Craving a succulent, tender turkey breast with a rich, savory gravy but don’t want the hassle of a traditional oven roast? Look no further! This Instant Pot turkey breast recipe is your secret weapon for achieving truly delicious results with incredible speed and ease. Utilizing a masterful trio of simple yet effective techniques, we guide you to a turkey breast that is unbelievably moist and tender every single time. Perfect for a small Thanksgiving gathering, a festive Christmas dinner, or simply when you desire a comforting, healthy meal, this recipe promises to impress without consuming your entire day in the kitchen. Get ready to elevate your holiday cooking and everyday meals alike with this foolproof method for the ultimate turkey experience.
Why This Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe is a Game Changer
Forget dry, bland turkey! Our Instant Pot turkey breast recipe is designed to deliver unparalleled flavor and texture, transforming what can often be an intimidating dish into an effortless culinary triumph. Here’s what sets this recipe apart and why it will become your new go-to for turkey:
- Unbelievably Tender & Juicy: This recipe guarantees a turkey breast that remains incredibly tender and bursting with natural juices, thanks to our specialized cooking approach. It’s the ideal solution for those tired of overcooked poultry.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re planning an intimate holiday dinner for two, a small family gathering, or simply craving a wholesome, healthy weeknight meal, this turkey breast perfectly scales to your needs. Its exquisite taste makes any meal feel special.
- Beyond Basic Flavor: This isn’t your average, boring turkey. We incorporate an incredibly easy, flavorful salty brine and a fragrant garlicky compound butter, generously applied under the skin. These elements infuse the turkey with layers of savory goodness, ensuring every bite is memorable.
- Optional But Highly Recommended Brine: While brining your turkey is completely optional, we enthusiastically recommend it! A short soak in our simple brine solution makes a dramatic difference, leading to significantly more flavorful and juicy turkey meat and skin. It’s a minimal effort step with maximum reward, requiring just a few ingredients and a couple of hours in the fridge.
- Rich, Effortless Gravy: Complementing the magnificent turkey is a velvety, rich, and intensely flavorful gravy that is shockingly easy to prepare. Made directly in the Instant Pot using the turkey’s own savory drippings, this gravy comes together quickly.
- Dietary Adaptability: We understand diverse dietary needs. With just a few simple ingredient swaps, this entire meal, including the glorious gravy, can be made gluten-free or paleo-friendly. This flexibility ensures everyone at your table can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Saves Time & Oven Space: The Instant Pot significantly cuts down on cooking time compared to traditional roasting, freeing up your oven for other side dishes. This is a huge advantage during busy holiday seasons!
A Word from the Chef: Cheryl Malik
This Instant Pot turkey breast recipe truly simplifies what can often be a daunting holiday task. I’ve personally refined this method to ensure maximum flavor and moisture with minimal fuss. If you’re looking to explore even more unique flavor profiles, don’t hesitate to drizzle some savory Au Jus over your turkey. My Au Jus recipe is incredibly popular and adds another layer of gourmet taste!
The Secret to the Moistest Instant Pot Turkey Breast: A Trio of Techniques
Achieving a turkey breast that is consistently moist and flavorful isn’t just luck; it’s a science, and we’ve mastered it with three simple yet powerful techniques:
1. The Essential Brine for Maximum Juiciness
Brining is the first, and arguably most crucial, step towards a truly exceptional turkey. Our simple brine solution, a mixture of water, salt, fresh thyme, and smashed garlic, works wonders. The salt in the brine penetrates the turkey meat, helping it absorb and retain moisture during cooking. This process ensures that even if you accidentally overcook your turkey by a minute or two, it will still remain remarkably juicy. It also infuses the meat with a subtle savory flavor that lays the foundation for a truly delicious dish. A short 2-4 hour brine is all it takes to make a world of difference.
2. Flavorful Compound Butter for Crispy Skin and Richness
Beneath that golden, crispy skin lies another secret: a fragrant compound butter. We blend softened butter with minced garlic and fresh thyme to create an aromatic mixture that is gently rubbed directly onto the turkey breast meat, under the skin. This not only imbues the turkey with incredible flavor from the inside out but also acts as a barrier, locking in moisture. As the turkey cooks, the butter bastes the meat, keeping it tender, while contributing to a beautifully crisp and golden-brown skin when finished under the broiler.
3. The Magic of Pressure Cooking in the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot itself is the third pillar of this recipe’s success. Pressure cooking creates an incredibly moist environment, trapping steam and heat, which cooks the turkey quickly and evenly without drying it out. The high-pressure setting ensures that the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature while remaining incredibly tender. It’s a hands-off approach that yields perfectly cooked turkey every time, significantly reducing the cooking time compared to traditional methods and consistently delivering stellar results.
Elevate Your Meal with a Decadent Homemade Gravy
No turkey dinner is complete without a rich, velvety gravy, and ours is designed to be the crowning glory of your meal. This gravy isn’t just an afterthought; it’s an integral part of the flavor experience, made directly from the savory drippings left in the Instant Pot after cooking the turkey. These drippings are packed with all the delicious flavors that have rendered from the turkey, aromatics, and butter, creating a deeply flavorful base for your gravy. A simple roux (butter and flour) thickens it to a luxurious consistency, while constant whisking ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce that clings beautifully to every slice of turkey.
