Instant Pot Turkey Breast is a game changer. Learn how to cook a turkey in a fraction of the time. The turkey comes out so tender and flavorful.
Pressure cooking saves so much time and results in really fabulous food. If you have never considered cooking a turkey breast in the instant pot, now is the time to try it.
If you love pressure cooker recipes as much as I do, then you need to make this recipe. If you prefer you can also make, slow cooker turkey breast, Upside Down Turkey, Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe or Grilled Turkey.
Either way, get ready for tender, flavorful and delicious turkey.
Why this Recipe Works
It is such a quick and easy way to cook turkey. You don’t need to spend forever baking a turkey when the pressure cooker does such a great job in a fraction of time.
I love having more time to spend with my family and less time in the kitchen. It also frees up precious oven space during the holidays when you are trying to cook all the things.
The total time to make this turkey in the instant pot is less than 60 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Turkey:
- Bone-in Skinless Turkey Breasts – We used a 6 lb turkey breast.
- Chicken Broth
- Butter
- Minced Garlic
- Paprika
- Dried Thyme Leaves
- Salt and pepper
For the Gravy:
- Cornstarch
- Cold Water
For the full list of ingredients and recipe; scroll to the bottom to see the recipe card.
Seasoning Variations:
Feel free to change the seasoning in the turkey breast recipe. You can substitute the paprika for smoked paprika and minced garlic for garlic powder.
You can add in Italian seasoning or other ideas are lemon, oregano, rosemary, parsley, onion powder and sage. Any of these flavors go well with turkey.
Fresh herbs or dried herbs are also are great option. If you prefer you can also substitute the butter for olive oil.
How to Cook a Turkey Breast in an Instant Pot:
Step 1 – Combine the butter (melted), garlic, paprika, thyme, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
Step 2 – Pour the chicken broth in the bottom of the Instant pot.
Step 3 – Put the trivet that came with the Instant Pot in the bottom of the Instant Pot insert. Once the trivet is in place, put the turkey breast on top of the trivet in the instant pot. Make sure it is breast side up.
Step 4 – Pour the butter mixture all over the top of the turkey. Use a basting brush to spread the ingredients all over the turkey. This makes the turkey delicious so you don’t want to miss a spot.
Step 5 – Finally, put the lid on the pressure cooker and set the valve to the sealing position on the lid. Let this cook on high pressure for 25 minutes to 30 minutes.
Step 6 – Once the cooking time has finished, let it natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes. Next, do a quick release to release all the pressure from the instant pot.
Step 7 – Remove the juicy turkey breast from the instant pot. Let it sit for 5 minutes before slicing. This will help to keep all the delicious juices inside that make the turkey so moist and flavor.
How to Make Turkey Gravy:
- Step 1 РRemove the trivet from the instant pot and switch the instant pot to the saut̩ setting.
- Step 2 РContinue to cook on saut̩ until the turkey drippings starts to boil slightly.
- Step 3 – Combine the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl. Once combined, whisk the cornstarch mixture into the instant pot and heat for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Step 4 – Make sure to stir constantly until the gravy thickens to the consistency that you prefer.
- Step 5 – Slice the turkey and serve with the gravy drizzled over the top and enjoy. You can also make your gravy on the stovetop with this traditional turkey gravy recipe.
What Size Turkey Breast is Best:
Generally, I figure about 1.5 pounds per person when making this turkey breast recipe. This will allow for enough turkey and you’ll have some leftovers too.
I used a 6 pound turkey breast for this recipe but you can make whatever size you need and just adjust the other ingredients as needed.
How Long Does it Take to Cook:
We used a 6 lb turkey breast and 30 minutes on high pressure was perfect. This size is great to use because it fits perfectly inside the pressure cooker.
Cooking time will vary depending on the size of turkey and your pressure cooker. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure turkey is fully cooked.
