Cooking a turkey breast in the Instant Pot is a game-changer for weeknight dinners and holiday meals alike. This method delivers a tender, juicy turkey breast with minimal effort and time. Whether you’re looking to prepare a quick dinner or need a centerpiece for a festive gathering, this Instant Pot Turkey Breast recipe is ideal. By using the Instant Pot, you cut down on cooking time while still achieving a flavorful and succulent result.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to prepare a perfectly cooked turkey breast. You’ll learn how to season and cook the turkey breast in your Instant Pot, along with tips for achieving the best texture and flavor. With this recipe, you’ll enjoy a delicious turkey breast that’s sure to impress your family and guests.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Turkey Breast
To make Instant Pot Turkey Breast, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 (3 to 4 pounds) boneless turkey breast: A turkey breast of this size fits well in most Instant Pots and ensures a juicy, flavorful dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to brown the turkey breast and adds richness.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base and helps keep the turkey moist.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the turkey breast.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor of the turkey.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Provides a subtle herbal note that complements the turkey.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds a fragrant, piney flavor.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Imparts a smoky taste and a rich color.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Season the turkey to your preference.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds a umami flavor and helps to deepen the color of the turkey.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional): Used for thickening the gravy if desired.
How to Make Instant Pot Turkey Breast
- Prepare the Turkey Breast
- Season the Turkey
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. The seasoning blend enhances the turkey’s flavor and creates a savory crust. - Sear the Turkey
Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, sear the turkey breast on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step locks in the flavors and gives the turkey a beautiful, caramelized exterior. Once seared, remove the turkey breast from the pot and set aside.
- Prepare the Instant Pot
- Deglaze the Pot
With the Instant Pot still on “Sauté” mode, pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits add rich flavor to the cooking liquid and, ultimately, to the turkey. - Add Soy Sauce
Stir in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. This enhances the flavor profile with a touch of umami and contributes to the color of the turkey.
- Cook the Turkey Breast
- Pressure Cook
Return the seared turkey breast to the Instant Pot. Close the lid and ensure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high for 25 minutes. The turkey will cook under pressure, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the broth and seasonings. - Natural Release
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. This helps the turkey breast retain its moisture. After 10 minutes, carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure. - Check for Doneness
Open the Instant Pot lid and check the turkey breast for doneness. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C). If necessary, you can cook the turkey for an additional 5 minutes under pressure.
- Make the Gravy (Optional)
- Remove the Turkey
Carefully remove the turkey breast from the Instant Pot and set it on a cutting board to rest. - Thicken the Gravy
For a thicker gravy, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the remaining liquid in the Instant Pot. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens.
- Slice and Serve
- Slice the Turkey
After the turkey breast has rested for about 10 minutes, slice it against the grain into thick, juicy pieces. - Serve
Serve the sliced turkey breast with the thickened gravy. This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
About the Main Ingredients
- Boneless Turkey Breast: This is a lean cut of poultry that’s ideal for quick cooking methods like the Instant Pot. It’s versatile and can be used in various recipes.
- Olive Oil: Used for searing, olive oil adds a subtle richness and helps create a golden-brown crust on the turkey breast.
- Chicken Broth: Provides a flavorful cooking liquid that keeps the turkey moist and infuses it with savory flavors.
- Garlic and Onion Powder: These spices offer a concentrated flavor that enhances the turkey without overwhelming it.
- Dried Thyme and Rosemary: These herbs add aromatic, earthy notes that complement the turkey’s natural flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and a vibrant color to the dish.
- Soy Sauce: Enhances the umami flavor and adds depth to the broth.
- Cornstarch: Used for thickening the gravy, giving it a velvety texture.
This Instant Pot Turkey Breast recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or holiday meals when you want a delicious and hassle-free option. The Instant Pot makes cooking a turkey breast quick and easy while ensuring it remains juicy and flavorful. Enjoy this recipe as a centerpiece for your next meal, and savor the convenience and taste of perfectly cooked turkey breast.
