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    You Are Here: Home → Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Turkey Breast

    November 25, 2021 | Updated November 5, 2022 by Ryan 3 Comments

    377 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    overhead shot of sliced turkey made with instant pot on white plate with gravy
    sliced instant pot turkey with gravy on white plate
    sliced turkey with gravy on white plate
    sliced turkey breast on white plate

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

    If you want a juicy turkey that's loaded with flavors in under an hour, this Instant Pot turkey breast recipe will make people think you spent hours cooking it.

    sliced instant pot turkey with gravy on white plate

    I love turkey - from a spatchcock smoked turkey to a herb roasted turkey. But sometimes you are just short on time. So why not use an Instant Pot.

    Yes you heard that right! I've been on the Instant Pot bandwagon the past few months after purchasing one, and this recipe might have converted me to ring leader! You want to have a juicy turkey in an hour? Then this turkey breast is for you!

    I've mentioned in the past that Thanksgiving is by far my favorite recipe. If you're hosting Thanksgiving like I love to do, then you might be pressed for time at some point if you're making sides like cream cheese mashed potatoes or three cheese mac and cheese, so quicker and easier is better! I know it might seem sacrilegious to only make a turkey breast for Thanksgiving.

    Shoot I'm normally in that boat myself. But I'm always on the lookout for new recipes and as I've been using my Instant Pot quite a bit recently, I thought why not try a turkey?

    Now you are limited to the size of your Instant Pot, which is part of the reason you can't put a whole turkey in. Probably the largest you could fit is a 7 lb turkey breast. But if you're short on time and want something very easy, this Instant Pot turkey breast might be the way to go.

    All that you have to do is run the turkey with some olive oil and herbs and throw in the Instant Pot! Then let the machine do the rest. If you want super crispy skin, just throw under the broiler for a few minutes and it's like you cooked in the oven for a couple of hours!

    What made it even better is the juice from the turkey makes a great gravy and can be made right in the Instant Pot after removing the turkey. So less dishes to do which is always better! Or if you feel like a subtle smoke flavor, a smoked turkey breast is always an option.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients Notes
    • Step-by-Step Photos
    • FAQs
    • Slow Cooker Option
    • Best Sides for Turkey
    • Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
    • Other Turkey Recipes
    • Instant Pot Turkey Breast
    sliced turkey on white plate

    Ingredients Notes

    • Turkey breast - can't fit a whole turkey in an Instant Pot
    • Olive oil - helps cook the turkey.
    • Rosemary, sage, thyme, sweet onion, garlic - the herbs, onion and garlic add a ton of flavor.
    • Salt, paprika, black pepper - enhances the flavor.
    • Chicken stock - low-sodium is best.

    Step-by-Step Photos

    process shots of how to make turkey in Instant Pot

    Add the onion, garlic and stock to the Instant Pot and place the trivet on top. Mix the olive oil, herbs, salt, paprika and pepper in a small bowl and brush the turkey breast with it.

    Place in the trivet breast set up and set Instant Pot to to "Manual" on high for 30 minutes with the valve sealed. Allow the pressure to release naturally.

    If you want a crispy skin, place on a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes.

    FAQs

    Can I Use a Frozen Turkey?

    Yes but you need to place in the fridge 1-2 days ahead of time. Remember you can't fit much larger than a 6 lb turkey breast.

    How Long Do I Cook the Turkey?

    In general, when cooking turkey in the Instant Pot, you cook 5 minutes per pound with a natural pressure release. So a 4 lb turkey should be 20 minutes plus natural pressure release, where an 8 lb turkey should be 40 minutes with a natural pressure release.

    When is the Turkey Done?

    You know the turkey is done when you insert a thermometer in the breast and it reaches 165°F. The key is finding the right part of the breast and making sure the thermometer doesn't touch the bone.

    Do I Allow the Turkey to Rest?

    It is important for the turkey to rest. When the turkey reaches the correct temperature, remove from the oven and cover loosely in aluminum foil for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Letting it rest keeps the juices in the turkey.

