Nothing beats the comfort of a perfectly cooked turkey breast that’s both tender and bursting with flavor. This Juicy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe is my go-to when I want juicy meat without the long wait—plus, it’s packed with herbs and spices that make every bite worth savoring.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Juicy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen because it solves a common dinner dilemma: how to get tender, juicy turkey fast without drying it out or slaving over the oven all day. I love that it’s simple, reliable, and the flavors are just so comforting and fresh.
- Speedy Cooking: You get a whole turkey breast cooked perfectly in about 45 minutes total—game changer for busy weeknights!
- Unbeatable Moisture: The Instant Pot keeps all the juices locked in, so you’re serving up tender, moist turkey every time.
- Flavor-Packed: A fresh herb mix and paprika add just enough punch without overpowering, enhancing the bird’s natural goodness.
- Easy Gravy Fix: You can quickly transform the flavorful drippings into a luscious gravy right in the same pot—no extra fuss.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Juicy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe plays a key role in ensuring a flavorful and perfectly cooked meal. From aromatic herbs to wholesome broth, each component is essential. Here are some quick tips to help you pick and understand the ingredients before we dive in.
- Bone-in skin-on turkey breast: The bone adds flavor and helps keep the meat juicy, while the skin crisps up beautifully if you broil it at the end.
- Olive oil: This helps the herb and spice mix adhere to the bird and keeps the skin from drying out.
- Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a lovely color to the turkey skin.
- Fresh herb mix (rosemary, sage, thyme): Classic poultry herbs bring that warm, earthy flavor synonymous with turkey dishes.
- Salt and black pepper: Foundational seasonings that enhance every other flavor.
- Chicken broth: Provides moisture and a rich base for cooking, contributing to the gravy's depth.
- Onion, garlic, celery: Aromatics that infuse the broth and turkey with savory notes.
Make It Your Way
I love making this recipe my own by swapping fresh herbs depending on what’s in season or adding a bit of citrus zest to the olive oil blend for a brighter profile. Don’t be shy about experimenting—this turkey is a blank canvas that responds well to your personal twist.
- Variation: Sometimes I add a dash of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes when I want a hint of heat and smokiness—it really wakes up the flavors without overwhelming the meat.
- Dietary tweak: If you’re avoiding broth with additives, homemade chicken broth or even vegetable broth works perfectly here.
- Make it smaller: For 3-4 lb turkey breasts, just reduce pressure cooking time to 25 minutes, and adjust accordingly.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Juicy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Aromatics and Broth
Start by pouring 2 cups of chicken broth into the Instant Pot insert. Scatter the onion slices, whole garlic cloves, and celery stalks evenly on top—they act like a fragrant bed that steams the turkey while adding flavor to your broth and gravy. I always chop into large pieces here to make straining easier later.
Step 2: Create the Herb and Spice Rub
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, paprika, fresh herb mix, salt, and pepper. This simple blend not only seasons the turkey but also helps crisp the skin when you finish it under the broiler. Brush it evenly all over your turkey breast after rinsing and patting dry.
Step 3: Arrange Turkey and Cook
Place the turkey breast on the trivet inside the Instant Pot, breast side up—you want to keep the skin on top so it crisps nicely in the final step. Close the lid, seal the valve, and set to Manual High Pressure for 35 minutes if your turkey is around 7 pounds like mine. Once the timer beeps, let the pressure release naturally for maximum juiciness—that part is non-negotiable if you want the best texture!
Step 4: Crisp the Skin and Make the Gravy
Carefully remove the turkey with a large fork, put it on a roasting pan, and broil it at 440°F for just a few minutes to get that irresistible golden, crispy skin. Keep a close eye—it can brown fast! Meanwhile, strain the cooking liquid through a sieve to separate out the veggies and solids. Use 2 cups of this liquid back in the Instant Pot, whisk in a cornstarch slurry, and sauté until thickened for a mouthwatering gravy you won’t believe you made so easily.
Top Tip
I’ve found that the magic to this Juicy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe isn’t just in cooking time but in the natural pressure release and that little broil finish at the end. These steps consistently deliver juicy meat with skin that’s a textural dream.
- Natural Pressure Release: Resist the urge to quick-release right away; letting it sit keeps juices locked in perfectly.
- Pat Dry Thoroughly: Dry the turkey breast well before applying the rub to help the skin crisp better under the broiler.
- Watch the Broiler: Skin browns quickly, so don’t walk away—rotate the pan if needed for even crisping.
- Use a Thermometer: Always check that the thickest part hits 165°F for safe, juicy turkey without overcooking.
