Get ready to serve a tender and juicy Instant Pot Turkey Breast that will have your friends and family coming back for more. Prepared with the convenience of your pressure cooker, this bone-in turkey breast is sure to impress with its succulent texture and rich flavors. With a simple blend of seasonings and herbs, it's a quick yet delicious solution for a weeknight dinner and delicious enough for your holiday table.
Today, we're diving into a recipe that will transform your dinner game and can even elevate your holiday table - Instant Pot Turkey Breast.
This dish is not only savory and delicious, but also incredibly easy to make with the help of our trusty Instant Pot.
Say goodbye to long hours of roasting in the oven and hello to an efficient cooking method that delivers tender, juicy turkey breast every time.
One might think that cooking turkey breast could be an intimidating task, but with the Instant Pot, it's surprisingly straightforward.
By the end of this post, you'll have mastered a new recipe that's sure to become a favorite in your household.
Looking for more turkey inspiration? Don't miss my Ninja Foodi Grill Turkey, Ninja Foodi Turkey, and Air Fryer Turkey Breast.
Ingredients
- Turkey Breast: This is the star ingredient of our Instant Pot turkey breast recipe. I recommend a 5 to 7-pound bone-in turkey breast.
- Avocado Oil or Vegetable Oil: These oils are used for their high smoke point and neutral flavor. You can substitute with other high-heat-tolerant oils like canola or grapeseed oil. Melted butter is also a great option for your Instant Pot turkey breast roast.
- Maple Syrup: This adds a hint of sweetness and helps create a beautiful glaze. Honey or agave nectar could be used as a substitute.
- Sea Salt: It's essential for flavoring the turkey. You could use kosher salt or table salt, but adjust the quantity as they have different saltiness levels.
- Smoked Paprika: This gives a lovely smoky flavor. Regular paprika can be used instead, or for a spicy kick, try hot paprika.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: This adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor profile. White pepper could be used for a milder flavor.
- Lemon: The zest and juice add a bright, tangy note. You could substitute with orange for a sweeter citrus flavor.
- Onion: This is used to infuse additional flavor into the turkey. Feel free to substitute with shallots or leeks. You could also stuff the turkey breast with carrots and celery or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme if you prefer.
- Chicken Broth or Turkey Broth: This helps keep the turkey moist.
For the Gravy
- Water: This is used to make a cornstarch slurry which we add to the turkey drippings to make a delicious gravy..
- Cornstarch: This is a thickening agent. You can substitute it with flour, but remember to cook it out to avoid a raw flour taste.
- Butter: This adds richness to the gravy. If you're dairy-free, you could use margarine.
- Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: These are for seasoning. Adjust according to your taste preference.
Step by Step Instructions
For the full recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and allow it to sit at room temperature for about an hour.
Tips & Tricks
- Bring Your Turkey to Room Temperature: Allow your turkey breast to sit at room temperature for about an hour before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with your seasonings. Turkey can handle it! Make sure to rub the seasoning mix all over the turkey, even under the skin for maximum flavor. Feel free to adjust the seasonings - poultry seasoning, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning can be used if you prefer.
- Use the Right Amount of Liquid: The Instant Pot needs liquid to create steam and pressure. Make sure you have enough broth in the pot so it can come to pressure properly - different-sized Instant Pots have different requirements so make your you’ve read your manual.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let your turkey breast rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and juicy.
- Make the Gravy: Don't forget about the delicious drippings left in the pot. They make an excellent base for a flavorful gravy.
- Storage: Leftover turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for future meals!
Side Dishes
- Skillet Potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. These potatoes make a hearty side that complements the rich flavors of the turkey beautifully.
- Next up, consider our Balsamic Green Beans. The tangy balsamic gives these fresh green beans a delightful kick, providing a light and flavorful contrast to the savory turkey.
- For a refreshing and crunchy side, our Broccoli Apple Salad is a fantastic choice. The crisp apples, hearty broccoli, and sweet raisins create a symphony of textures and flavors that will delight your palate.
- If you're looking for something indulgent, our Macaroni and Cheese with Breadcrumbs is a crowd-pleaser. The creamy cheese sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping make this dish a comforting classic that everyone will love.
- Finally, our Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are a must-try. These potatoes are incredibly creamy and buttery, and the best part is the slow cooker does all the work for you!
FAQs
How long do you cook a turkey breast in the Instant Pot per pound?
A general rule of thumb is 6 to 7 minutes per pound. Cooking times can slightly vary based on the exact size and weight of your turkey breast, so always ensure your turkey is fully cooked by checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for cooked turkey is 165° F as measured with a food thermometer, according to the USDA.
I recommend a quick release, pass under the broiler, and at least a 15 minute rest.
If you prefer to do a natural pressure release you can, but I’ve found that this extra time can cause the turkey to dry out - especially if you’ve allowed it to sit at room temperature for an hour prior to cooking. (And who wants to serve dry turkey for Thanksgiving dinner?)
Remember, every Instant Pot model can behave slightly differently, and the size and starting temperature of your turkey breast can also affect the cooking time
Why did my turkey breast come out tough?
Tough turkey breast is often a result of overcooking or cooking at too high temperatures.
Turkey breast can become tough and dry when the meat is dehydrated at lower temperatures or when high heat draws out the moisture in the turkey. As turkey is a type of white meat, it's low in moisture, fat, and collagen, which can contribute to a tougher texture.
For this reason, I recommend cooking at a slightly shorter time per pound than some recipes. You can always cook your turkey a bit more if necessary, but you can’t undo over cooking. It is important to remember that the turkey will experience carry over cooking as it rests, so you want to take this into account when determining whether your turkey is done or not.
How can I make dry turkey better?
If you find your turkey is tough after cooking, there are a few ways to help salvage it. Brushing the carved turkey with warmed chicken stock or broth, or even a bit of melted unsalted butter, can add some moisture back into the meat. However, it's crucial not to overdo it.
Allowing the turkey to rest before carving it can also make a difference. Carving the breast against the grain rather than with it can make the meat seem less tough and dry.
Tools
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- Instant Pot
- Trivet
- Instant Read Meat Thermometer
- Instant Pot Crisper Lid or Broiler Pan
Instant Pot Bone In Turkey Breast
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 5 to 7 pound turkey breast
- ¼ cup avocado oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lemon zested and halved
- 1 onion peeled and halved
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
Gravy
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Dry the turkey breast with a paper towel and let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Stir together the oil, syrup, salt, paprika, black pepper, and lemon zest.
- Brush over the outside of the bird.
- Place the onion and lemons in the cavity .
- Add the broth to the bottom of the Instant Pot and place the trivet in the pot. Add the turkey on top. Place the lid on the top and lock it into position. Turn the valve to SEAL.
- SET the pot to MANUAL HIGH PRESSURE for 30 minutes. (Adjust the time depending on the size of the turkey - aim for 6 minutes per pound.)
- When the time is up, do a quick release of the pressure.
- Preheat your oven to BROIL.
- Move the turkey to a roasting pan. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can use your crisper lid to crisp up the skin.
- Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and allow to rest for at least 15 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature is 165° F at the thickest part of the breast before serving.
Turkey Gravy
- While the turkey is resting, stir the water and cornstarch together in a small bowl.
- Set the Instant Pot to SAUTE.
- Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the broth.
- Add the butter, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the gravy thickens.
- Slice the turkey and serve with the gravy.
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