Name: Juicy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
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

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.

A white plate holds six slices of golden brown cooked meat arranged in a neat row, each slice showing a slightly crispy, textured edge and juicy inside with light glaze on top. The plate is decorated with sprigs of fresh green herbs and small bright red berries placed around the meat. Nearby to the left, there is a white bowl filled with light brown sauce. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Juicy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Juicy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Juicy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe

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.

A close-up view of a roasted golden brown chicken lying on a white plate, showing a textured, crispy skin with visible seasoning and small black pepper flakes scattered on top. The chicken is positioned on the plate with its side facing up, and a silver fork is placed next to it. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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.

Flat lay of a whole bone-in skin-on turkey breast with golden skin, a small white bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white bowl containing bright red paprika powder, a few sprigs of fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme mixed together, a small white bowl of coarse white salt, a small white bowl with ground black pepper, a small white bowl filled with clear chicken broth, a medium onion sliced into large rings, four whole garlic cloves with smooth white skins, and two fresh celery stalks with crisp green leaves placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

instant pot turkey breast - Serving Suggestion

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:

How long does it take to cook turkey breast in the Instant Pot?

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.

Can I use boneless turkey breast instead?

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.

Do I have to broil the turkey after pressure cooking?

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.

What can I do with the leftover cooking liquid?

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!