Instant Pot Turkey Breast (Plus VIDEO)

Content… Why It Is a Game Changer Recipe Ingredients How to Make It Recipe Variations Tips and Tricks Make-Ahead Instructions Serving and Storage Instructions FAQs What to Serve More Incredible Instant Pot and Slow Cooker Recipes to Try Conclusion Watch How to Make It

Why Instant Pot Turkey Breast is a Game Changer

Whether it’s Sunday dinner, a family gathering, or a holiday, spending all day in the kitchen is a given. I’m sure you’d rather spend time relaxing with your family. Cooking turkey breast in an Instant Pot gives you all the flavor and presentation you desire in a fraction of your time and effort. Win-win!

Recipe Ingredients

1. Turkey Breast – I like to use boneless turkey breast because it’s easier to carve after it cooks. But bone-in works just as well. 
2. Butter – Unsalted butter works best since you’ll add herbs and seasonings for herb butter that you can rub all over the turkey for delicious browning.
3. Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is my favorite, but you can also use minced garlic from a jar. 
4. Herbs – Fresh or dried sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley, and paprika help create an incredible savory punch of flavor and aroma.
5. Veggies – Chopped onion and celery balance the flavor of your final dish, and they’re also healthy.
6. Chicken Stock – Homemade or store-bought chicken stock adds flavor and moisture to your turkey breast.

How To Make Instant Pot Turkey Breast

• Prep the Turkey Breast – Season turkey breast with salt, slipping it under the skin where possible. Loosen up the skin by running your fingers carefully between the skin and the meat. (Photos 1-2)
• Herb Butter – Combine the butter, garlic, sage, rosemary, thyme, paprika, and parsley well. Let the herbed butter rest in the fridge until you’re ready to prep the turkey. You can make the herb mix a day or so in advance if desired. (Photo 3)
• Rub the Herb Butter – Generously rub the turkey breast with herb butter combination and seasoning under the skin of the turkey breast. You can do this step the day before. (Photo 4)
• Saute – In a 6- or 8-quart Instant Pot, press the saute function. Once hot, add oil and saute the chopped onion and celery. (Photo 5)
• Deglaze – Pour in chicken stock and stir, scraping the bottom of your pot with a spoon to remove any stuck pieces. (Photo 6)
• Cook – Place turkey breast on the trivet and close the lid with the vent set to seal. Cook on manual high pressure for about 20 minutes (or 6 minutes per pound) until your instant-read thermometer reads when 165℉/74℃ inserted into the thickest part of the turkey. The Instant Pot takes approximately 10 minutes to come under pressure. Then start the timer. (Photo 7)
• Release Pressure – When the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot Pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then turn the knob to vent to release any remaining pressure.
• Rest – Let the turkey breast sit for 10 minutes before carving. That way, the juices settle back into the meat. (Photo 8)
• Serve – This recipe goes great with mashed potatoes and gravy, mashed sweet potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Recipe Variations

1. If you can’t get enough of this holiday classic, transform it into a summer BBQ legend. Cook it in the instant pot and then finish it on the grill for some beautiful grill marks and smoky flavor. 
2. You can also adjust the seasonings to create a scrumptious turkey breast that is spicy, sweet, and tangy. Teriyaki is awesome, and so is Creole seasoning. With this cooking method, you have endless customization options.

Tips and Tricks

1. Brine it the day before for a turkey breast that boasts flavor to the bone. That will make the meat extra juicy. 😋
2. Save the drippings or pan sauces for an incredible gravy. You can use it now, freeze it for later, or add it to your homemade stock. 

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can do most of the prep for your instant pot turkey breast ahead. The herb butter tastes even better if you make it a day or two before (keep it in the fridge). Whether you are brining your turkey breast or using a dry rub, you can season it the day before, and it will be ready to throw in your instant pot.   

Pre-chopping your veggies will save you a ton of time. Then you will have more time for those show-stealing sides.

Serving and Storage Instructions

This instant pot turkey breast recipe is the best piping hot with delicious sides, like mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, green beans, or mac and cheese. You can store leftovers in the fridge for four days.

To reheat your turkey, you could zap it in the microwave. However, reheating in the oven, stovetop, or instant pot is much better. Bake it covered with foil in a 350℉/177℃ oven for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you could cut it into 1-inch cubes, add a cup or so of gravy, and heat it in a saucepan large enough to hold what you want to serve.

FAQs

What to Serve with Instant Pot Turkey Breast

Finish your special meal with one of these desserts; pumpkin pie, sweet potato casserole, or peach cobbler.

More Incredible Instant Pot and Slow Cooker Recipes

1. Instant Pot Country Style Ribs
2. Slow Cooker Ham
3. Vegetable Beef Soup
4. Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Conclusion

Do away with dry turkey breast for good and usher in a new tradition of tender, juicy, mouthwatering turkey. Have you ever made a turkey breast in an Instant Pot? Let me know what amazing sides you served with it. 

Watch How to Make It

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This blog post was originally published in October 2021 and has been updated with additional tips, new photos, and a video.