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.
I love turkey - from a spatchcock smoked turkey to a herb roasted turkey to smoked turkey breast to smoked pulled 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!
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. The largest you could probably fit is a 7 pound 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!
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick cooking time - The Instant Pot uses high pressure to cook food quickly. This is especially beneficial for turkey breast, as it helps retain moisture and prevents the meat from drying out during a prolonged cooking process.
- Moisture retention - The sealed environment of the Instant Pot helps trap steam and moisture during cooking. This is crucial for turkey breast, which can easily become dry if overcooked.
- Flavor infusion - The pressure cooking process allows flavors to infuse into the turkey breast more effectively. By using herbs and spices, you have amore deeply flavored and seasoned turkey.
- Set-and-forget functionality - Once you've set the cooking time and pressure level, you can leave the Instant Pot to do its job. This convenience is particularly useful during busy times, as you don't need to monitor the cooking process closely.
- Consistent results - The Instant Pot provides a consistent cooking environment, minimizing the likelihood of overcooking or uneven cooking. This can be challenging with traditional cooking methods, especially for large cuts of meat like turkey breast. The Instant Pot helps ensure that the turkey is cooked evenly throughout, resulting in a more predictable and reliable outcome.
Jump to:
Ingredients Notes
- Turkey breast - Choose a bone-in or boneless turkey breast based on your preference. Bone-in options can add flavor, but boneless breasts are often easier to carve.
- Olive oil - Adding a small amount of olive oil to the Instant Pot can contribute richness and help brown the turkey. Searing the turkey before pressure cooking can enhance flavor and color.
- Aromatics - Use aromatic ingredients to infuse flavor into the turkey. Onions, garlic and fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, and sage) work well. These can be placed in the cooking liquid or directly on top of the turkey.
- Seasonings - Season the turkey with a blend of spices for added flavor. A simple mixture of salt, pepper and paprika can create a delicious seasoning. Customize the seasoning based on your taste preferences.
- Chicken stock - Add to the Instant Pot to enhance the turkey's taste and keep it moist. Ensure there's enough liquid to create steam during the pressure cooking process. Low-sodium is best.
Ingredient Swaps
As with any recipe you can mix up some of the ingredients. Some variations include:
- While I prefer bone-in turkey breast, you can use boneless as well. Just keep in mind the cook time should be shorter.
- Substitute olive oil with butter or ghee. Coconut oil can add a distinct flavor if you're looking for something different.
- While fresh herbs are what I use in this recipe, you can use dried as well. Just keep in mind you need to use one third the amount as are more potent.
- Instead of using chicken stock, consider vegetable stock for a lighter flavor. For a richer taste, you could use beef stock or add a splash of apple cider.
Step-by-Step Photos
Please note full ingredient list and instructions can be found in recipe card below.
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
It's recommended to thaw the turkey breast before cooking for more even and predictable results. Cooking times for frozen turkey can be challenging to determine accurately. Just place in the fridge 1-2 days ahead of time to help it thaw.
In general, when cooking turkey in the Instant Pot, you cook 5 minutes per pound with a natural pressure release.
So a 4 pound turkey should be 20 minutes plus natural pressure release, where an 8 pound turkey should be 40 minutes with a natural pressure release.
A natural release is often recommended for meats like turkey to allow for a gradual release of pressure, preventing it from becoming tough. However, you can use a quick release if you're short on time.
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.
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
- Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
- 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
- Select a turkey breast that fits comfortably in your Instant Pot without being too large. Ensure it's thawed if previously frozen.
- If you're concerned about dryness, consider brining the turkey breast before cooking. A simple brine can help the meat retain moisture.
- Increase or decrease the cook time by 5 minutes for every pound of turkey.
Other Turkey Recipes
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.
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
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.
- 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
- Select a turkey breast that fits comfortably in your Instant Pot without being too large. Ensure it's thawed if previously frozen.
- If you're concerned about dryness, consider brining the turkey breast before cooking. A simple brine can help the meat retain moisture.
- 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.
Chris says
Great idea! Looks like it turned out!