What’s even better is how adaptable this gravy is to various dietary needs. With just a few straightforward swaps, you can cater to your guests:
- Gluten-Free Gravy: Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The thickening properties are similar, ensuring the same luscious texture.
- Paleo-Friendly Gravy: For a paleo version, use ghee instead of butter for the roux, and substitute cassava flour for all-purpose flour in a 1:1 ratio. These alternatives maintain the rich taste and texture while adhering to paleo guidelines.
- Keto-Friendly Gravy: Achieve a keto-compliant gravy by replacing all-purpose flour with almond flour (1:1 ratio) or, for best results and specific keto macros, follow our dedicated keto gravy recipe.
The result is a versatile, deeply satisfying gravy that enhances the turkey’s flavors and ties the entire meal together beautifully.
Expert Tips for Your Best Instant Pot Turkey Yet
Mastering the Instant Pot turkey breast is simple with a few insider tips:
- Brine Time is Key: While the brine is optional, for maximum juiciness and flavor, aim for a 2-4 hour brining period. Don’t over-brine, as this can lead to overly salty turkey. If time is short, even 1 hour helps!
- Applying Compound Butter Under the Skin: This step is crucial for flavor and moisture. To make it easier, gently separate the skin from the breast meat with your fingers. Then, using a spoon with the butter mixture, slide it under the skin. Use your fingers on the outside of the skin to guide and hold the butter in place as you pull the spoon out. Distribute it evenly over the breast.
- Achieving Crispy Skin: The Instant Pot excels at cooking moist meat, but it doesn’t brown skin. For that coveted crispy, golden skin, a quick trip under a preheated broiler for a few minutes after pressure cooking is essential. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
- Don’t Overcook: The key to tender turkey is not to overcook it. The Instant Pot cooks efficiently, so stick to the recommended cooking times and always use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest Your Turkey: After cooking, remove the turkey from the Instant Pot and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in an even more tender and succulent turkey.
- Thanksgiving Prep Bonus: For even more comprehensive holiday cooking advice and strategies, make sure to download my Complete and Total Guide to Thanksgiving here! It’s packed with invaluable tips to make your holiday meal stress-free and delicious.
- Make it Paleo: Easily adapt this recipe for a paleo diet by swapping out butter for ghee (clarified butter) and using cassava flour instead of all-purpose flour for the gravy. These substitutions work beautifully in a 1:1 ratio.
- For Gluten-Free Gravy: Simply use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of traditional all-purpose flour. The thickening agent will perform similarly, yielding a smooth, delicious gravy without the gluten.
- For a Keto-Friendly Meal: To make the gravy keto, you can use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour (use a 1:1 ratio, but note the texture might be slightly different). For optimal results, consider following a dedicated keto gravy recipe that is specifically formulated for low-carb cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a frozen turkey breast in the Instant Pot?
While technically possible, it’s highly recommended to thaw your turkey breast completely before cooking in the Instant Pot for best results and consistent cooking. A frozen turkey breast will require significantly longer cooking times and may not cook as evenly, potentially affecting the final texture and juiciness.
How long does it take to cook a turkey breast in an Instant Pot?
For a 3-pound whole skin-on turkey breast, the cooking time in the Instant Pot at Manual High Pressure is typically 25 minutes, followed by a 10-15 minute natural pressure release. This yields a perfectly cooked, moist turkey.
What internal temperature should Instant Pot turkey breast reach?
Always ensure your turkey breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured in the thickest part of the meat using a reliable meat thermometer. This ensures it is safely cooked and delicious.
Is brining really necessary? Can I skip it?
Brining is highly recommended for the juiciest and most flavorful turkey breast, but it is not strictly necessary. If you are short on time, you can skip the brine. However, be aware that the turkey may not be quite as moist or deeply flavored. If skipping the brine, ensure you season the turkey generously before cooking.
How do I store leftover Instant Pot turkey breast?
Leftover turkey breast should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze sliced turkey and gravy separately in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently to maintain moisture.
Cheryl Malik
Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy
10 minutes
35 minutes
2 hours
2 hours 45 minutes
Cheryl Malik
Equipment
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Medium bowl
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Large container with lid or large food-safe, sealable bag
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Food processor or standard blender
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Instant Pot or similar pressure cooker
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Instant Pot trivet
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Whisk
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup butter + 2 tablespoons (7 ½ tablespoons in total), divided
For the Turkey
- 1 3-pound whole skin-on turkey breast thawed; plastic wrap removed, netting still on
- 3 cloves garlic minced, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon oil
For the Gravy
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ⅓ cup flour see Notes for substitutions
- 1-2 pinches salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
For the Brine
- 9 cups water
- ½ cup salt
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 cloves garlic peeled and smashed
For the Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic smashed
- 1 stalk celery cut into 1” pieces
- 1 carrot cut into 1” pieces
- ½ onion roughly diced
Instructions
For the Brine
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Stir together all brine ingredients (water, salt, fresh thyme, smashed garlic) in a medium bowl until the salt is completely dissolved. Pour the brine into a large food storage container or a robust, food-safe plastic bag. Carefully place the turkey breast into the brine, ensuring it is fully submerged. Seal the container or bag completely and refrigerate for approximately 2-4 hours. This brining step is crucial for infusing flavor and retaining moisture.