How to Crisp Up The Skin
This step is totally optional, but if you’d like crispier skin you can. Place the turkey breast side up on a baking sheet and pop it in the oven under the broiler for about 5 to 10 minutes until the skin is to your desired crispiness.
Expert Tips:
- Electric Pressure Cooker – Make sure you have a good pressure cookerwhen making this recipe.
- Meat Thermometer – Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is fully cooked. It needs to be 165 degrees in the thickest part of the meat. These thermometers are so handy to have in the kitchen and will get plenty of use.
- Crispy Skin – If you prefer crispy skin, place the turkey on a baking sheet and let it cook under the broiler a few minutes. Stay close by so the turkey doesn’t burn. It will not take long for the turkey to have a crispy texture.
- Turkey Breast Netting – Before placing the turkey in the instant pot, make sure to remove the netting.
What to Serve with Turkey?
When making this turkey recipe, it is usually for our holiday dinner. We always have a side of Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Stuffing Muffins, Easy Stuffing Recipe, Easy Instant Pot Red Potatoes Recipe and Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole Recipe.
We also serve the classic Easy Green Bean Casserole and the Crockpot Cranberry Sauce to complete our meal.
How to Use Leftover Turkey?
There is nothing better than having leftover turkey to use in other recipes.
- Turkey and Cheese Crescent Roll Ups– Great for lunchbox meal ideas.
- Turkey Sliders– Everyone loves this and they don’t realize they are eating leftovers.
- Leftover Turkey Recipes – Get even more ideas with over 50 recipes to choose from.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Refrigerate the leftovers in an air tight container for up to 5 days.
You can make a boneless turkey in the Instant Pot as well. If you are preparing a boneless turkey breast cook it for 5 minutes per pound after it’s thawed.
For example, if you have a 3 pound boneless turkey breast, you would cook it for 15 minutes in the Instant Pot with a natural release of 10-15 minutes.
You can also freeze the leftover turkey in a freezer safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
The best way to keep the turkey moist and juicy is to ensure that it does not get over cooked. I recommend using the lower end of the cook time. Make sure to check internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165 degrees.
It is best to thaw a frozen turkey breast it prior to cooking. The turkey will be more moist and juicy.
More Turkey Recipes:
- How to Roast a Turkey
- Air Fryer Turkey Breasts
- Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
- How to Cook a Turkey in a Bag
Easy Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes:
If you make pressure cooker turkey breast recipe, make sure to leave us a comment. We love hearing from you.
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Ingredients
For the Turkey:
- 6 lbs Bone-in Skinless Turkey Breasts
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 4 Tbsp Butter melted
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme Leaves
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Pepper
For the Gravy:
- ¼ cup Cornstarch
- â…“ cup Cold Water
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Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of a 6- or 8-quart Instant Pot. Place the trivet in the pot.
- Set the turkey breast on the trivet, breast-side up. Brush the butter mixture evenly over the top and sides of the turkey.
- Secure the lid and set the valve to the Sealing position. Cook on High Pressure for 30 minutes.
- When the cook time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10-15 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Transfer the turkey breast to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Remove the trivet from the Instant Pot and turn the pot to the Sauté setting. Bring the cooking liquid to a gentle simmer.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering cooking liquid.
- Continue cooking, whisking constantly, for 3-5 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Slice the turkey breast and serve with the warm gravy.
Recipe Notes
- A 6-pound bone-in turkey breast fits best in an 8-quart Instant Pot. If using a 6-quart model, verify that the turkey fits comfortably before cooking.
- The turkey is done when the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- If you prefer a darker, crispier exterior, place the cooked turkey under the broiler for 3-5 minutes before slicing.
- Leftover turkey and gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When do you add the chicken broth
I’m sorry. You add it in before you you add in the turkey. I have updated the recipe.
This is an amazing recipe!! My Turkey breast was 8lbs, it took roughly 50 minutes. Breast were the most moist and juicy of any recipe I have made! The gravy was very tasty! Thank you so much for sharing this.
I’m so glad you liked it!