Instant Pot Turkey Breast
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This super easy Instant Pot Turkey Breast is made in a fraction of the time and you’ll end up with the juiciest turkey breast ever, plus make your own gravy right in the instant pot.
My love for the Instant Pot continues and I have to say that after trying turkey breast roasted in the oven or made in a slow cooker, my favorite way right now is made in the Instant Pot using the high pressure method. The reason is simple and beside the obvious reason that it’s faster. I find that this results in the juiciest turkey breast out of all the other cooking methods.
This is coming from someone who loves dark meat because I find that there’s more flavor in the dark meat, plus it’s not as dry as breast. However, the Instant Pot made me a believer in juicy turkey breast.
How to Make Instant Pot Turkey Breast
But let’s talk about the obvious here. Roasted turkey breast in one hour, my friends! Can’t beat that especially when you’re crazy busy cooking a hundred other dishes for Thanksgiving. Plus you’re saving your oven for all the other goodies like making lots of cookies. You can also sear the breast right in the Instant Pot to get that nice golden brown color that we all love.
I love the idea of cooking only a turkey breast because whenever I cook a whole turkey I have enough for days. Trust me I do get tired of eating leftover turkey, especially when both hubs and I don’t do leftovers.
Another alternative is cooking just the turkey thighs, also perfect for a smaller crowd. However, I had a 4 pound piece of turkey breast here. This should be enough to feed 8 people 4 very hungry people. I have the 6qt Instant Pot and I could have easily cooked a much bigger piece of turkey in it.
You Can Make Gravy With the Drippings
The great thing here is that you will end up with turkey drippings to make some gravy. You can make the gravy right in the Instant Pot using the Saute setting. Very handy and all done in one pot, which is my favorite thing because there’s only one pot to clean.
I love to add half and half to my gravy to make it creamier but that’s totally up to you. However, you will end up with the most incredible gravy because as the turkey cooks you get all those juices dripping to the bottom of the instant pot; nothing gets wasted.
Can I Make This Turkey Breast in the Slow Cooker
Absolutely! Check out the recipe notes for instructions on how to make this in the slow cooker, keep in mind that the instant pot also has a slow cooker method.
Some of you have said in the past the slow cooking is still the best, well that option is available to you, you can definitely cook this on low for about 6 hours and you’ll still end up with a super juicy turkey breast.
Cooking Times for Instant Pot Turkey
The general rule of thumb for cooking poultry in the Instant Pot is is 6 minutes per pound with a 10 minute NPR (Natural Pressure Release).
4 lb Turkey or Turkey Breast = 24 minutes + 10 minutes NPR
8 lb Turkey or Turkey Breast = 48 minutes + 10 minutes NPR
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Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 55 mins
Total: 1 hr
Serves: 8
This super easy Instant Pot Turkey Breast is made in a fraction of the time and you'll end up with the juiciest turkey breast ever, plus make your own gravy right in the instant pot.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs turkey breast thawed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp italian seasoning
- 1 tsp tarragon
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp butter unsalted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Gravy
- 2 tbsp butter unsalted
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup half and half
Instructions
- Drizzle the tbsp of olive oil all over the turkey breast and rub it in. I usually do this so that the spices stick to the turkey breast. Rub the turkey well with the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, tarragon, salt, and pepper. Finish with the minced garlic.
- Turn the Instant Pot to the high saute setting. (See your manufacturer's guide for detailed instructions on how to use your instant pot). Add the 2 tbsp butter and oil and once your instant pot reaches the desired temperature (the timer will start to count down) add the turkey breast. Sear the turkey breast on all sides. Should take about 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer the breast to a plate or a cutting board.
- Add the Instant Pot's wire rack, then place the turkey on top, as seen in the video. Close the lid (follow the manufacturer's guide for instructions on how to close the instant pot lid). Set the Instant Pot to the Manual setting and set the timer to 25 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the Instant Pot cycle is complete, wait until the natural release cycle is complete, should take about 10 to 15 minutes. Follow the manufacturer's guide for quick release, if in a rush. Carefully unlock and remove the lid from the instant pot. Transfer the breast to a cutting board, cover completely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting into it. Make sure to remove the butcher twine before slicing it. If crispier skin is desired, broil it in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.
