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Nothing brings everyone to the table quite like the smell of garlic, butter, and warm herbs. This Instant Pot Turkey Breast delivers tender, juicy slices with a golden, savory exterior and rich homemade gravy. Plus, it makes Thanksgiving, Christmas, smaller holiday gatherings, and cozy family dinners feel special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe

This Instant Pot Turkey Breast recipe gives you all the comforting flavors of traditional roast turkey with much less effort.

First, pressure cooking helps the turkey stay moist and tender. Meanwhile, garlic, paprika, and Italian herbs create a wonderful savory flavor.

Also, browning the turkey in butter adds a beautiful golden exterior. Even better, you can turn those flavorful cooking juices into creamy homemade gravy.

Finally, simple ingredients and one main cooking pot mean less cleanup. It’s a practical choice when you want a delicious dinner without a crowded oven.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Turkey Breast

You only need a few everyday ingredients to make this flavorful turkey dinner.

Ingredients for the Turkey Breast

1 medium turkey breast (3 to 4 pounds)
½ tablespoon vegetable oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup water

Ingredients for the Homemade Turkey Gravy

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

You can easily adjust this Instant Pot Turkey Breast recipe to suit your pantry.

For example, avocado oil or olive oil works instead of vegetable oil. Likewise, dried oregano makes a simple replacement for Italian seasoning.

For a gluten-free gravy, replace regular flour with a suitable gluten-free thickener. However, remember that the original gravy contains wheat flour.

You can also add a little rosemary or thyme for extra holiday flavor.

How to Make Instant Pot Turkey Breast

Making Instant Pot Turkey Breast takes just a few simple steps. First, gather your Instant Pot, trivet, measuring tools, paper towels, aluminum foil, and whisk.

Recipe details:

Prep time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 15 minutes
Cook time: Approximately 40 minutes
Recipe card total: 1 hour 5 minutes
Additional time: Allow for pressure release, resting, and pressure buildup
Servings: 3 to 4
Cuisine: American

Step 1: Season and Marinate the Turkey Breast

First, pat the turkey breast thoroughly dry with paper towels.

Next, rub it with vegetable oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic.

Then, let the turkey marinate for at least 15 minutes. This short rest helps the seasonings coat the meat evenly.

Meanwhile, keep the turkey from sitting at room temperature for longer than necessary.

Step 2: Sear the Turkey Breast Until Golden

Select the high Sauté setting on your Instant Pot. Then, add the butter and let it bubble for about one minute.

Next, carefully place the turkey breast inside. Brown each side for approximately five minutes.

As a result, the surface develops a golden color and deeper savory flavor.

Remember, you don’t need to cook the turkey completely during this step.

Step 3: Add Water and Place the Turkey on the Trivet

First, remove the browned turkey breast.

Next, pour ½ cup water into the pot and scrape up the flavorful browned bits. Then, position the trivet inside.

Place the turkey breast on top so it rests above the cooking liquid.

However, check your Instant Pot manual because some models require more than ½ cup liquid to reach pressure.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Turkey Breast

Secure the lid and turn the steam valve to the sealing position.

Next, select Manual or Pressure Cook on high pressure and set the timer for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, the pressure cooker circulates hot steam around the turkey, helping it cook evenly.

Step 5: Release the Pressure and Let the Turkey Rest

After cooking, allow approximately 20 minutes of natural pressure release.

Then, carefully release any remaining pressure according to your cooker’s instructions.

Next, check the thickest part of the turkey with a meat thermometer. It must reach 165°F (74°C). If necessary, continue cooking until it reaches that temperature.

Finally, transfer the turkey to a plate, loosely cover it with aluminum foil, and rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Sliced Instant Pot Turkey Breast with golden garlic herb crust, juicy white meat, and creamy mashed potatoes. — Tender, juicy Instant Pot Turkey Breast with a golden garlic herb crust, served with creamy mashed potatoes.

How to Make Homemade Turkey Gravy

The creamy gravy brings this Instant Pot Turkey Breast dinner together beautifully.

Use the Turkey Drippings for Extra Flavor

First, leave the turkey drippings inside the Instant Pot.

Then, select the high Sauté setting. Those buttery, garlicky juices create a rich foundation for the gravy.

Whisk and Simmer the Gravy Until Thick and Creamy

Next, whisk the flour into the hot drippings. Gradually add the chicken broth and heavy cream while whisking.

Then, simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the gravy thickens and the flour cooks through.

Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the warm gravy over freshly sliced turkey.