How to Serve Juicy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
I love garnishing with fresh thyme sprigs and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for that fresh green contrast—plus, it makes the plate feel special without extra effort. For holidays, I sometimes add a few roasted cranberries for a pop of color and sweet tartness that pairs beautifully.
Side Dishes
This turkey pairs brilliantly with classic mashed potatoes and green beans almondine. On a busy weeknight, I’ll toss together a quick kale salad with lemon vinaigrette and roasted sweet potatoes. The versatility makes this recipe a winner for any occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I slice the turkey breast and fan it out on a large platter surrounded by roasted root vegetables and fresh herb sprigs. It instantly elevates the look. Another favorite is to slice thick medallions and serve them over creamy polenta with a drizzle of that homemade gravy—pure comfort!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I wrap leftover turkey tightly in plastic wrap and transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it keeps well for 3-4 days without drying out.
Freezing
I’ve frozen sliced leftover turkey wrapped tightly in foil and placed inside a freezer bag with the cooking broth. It freezes beautifully and thaws quickly in the fridge, making it easy to bring back to life for quick meals.
Reheating
To reheat without drying the meat, I gently warm slices in a covered skillet with a splash of broth over low heat or pop them in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel. Either way, it keeps the turkey moist and tasty.
Frequently Asked Questions:
For a 7 lb bone-in turkey breast, I recommend cooking it on high pressure for 35 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. Smaller breasts may only need 25-30 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Yes, you can use boneless turkey breast. Just reduce the pressure cooking time to about 25-30 minutes depending on the weight. The key is not to overcook it, so a thermometer is your best friend here.
Broiling isn’t mandatory but highly recommended if you want that crispy, golden skin that adds texture and flavor. If you prefer, you can skip broiling and serve as is—the turkey will still be juicy and delicious.
The cooking liquid is packed with flavor, perfect for making gravy, soups, or stews. I often freeze it in ziploc bags to use later as a rich broth base for winter comfort meals.
Final Thoughts
This Juicy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe is a lifesaver when you want a show-stopping, flavorful meal without hours in the kitchen. The juicy, tender meat combined with the fresh herb aroma and easy homemade gravy always earns me compliments. Honestly, it’s become my favorite way to make turkey any time of year, and I hope you’ll love it just as much as I do. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making turkey in the Instant Pot way more often!
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Juicy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe provides a juicy, flavorful turkey breast cooked to perfection in a fraction of the traditional time. Featuring a blend of fresh herbs, paprika, and garlic, the turkey is pressure-cooked for tenderness, then optionally broiled for a crispy skin. The recipe includes a simple, savory gravy made from the cooking juices, making it a complete and delicious main course perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 7 lb bone-in skin-on turkey breast
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons chopped poultry fresh herb mix (rosemary, sage, and thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped into large slices
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 celery stalks
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Add 2 cups of chicken broth to the Instant Pot insert. Place the trivet inside and arrange the large slices of onion, whole garlic cloves, and celery stalks on the bottom.
- Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the olive oil, paprika, chopped poultry herb mix, salt, and ground black pepper to create a flavorful oil mixture.
- Prepare the turkey breast: Wash the turkey breast thoroughly and remove the gravy pocket. Pat it dry with paper towels. Brush the turkey breast all over with the olive oil seasoning mixture. Place it breast side up on the trivet inside the Instant Pot.
- Pressure cook the turkey: Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, press the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" function, and set the timer for 35 minutes on high pressure.
- Release the pressure: When cooking completes and the Instant Pot beeps, press "Cancel/Off" and allow the pressure to release naturally. This slow release helps keep the turkey juicy and tender.
- Remove and crisp the turkey (optional): Carefully open the Instant Pot lid away from your face. Using a large fork, remove the turkey breast and place it on a cutting board or baking pan. To crisp the skin, place the turkey under the oven broiler set at 440 ℉. Broil until the skin turns golden and crispy, rotating the pan as needed to ensure even browning.
- Make the gravy: Strain the cooking liquid through a sieve to catch the onions and garlic. You can press them to extract all the flavor. Measure 2 cups of the strained liquid and return it to the Instant Pot insert. Whisk in a slurry made from 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup cold water. Use the sauté setting to cook the gravy until it thickens.
Notes
- Cook time does not include the time needed for the Instant Pot to reach pressure.
- The 35-minute cooking time is ideal for a 7 lb turkey breast; adjust accordingly for different sizes and check temperature for a minimum of 165 ℉ in the thickest part.
- This recipe fits well in a 6-quart Instant Pot Duo60 model.
- Save the leftover cooking liquid in a sealed bag after cooling. It makes an excellent flavorful broth for soups.
- Broiling the turkey skin is optional but highly recommended for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
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