For the Gravy
- Turn the Instant Pot to the high saute setting (don't discard the turkey drippings). Add the 2 tbsp of butter and cook until the butter is melted. Whisk in the flour with the butter and cook for a couple minutes, stirring or whisking constantly, until the flour loses its raw smell.
- Whisk in the chicken broth and cook and half and half and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until thickened. You can omit the half and half and just use 1 cup of chicken broth or turkey broth. I used half and half for a creamier gravy. Season with salt and pepper as preferred.
Video
Recipe Notes
I used a boneless piece of turkey breast, sometimes it comes in a box and it usually has butcher twine all around it. You can of course, use a large turkey breast with bone in.
Please note: NO ADDITIONAL LIQUID is needed in the Instant Pot, however some people have been having issues with their Instant Pot reaching high pressure, so if you wish you could add a cup of liquid, either water or chicken broth.
I DID NOT use the poultry setting on the instant pot, you must use high pressure.
Other herbs that you can use and go well with turkey include thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano or marjoram.
Searing the turkey breast before actually cooking it in the instant pot is an optional step, however, it does give the turkey an incredible depth of flavor, plus it gives it that nice golden brown color. Searing over high heat caramelizes the surface of the meat, giving it incredible complex layers of flavors.
Slow Cooker Alternative: Season the turkey breast as instructed then place the turkey breast in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. Check the internal temperature and make sure it's at 165 F degrees, otherwise cook it longer. If crispier skin is desired, broil it in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Serve your turkey with:
Mashed Potatoes
Crockpot Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Cranberry Sauce
Nutritional information includes gravy. Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 360kcal (18%)Carbohydrates: 3g (1%)Protein: 49g (98%)Fat: 16g (25%)Saturated Fat: 6g (38%)Cholesterol: 143mg (48%)Sodium: 869mg (38%)Potassium: 614mg (18%)Vitamin A: 720IU (14%)Vitamin C: 1.4mg (2%)Calcium: 63mg (6%)Iron: 1.8mg (10%)
Originally published Nov 2017.
Louise Nolan says
Can I use a turkey breast roast? Thanks!
Jo Cooks Team 2 says
If you have a larger instant pot, yes of course! I have a 6qt instant pot which allows me to cook much bigger pieces of turkey in it.
Sally says
Hello! Just trying this for the first time and I keep getting the burn message. This is the 3rd time (and 1st time using my IP ). I keep taking everything out and cleaning it again, but burn message repeats just a couple minutes into the cook. It’s like the IP doesn’t like the seasoning/glaze. Any suggestions?
Jo Cooks Team says
Try adding a bit more liquid, like 1/2 cup chicken broth. If that doesn’t work then refer to your owner’s manual.
Becky U says
I tried to make this with a 3 lb Aldi boneless chicken breast. I cooked it for 18 min and let the steam natural release for 10. It was WAY off. I had to cook it for 15 more minutes in the oven to get it cooked in the center. I don’t know what I did wrong. I just followed the ratio of minutes per pound that you used in your recipe.
jo says
It could have been a malfunction with the instant pot and it did not come to pressure. Reasons for this could be the sealing ring is not properly installed or missing, or it’s dirty. Often food debris will get stuck to it.
Becky says
My instapot was brand new. I have used it a couple times and never had any problems. The sealing ring is also new and had no food debris on it. I had it on “high” pressure. However, the new Duo Nova ones also have a “normal” , “less”, and “more” setting besides just the pressure level. I had it on normal. Maybe that was the problem? I want to make this for guests, I just need to figure out how to make it right
jo says
I’m not familiar with that IP, it’s best to refer to your IP’s manual.