For the Turkey
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Once the turkey has finished marinating, prepare the compound butter. In a food processor or blender, combine 3 tablespoons of the divided butter (softened), minced garlic, and fresh thyme. Process until a smooth, fragrant paste forms. Carefully peel the skin away from the turkey breast using your fingers, taking care not to tear it. Generously rub the prepared butter mixture under the skin directly onto the turkey meat. Also, rub the outside of the skin with a small amount of butter and season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
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Drain the brine from the turkey breast and discard it. Pour 2 cups of chicken broth into the Instant Pot liner. Add the aromatic vegetables (smashed garlic, celery pieces, carrot pieces, and diced onion) to the broth. Place the Instant Pot trivet into the pot, ensuring it sits above the broth and aromatics.
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Carefully place the prepared turkey breast on top of the trivet. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the sealing valve is set to the ‘Sealing’ position. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ button and set the cooking time to 25 minutes on High Pressure. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10-15 minutes before carefully performing a quick release of any remaining pressure.
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Carefully remove the cooked turkey breast from the Instant Pot and transfer it to a cutting board. Snip and remove the netting around the turkey. If you have a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the breast to confirm it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
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If desired, for a crispier skin, gently pat the turkey breast very dry with paper towels. Drizzle lightly with 1 tablespoon of oil. Preheat your oven broiler to high. Place the turkey breast on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes, watching constantly, until the skin is beautifully browned and crisp. Be extremely careful not to overcook the turkey during this step, as it can dry out quickly under the broiler.
For the Gravy
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Carefully pour the flavorful broth and drippings from the Instant Pot into a large heat-proof measuring cup. Allow the solids to settle, then skim off any excess fat from the top if desired. Measure out about 2 cups of the liquid (you can save any extra for future use or discard it). Return the Instant Pot liner to the base and set it to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the pot and let it melt. Once melted, sprinkle in the ⅓ cup of flour. Whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste (roux) forms and lightly browns. Gradually pour in the warm stock, a little at a time, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, until all the stock is incorporated and the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Season the gravy to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper.
Recipe Notes & Substitutions
- Thanksgiving Tips: For a comprehensive guide to holiday meal planning and cooking, don’t forget to download my Complete and Total Guide to Thanksgiving here!
- Adding Butter to Turkey: A helpful trick for evenly distributing compound butter under the turkey skin is to use a spoon. Place a spoonful of butter mixture under the skin, then use your fingers on the outside of the skin to hold the butter in place while you gently remove the spoon.
- Make it Paleo: To adjust this recipe for a Paleo diet, substitute ghee for butter (in the compound butter and gravy) and use cassava flour instead of all-purpose flour for thickening the gravy. Both can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
- Make it Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free option, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend when making the gravy. Use it in a 1:1 ratio.
- Make it Keto: To make the gravy keto-friendly, you can use almond flour as a thickener in a 1:1 ratio. For more detailed keto gravy instructions, please refer to this dedicated keto gravy recipe.
Approximate Nutritional Information for One Serving
Calories: 437cal
Protein: 46g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 148mg
Sodium: 10314mg
Potassium: 166mg
Total Carbs: 11g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Net Carbs: 10g
Vitamin A: 2117IU
Vitamin C: 11mg
Calcium: 48mg
Iron: 1mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas
Once your magnificent Instant Pot turkey breast and rich gravy are ready, the possibilities for serving are endless. This versatile main dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, whether you’re aiming for a traditional holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner.
- Classic Holiday Sides: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce for a complete festive meal. Our Instant Pot Whole30 Cranberry Sauce is a fantastic, healthier option.
- Fresh Herb Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley over the carved turkey and gravy not only adds a burst of color but also enhances the aromatic experience.
- Roasted Vegetables: Complement the turkey with simple roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus, drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Bread Rolls: Warm, crusty bread rolls or our Sweet Potato Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter are perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious gravy.
- Lighter Options: For a lighter meal, pair the turkey breast with a fresh green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables.
Explore More Holiday and Weeknight Favorites
If you loved this Instant Pot Turkey Breast, be sure to explore more of our delicious and easy-to-make recipes perfect for any occasion. From festive holiday spreads to comforting weeknight dinners, we have something for everyone:
- Whole30 Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy (Paleo)
- Creamed Onions
- Quick Turkey Brine
- Garlic and Herb Sous Vide Turkey
- Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls
- Raspberry Cocktails with Rosemary
- Creamy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
- Candied Carrots
- Reverse Sear Prime Rib
- Crockpot Turkey and Stuffing
- Sweet Potato Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter
- Instant Pot Whole30 Cranberry Sauce with Apples and Rosemary (Paleo, No Sugar)
- Ham Gravy
Did You Make This Delicious Recipe?
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