    Slow Cooker Option

    The main point of this recipe is to make something quick, but you can easily make in a slow cooker as well. Just throw the ingredients in a slow cooker and set on low for 4-5 hours or until temperature reaches 165°F.

    Best Sides for Turkey

    As we all know while turkey is the main part of Thanksgiving, the side dishes are just as important. Some options include:

    • Slow Cooker Mashed Sweet Potatoes
    • Make Ahead Turkey Gravy
    • Old Fashioned Bread Stuffing
    • Sweet Corn Pudding
    • Homemade Cranberry Sauce
    • Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
    • Baked Cheddar Mac and Cheese
    • Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
    • Easy Turkey Gravy
    • Crispy Roasted Potatoes
    • Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

    Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

    • Make sure you rinse and then pat dry the turkey which allows for a crisp skin.
    • Fresh herbs are the only way to go for this turkey. Do not replace with dried herbs.
    • Increase or decrease the cook time by 5 minutes for every pound of turkey.
    overhead shot of sliced turkey made with instant pot on white plate with gravy

    Other Turkey Recipes

    • Turkey Tamale Pie
    • Leftover Turkey Enchiladas
    • Turkey Hash
    • Turkey Dumpling Soup

    If you’ve tried this Instant Pot turkey breast recipe or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.

    sliced instant pot turkey with gravy on white plate
    Print Recipe
    5 from 3 votes

    Instant Pot Turkey Breast

    If you want a juicy turkey that's loaded with flavors in under an hour, this turkey breast will make people think you spent hours cooking it.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time50 mins
    Total Time1 hr
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 12 slices
    Calories: 443kcal
    Author: Ryan Beck

    Ingredients

    Turkey

    • 6 lb bone-in turkey breast
    • 3 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon chopped poultry herb mix (rosemary, sage, thyme)
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
    • 1 sweet onion, chopped
    • 6 garlic cloves, minced

    Gravy

    • ¼ cup unsalted butter
    • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon chopped poultry herb mix (rosemary, sage, thyme)
    • 2 cups leftover stock/drippings

    Instructions

    Turkey

    • Add chopped onion and garlic to Instant Pot. Pour in chicken stock and place trivet inside.
    • Rinse the turkey breast with water and pat dry. In small bowl, mix olive oil, poultry herb mix, salt, paprika and black pepper. Brush the turkey breast with olive oil mixture and place in trivet, breast side up.
    • Place lid on Instant Pot and set valve to "Sealing." Press "Manual" and set on high pressure for 30 minutes. (NOTE - if turkey is larger or smaller just set to 5 minutes per lb). Allow the pressure to release naturally so it continues to cook the turkey and keep it juicy.
    • Remove turkey and place on baking sheet. Set oven to broil and broil for about 5 minutes, or until skin is crispy. Remove and slice 1" thick slices. Serve immediately.

    Gravy

    • Reserve two cups of the liquid with the onion and garlic as it adds flavor.
    • Set the Instant Pot to saute. Add the butter. When melted add the black pepper and poultry herb mix. Add the flour and constantly whisk for about 3 minutes. Slowly pour in 2 cups of stock/pan drippings and whisk constantly until bubbly and thickened. Use immediately.

    Notes

    • Make sure you rinse and then pat dry the turkey which allows for a crisp skin.
    • Fresh herbs are the only way to go for this turkey. Do not replace with dried herbs.
    • You know the turkey is done when you insert a thermometer in the breast and it reaches 165°F. The key is finding the right part of the breast and making sure the thermometer doesn't touch the bone.
    • Increase or decrease the cook time by 5 minutes for every pound of turkey.
    • When the turkey reaches the correct temperature, remove from the Instant Pot and cover loosely in aluminum foil for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Letting it rest keeps the juices in the turkey.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1slice | Calories: 443kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 73g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 160mg | Sodium: 3945mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 134.5mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 3.1mg
    Did You Try This Recipe?I love seeing what you make so mention @ChiselandFork or tag #chiselandfork on Instagram and please give a star rating below!
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    Comments

    1. Chris says

      November 10, 2018 at 5:04 pm

      5 stars
      Great idea! Looks like it turned out!

      Reply

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