Carlita says
This looks incredible and I can’t wait to try it. Stupid question: do you remove the butcher twine before browning in the IP or not? I’m thinking if you cut it off first, it may fall apart. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
jo says
I didn’t remove it until after it was cooked, so it keeps the breast together.
Jaime says
Okay, I don’t typically leave reviews – good or bad – when I try out a recipe but this was SO GOOD I don’t think we’ll do turkey any other way! We were going to someone else’s house for dinner for Thanksgiving but wanted to make up a small turkey breast so we could enjoy leftovers during the weekend. We decided to give this a try yesterday – and my family can’t stop raving about the turkey as well as the gravy! And it was SO easy! Friends stopped by to drop off goodies as I was pulling this out of the broiler (after the Instant Pot cooking and resting under foil steps). They were grabbing forks and sampling, it, too!
Jo says
What changes to the amount of seasoning would you suggest for an 8# bone in turkey breast?
jo says
I would double them. 🙂
Joy Campbell says
The meat was not dry. Very flavorful, and my husband really liked the flavor of the gravy
Megan says
This was the best Thanksgiving Turkey I’ve ever had! It was not dry at all and so easy to make. Thank you for the recipe! I had a 6lb turkey and turned to high pressure for 36min then did the 10min release. Your cook time at 6min/lb was right on.
jo says
So glad to hear this! 🙂
Lifetime student says
I have a frozen breast roast, do I still do the searing part at first?
Can I add liquid smoke to the broth at the bottom of the pot to add a smoked flavor?
jo says
You won’t be able to sear it if it’s frozen, but yes you can add a little liquid smoke. If you’re using frozen turkey, it will take longer to cook as well.
Sherry says
Thank you so much! I am an expat who has never made my own Thanksgiving, and I wanted to be able to make a turkey that was delicious! I made it today and it came out wonderfully. It was easy to make and the gravy was delicious as well.
It was nice to have a reminder of home, and now that I know I can cook such an amazing meal, I’m going to invite over lots of friends next year to come celebrate with me!
Jo Cooks Team says
Congrats on a successful first Thanksgiving spread! We’re glad the turkey turned out so well 🙂
Sue_W says
Thank you for sharing your recipe and instructions! I cooked a 4.5 lb. turkey breast and it came out delicious! The moistest turkey I’ve ever had!!
Kat OD says
I accidentally bought a precooked turkey breast from Costco… I’d love to still use the instant pot to save oven space on Thanksgiving. What would you suggest to modify your recipe?
Jo Cooks Team says
I’d only cook it for 10-15 minutes! All you’ll need to do is warm it up. You can still use the same seasonings.
Keesha B says
Can I brine the turkey beforehand? I purchased a brine kit and don’t want to let it go to waste.
Jo Cooks Team 3 says
Absolutely! Give this recipe a try: https://www.jocooks.com/recipes/brined-roast-turkey-breast/
Trinity says
Hi Jo! I am wondering what the cook time would be for 2 turkey breasts. Each are about 3lbs each!
Jo Cooks Team 3 says
I would only cook both of them at the same time as long as they fit comfortably in the pot, otherwise cook separately. If they fit together, cook for 40 minutes on high pressure.
Kirsty says
Quick question? You didn’t add any liquid in the video? Is that right? How did you not get the burn message?
jo says
No, I didn’t need to. The turkey will release quite a bit of liquid while cooking.
Jason B says
I used this recipe as a guideline a couple of years ago, and plan on using it again this year. I just can’t remember, is the turkey breast thawed for those times? I don’t think I used all the seasonings suggested, but used some of the substitutions mentioned. I didn’t sear it, but I did put it under the broiler for 5 minutes at the end of cooking, to give it the golden brown skin and it turned out perfectly. I just have to figure out this frozen or thawed thing. I think thawed.
jo says
You can do it frozen too, but it will take longer. Glad it turned out for you.
Jodi says
Could I add onion, carrots, celery, etc in the bottom, like when I roast it?
jo says
Absolutely, you might need a bit of liquid for that though, maybe 1/2 cup or so.