'll be using salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano for a really flavorful turkey. You can use your favorite poultry seasoning though!
- Chicken broth. You need a liquid when making Instant Pot recipes. You can make your own homemade Instant Pot chicken broth or use store bought. Turkey broth or even water will work.
Be sure to check out the printable recipe card for full recipe information on ingredients and quantities.
How To Cook Turkey Breast in Instant Pot
Step 1: Rub the turkey breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and paprika.
Step 2: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Once hot, place the turkey breast skin-side down and sear it for about 4-5 minutes, until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 3 minutes. Remove the turkey from the Instant Pot.
Step 3: Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and set the turkey breast on top of it. Pour in the chicken broth. Do not pour the chicken broth over the breast, that will remove all the seasonings. Pour it on the side of the Instant Pot so it goes under the turkey. If you have some homemade chicken broth, use that! The liquid helps the turkey steam and stay moist during cooking.
Step 4: Seal the Instant Pot, set it to high pressure, and cook for 25-30 minutes (the time varies depending on the size of your turkey breast).
Step 5: After the cooking time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 10-15 minutes. Then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
Step 6: Remove the turkey from the pot and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
OPTIONAL STEP! If you want crispy skin, after cooking, place the turkey breast under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the skin. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
How long to cook turkey breast in instant pot?
Depending on how big your turkey is will depend on how long it needs to cook for. A general rule is about 6-7 minutes per 1 lb of turkey, so judge the time based on how big your turkey breast is.
How to Make Turkey Gravy in Instant Pot
Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a separate pan over medium heat, then whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste.
Whisk the roux into the hot liquid in the Instant Pot. Cook and stir for a few minutes until the gravy reaches your desired thickness.
Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to enhance the flavor. If it gets a little too thick, add some more chicken broth.
Let the gravy simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour the gravy over your turkey breast and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- Use the trivet! Elevating the turkey breast on the trivet keeps it from sitting in the liquid, ensuring it cooks evenly and doesn’t get soggy.
- If you have the time, brining the turkey breast for a few hours before cooking helps keep it extra juicy. Here's a great turkey brine recipe for you!
- Don't skip the sear! It's a really important part to get extra flavor and to lock in all the juices of the turkey.
- The turkey should get to 165 degrees F internal temperature. It will be perfectly cooked through without being dry and overcooked.
- If your turkey breast turns out dry, you can slice it and use it in dishes with moisture, like soups or stews. Adding a bit of gravy or sauce when serving can also help.
Storage Info
Place the turkey slices or whole breast in an airtight container. Make sure it's well-sealed to prevent it from drying out. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you don’t plan to eat the leftovers within a few days, you can freeze them. Place the turkey in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Frozen turkey can last for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to keep track of how long it’s been frozen.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Turkey
Just like a Thanksgiving dinner, there are lots of different side dishes that go perfectly with turkey. Here are just a few ideas:
- Instant Pot garlic mashed potatoes. Put your Instant Pot to use again and make mashed potatoes. You can also make colcannon too!
- Italian sausage and cheese stuffing. For a really filling and satisfying meal, this is my go to stuffing.
- If you can't find canned cranberry sauce, make cranberry sauce with dried cranberries instead!
- Don't forget the dinner rolls! I love sourdough discard dinner rolls for a tangy, soft roll.
- Baked brown sugar carrots or skillet mac and cheese are a great side dishes to add to your turkey dinner.
Recipe Ideas for Leftover Turkey Breast (instant pot)
- Make Turkey carbonara! Turkey, pasta, and a creamy sauce, yes please!
- Bisquick turkey pot pie is always a good choice! Plus you get some help from Bisquick!
- Make turkey soup! I always make turkey soup and turkey broth whenever I have leftover turkey. It is a cozy bowl of goodness after making a big turkey.
- Have turkey salad for lunch! Chop up the turkey and mix it with a little mayonnaise, chopped celery, and red onion. It's just like my Instant Pot chicken salad, but with turkey!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You’ll need to increase the cooking time to about 45-50 minutes for a frozen turkey breast. Skip the searing step but still use the trivet.
To keep the turkey breast moist, make sure you are not overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer when checking the doneness. This helps ensure that it is cooked to the right temperature. Searing the turkey before cooking and letting it rest after cooking also help maintain moisture.
Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions to the pot. Just make sure they are cut into equal sized pieces and placed below the trivet.
More Instant Pot Recipes
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
Ingredients
- 3-4 lb Turkey Breast Bone in or boneless
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 2 cup Chicken Broth Homemade or Store Bought
To make the gravy
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 1 tablespoon Flour
Instructions
- Rub the turkey breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and paprika.
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Once hot, place the turkey breast skin-side down and sear it for about 4-5 minutes, until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 3 minutes. Remove from the Instant Pot.
- Pour in the chicken broth along the sides of the Instant Pot. Do not pour the chicken broth over the breast, that will remove all the seasonings.
- Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and set the turkey breast on top of it. Seal the Instant Pot, set it to high pressure, and cook for 30 minutes (the time varies depending on the size of your turkey breast).
- After the cooking time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 10-15 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
- If you are making a gravy, melt the butter in a separate sauce pan. Add the flour and mix until a roux forms, kind of like a paste. Add the paste to the Instant Pot set to sauté. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the gravy thickens.
Notes
- The internal temperature of the turkey breast should be 165 degrees F. Use an meat thermometer to make sure the turkey is at the right temperature.
- If you are using a bigger turkey breast or a turkey breast with a bone, it might take 40-45 minutes for the turkey to cook through.
- For crispy skin, take the turkey breast out of the Instant Pot and place it in the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the skin.
- Use the trivet! Elevating the turkey breast on the trivet keeps it from sitting in the liquid, ensuring it cooks evenly and doesn’t get soggy.
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