How Long to Cook Turkey Breast in the Instant Pot

For a 3 to 4 pound Instant Pot Turkey Breast, this recipe uses 30 minutes of high-pressure cooking.

Afterward, allow approximately 20 minutes for natural pressure release and another 10 minutes for resting.

However, the exact cooking time depends on the turkey’s thickness, weight, and whether it contains bones.

Most importantly, always check that the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).

Also, remember that pressure buildup adds extra time. Therefore, the full process may take longer than the recipe card’s stated 1 hour 5 minutes.

Tips for Juicy and Tender Instant Pot Turkey Breast

A few small kitchen habits make a noticeable difference.

Pat the Turkey Dry and Season It Well

First, remove excess moisture before adding seasonings. This helps the surface brown nicely.

Also, spread the garlic and herbs evenly for balanced flavor in every slice.

Sear the Turkey for Better Flavor

Don’t skip the butter searing step.

Instead, give each side enough time to develop a golden crust. Those browned bits also add wonderful flavor to the gravy.

Use Enough Liquid for Pressure Cooking

Always add water before pressure cooking.

The liquid creates steam and helps prevent scorching. However, follow your Instant Pot model’s minimum liquid requirement.

Check the Internal Temperature to Avoid Overcooking

A meat thermometer makes cooking turkey much easier.

Therefore, check the thickest section and aim for 165°F (74°C). Avoid cooking longer than necessary once the turkey reaches that temperature.

Rest the Turkey Before Slicing

Finally, give the cooked turkey 10 minutes to rest.

This allows the juices to settle throughout the meat. As a result, each slice stays tender and moist.

What to Serve With Instant Pot Turkey Breast

This savory turkey pairs beautifully with classic American comfort food.

For a holiday meal, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, green beans, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

Meanwhile, warm dinner rolls make a wonderful addition because they soak up the creamy gravy.

For everyday dinners, roasted vegetables or a simple green salad keep the meal lighter.

You can also serve buttery peas or sweet potatoes for a colorful holiday plate.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Turkey Breast

Leftover Instant Pot Turkey Breast makes delicious sandwiches, salads, and comforting lunches.

Storing Cooked Turkey Breast in the Refrigerator

First, let the turkey cool briefly. Then, transfer it to an airtight container within two hours of cooking.

Store it in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below for 3 to 4 days.

Also, keep a little gravy with the sliced turkey to help maintain moisture.

Freezing Leftover Turkey Breast

For longer storage, place cooled turkey slices in freezer-safe containers or bags.

Next, remove excess air and freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.

When you’re ready to eat, thaw the turkey overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating Turkey Breast Without Drying It Out

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Next, place turkey slices in a baking dish with a splash of broth or gravy. Cover with foil and warm for approximately 10 to 20 minutes.

Alternatively, use an air fryer at a moderate temperature for around 10 minutes, checking frequently.

In either case, reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should you cook a turkey breast in the Instant Pot?

For this recipe, cook a 3 to 4 pound turkey breast on high pressure for 30 minutes.

Then, allow approximately 20 minutes of natural pressure release and 10 minutes of resting. Always confirm that the center reaches 165°F (74°C).

How to cook chicken breast in Instant Pot without drying it out?

First, add enough cooking liquid and avoid excessive cooking time.

Next, adjust the pressure cooking time to the chicken’s thickness. Finally, check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and let the meat rest briefly before slicing.

Can you put raw turkey in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook raw turkey directly in an Instant Pot.

However, browning it first creates deeper flavor. Also, use enough liquid and check the internal temperature before serving.

What is the best method for cooking turkey breast?

The best method depends on your schedule and preferred texture.

For convenience, Instant Pot Turkey Breast produces moist, tender meat without occupying your oven.

Meanwhile, traditional roasting creates a crispier exterior. Both methods work well when you monitor the internal temperature.

More Such Recipes

If you enjoy this comforting turkey dinner, try these delicious recipes from Kai Recipes:

You can also find more comforting dinner inspiration on Kai Recipes Pinterest and connect with our cooking community on Facebook.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Turkey Breast recipe brings juicy turkey, warm garlic flavor, and creamy homemade gravy to your table with surprisingly little effort.

Whether you’re planning Thanksgiving, celebrating Christmas, or preparing a comforting weeknight dinner, this simple pressure cooker recipe makes the meal easier.

So, grab your Instant Pot and give it a try! Then, leave a recipe rating and share your experience in the comments. I’d love to hear how your turkey turned out.

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