Description
Make tender, juicy Instant Pot Turkey Breast with garlic, paprika, Italian herbs, and buttery homemade gravy. This easy pressure cooker turkey recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, small holiday gatherings, and comforting family dinners.
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
- 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
Instructions
- Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub it evenly with vegetable oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Select the high Sauté setting on the Instant Pot. Add butter and heat for approximately 1 minute until bubbling.
- Place the seasoned turkey breast in the pot. Sear for approximately 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the turkey and set aside.
- Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Pour in ½ cup water and scrape up the browned bits. Check your Instant Pot manual for its minimum liquid requirement and add more water if necessary.
- Place the browned turkey breast on the trivet above the cooking liquid.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the steam valve to sealing. Select Pressure Cook or Manual on high pressure and cook for 30 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for approximately 20 minutes. Carefully release any remaining pressure using the venting valve.
- Check the thickest part of the turkey with a meat thermometer. It must reach 165°F (74°C). Continue cooking if necessary.
- Remove the turkey breast and loosely cover it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Keep the turkey drippings in the Instant Pot and select the high Sauté setting.
- Whisk the all-purpose flour into the drippings. Gradually add the chicken broth and heavy cream while whisking until smooth.
- Simmer the gravy for 2 to 3 minutes until thick and creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Slice the rested turkey breast and serve immediately with warm homemade gravy.
Notes
Turkey Size: Use a 3 to 4 pound turkey breast that fits comfortably inside your Instant Pot.
Marinating: Let the seasoned turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before cooking. Do not leave raw turkey at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Searing: Brown the turkey in butter before pressure cooking to develop a golden exterior and rich savory flavor.
Cooking Liquid: Add enough water to meet your Instant Pot model’s minimum liquid requirement.
Cooking Time: Pressure cook for 30 minutes, followed by approximately 20 minutes of natural pressure release.
Food Safety: Always check that the thickest part of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C).
Resting: Let the cooked turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing to help retain its juices.
Oil Substitutions: Replace vegetable oil with olive oil or avocado oil if desired.
Herb Substitutions: Use dried oregano instead of Italian seasoning.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a suitable gluten-free thickener when preparing the gravy.
Gravy: Use the turkey drippings, chicken broth, flour, and heavy cream to create a rich homemade gravy.
Storage: Refrigerate cooked turkey in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooled turkey in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating: Warm turkey in a 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 10 to 20 minutes with a splash of broth or gravy. Alternatively, use an air fryer for approximately 10 minutes. Reheat to 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition: Turkey breast provides lean protein. Exact nutritional values depend on ingredients, portion sizes, and gravy consumption.
Total Time: The original recipe card lists 1 hour 5 minutes. Allow additional time for pressure buildup, natural pressure release, and resting.