Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe

Gather ’round, food lovers, as I unveil my go-to recipe for a turkey breast that comes together in a flash with the help of the magical Instant Pot—because who has time to wait hours for that succulent, juicy flavor wrapped up in perfectly seasoned crispiness? Let’s get cooking!

The way the Instant Pot takes a turkey breast and makes it into a juicy, flavorful feast in no time is something I love. It requires just a drizzly of olive oil and a perfectly blended set of seasonings—think garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika—to make the turkey into a satisfying, delicious bite.

And nutritionally? It’s no contest.

Turkey is a lean protein, a wonderful nutritional package. Plus the blend of dried thyme and rosemary takes its flavor profile to new savory levels.

Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe Ingredients

• Turkey Breast: High in lean protein, low in fat, ideal for healthy meals.
• Olive Oil: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats; adds flavor.
• Garlic: Contains antioxidants; enhances flavor; supports immunity.
• Onion: Provides vitamins and minerals; adds natural sweetness.
• Thyme: Offers subtle earthy flavor; aids digestion.
• Rosemary: Adds aromatic woodiness; contains anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Chicken Broth: Boosts moisture and richness; low-calorie.

Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 bone-in or boneless turkey breast (about 4-5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 fresh thyme sprigs
• 2 fresh rosemary sprigs

How to Make this Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe

1. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and paprika. This mixture will serve as a rub for seasoning.

2. Make sure the turkey breast is completely dry by patting it with paper towels. When you season the turkey breast, use the seasoning mix and apply it generously all over the turkey breast, making sure to get it on all sides and the ends of the breast.

3. Establish the Instant Pot on the sauté setting and place in the unsalted butter. After it has completely melted, put in the turkey breast, skinned side down, and let it brown for 3–4 minutes. Then flip it over to brown the other side, again for about 3–4 minutes.

4. Place the smashed garlic cloves, quartered onion, fresh thyme sprigs, and fresh rosemary sprigs into the Instant Pot.

5. Tilt the jar of mayonnaise toward the bowl and squeeze out half of its contents. Tilt the jar of mayonnaise toward the bowl and squeeze out half of its contents.

6. Set the wire rack or trivet in the Instant Pot, and place the turkey breast on the rack/trivet, skin side up.

7. Make certain the lid is secured on the Instant Pot and that the valve is set to the sealing position. If using a 4-pound turkey breast, cook under high pressure for 35 minutes and adjust accordingly if your breast is larger or smaller.

8. After the cooking time is finished, let the pressure come down naturally for 10 minutes, and then release any remaining pressure manually.

9. Remove the turkey breast from the Instant Pot with care, and allow it to rest for a minimum of 10 minutes before slicing.

10. If you like, you can strain the liquid from the pot and serve it as gravy or sauce alongside the sliced turkey.

Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Small bowl
2. Paper towels
3. Instant Pot
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Wire rack or trivet for Instant Pot
6. Tongs
7. Cutting board
8. Knife
9. Strainer (optional, for sauce)

FAQ

• Can I use a frozen turkey breast?Certainly, it is possible to utilize a frozen turkey breast; however, for optimal outcomes in the Instant Pot, it is recommended that the turkey breast be thawed prior to cooking.
• Do I need to sear the turkey breast before cooking?Browning adds taste but is not necessary. If you want a more pronounced flavor, brown the turkey breast on both sides using the sauté function on the Instant Pot before pressure cooking.
• What size Instant Pot should I use?A 6-quart Instant Pot is suitable for cooking turkey breasts that weigh up to 5 pounds, but it is important that the lid closes easily.
• How do I ensure the turkey is fully cooked?Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) by using a meat thermometer.
• Can I make gravy with the drippings?Definitely, you can utilize the drippings to prepare an exquisite gravy. This, you accomplish by thickening the drippings with a combination of cornstarch and water.
• How do I store leftovers?Housed in an airtight container, turkey remains safe to eat for up to 4 days if stashed in the fridge. For long-term storage, freeze it.
• Is this recipe gluten-free?Certainly, the recipe is gluten-free by nature. However, you should make sure that every single packaged ingredient used is certified gluten-free.

Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute canola oil or avocado oil for olive oil.
Kosher salt can be replaced with sea salt or table salt, but the quantity should be adjusted to taste.
Minced fresh garlic can stand in for garlic powder (substitute about 4 fresh cloves).
In the absence of dried thyme, 1 1/2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning may be used.
Vegetable broth or turkey broth can be used in place of chicken broth.

Pro Tips

1. Dry Brining For extra flavor and moisture retention, consider dry brining the turkey breast. Rub the seasoning mixture onto the turkey and let it sit uncovered in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours before cooking. This will enhance the flavor penetration and help keep the turkey juicy.

2. Searing Technique Make sure the Instant Pot is fully preheated on the sauté setting before adding the butter for searing. The butter should be sizzling, which ensures a good sear and helps lock in the juices, giving the turkey a beautiful brown crust.

3. Flavorful Additions Substitute some or all of the chicken broth with white wine for a more complex flavor. The acidity and sweetness of the wine can add depth to the dish and create a more refined sauce from the pot liquids.

4. Skin Crisping If you prefer crispy skin, after cooking in the Instant Pot, transfer the turkey breast to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for a few minutes until the skin reaches the desired crispness. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.

5. Gravy Enhancement Enhance the gravy by adding a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter to the strained liquid from the pot. Whisk it in while heating gently on the stovetop to add richness and a silky texture to the sauce.