Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy: Your Easiest Recipe for Juicy, Tender Turkey

Are you looking for a foolproof way to cook a turkey breast that is not only incredibly easy but also consistently delivers tender, juicy, and delicious results? Look no further! This Instant Pot Turkey Breast recipe is a game-changer, especially if you’re short on time or simply want to avoid the fuss of traditional oven roasting. The magic of pressure cooking ensures your turkey breast is cooked to perfection with minimal effort, yielding a flavorful meal every single time. And the best part? We’ll also show you how to transform those rich pan drippings into an irresistible homemade gravy, all in the same pot! It’s truly my favorite method for enjoying turkey, offering both incredible taste and a surprisingly easy cleanup. Let’s get cooking!

Cooking a turkey breast no longer has to be an overwhelming or time-consuming task. This recipe offers the easiest and most delectable method to prepare a succulent turkey breast, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, small holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you crave that comforting turkey flavor. As an added bonus, you can effortlessly create a rich, flavorful turkey gravy directly from the savory drippings left in your Instant Pot. This makes for a truly cohesive and delicious meal, ideally served alongside creamy mashed potatoes. Pure deliciousness!

Why the Instant Pot is Your Secret Weapon for Perfect Turkey Breast

The Instant Pot isn’t just a trendy kitchen gadget; it’s a true culinary marvel, especially when it comes to cooking poultry. Here’s why it outshines traditional methods for turkey breast:

• Unmatched Speed: Forget hours of roasting. The Instant Pot drastically cuts down cooking time, making a delicious turkey breast achievable even on a busy weeknight.
• Guaranteed Juiciness: Pressure cooking creates a steamy, enclosed environment that locks in moisture, preventing the turkey from drying out – a common pitfall with oven-roasted turkey.
• Effortless Process: With minimal hands-on time, you can set it and forget it, freeing you up to prepare other dishes or simply relax.
• Flavor Infusion: Cooking with aromatics and broth under pressure deeply infuses the turkey with incredible flavor, resulting in a more savory and aromatic final product.
• Easy Gravy: The Instant Pot allows you to make a rich, flavorful gravy directly from the drippings, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.

While I generally lean towards ham or chicken, this Instant Pot turkey breast has genuinely converted me. When turkey is cooked *right*, it’s an absolute delight, and this recipe delivers exactly that. The key for me is always plenty of rich, homemade gravy to complement every slice. Give this recipe a try, and I’m confident you’ll be just as impressed!

Gather Your Ingredients for Instant Pot Turkey Success

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of common ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential for creating the best Instant Pot turkey breast with gravy.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make the Perfect Instant Pot Turkey Breast

Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfectly cooked turkey breast and a luscious gravy, all with the incredible efficiency of your Instant Pot.

1. Prepare the Turkey: Begin by patting your turkey breast dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes a nicer “crust” if you choose to broil it later. Generously season the turkey breast all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Don’t be shy – good seasoning is key to a flavorful turkey!
2. Build the Flavor Base: In the bottom of your Instant Pot insert, place the quartered onion, large pieces of celery, smashed garlic cloves, and the sprig of thyme. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. These aromatics will infuse the cooking liquid with fantastic flavor, which is crucial for our gravy.
3. Set Up for Success: Place the wire rack insert (or a trivet) into the Instant Pot, directly on top of the aromatics and broth. This keeps the turkey breast elevated, allowing it to steam evenly and preventing it from sitting in the liquid, ensuring a tender, not soggy, result. Carefully place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the wire rack.
4. Pressure Cook: Lock the lid securely in place and ensure the vent is set to the sealing position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function. Set the cooking time to 60 minutes if your turkey breast is frozen, or 50 minutes if it is thawed. The cooking time might vary slightly based on the exact size and thickness of your turkey breast, but these times are a good starting point for a 4lb breast.
5. Natural and Quick Release: Once the Instant Pot beeps to signal the end of the cooking cycle, allow it to natural pressure release (NPR) for 10 minutes. This allows the meat to relax and reabsorb juices, contributing to a more tender and moist turkey. After 10 minutes, carefully switch the vent to the “Venting” position to perform a quick pressure release (QPR) and release any remaining pressure.
6. Check for Doneness: When the float valve drops, indicating all pressure has been released, carefully remove the lid. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey breast. It should register 165°F (74°C). If it hasn’t reached 165°F, lock the lid back in place and cook for a few more minutes on high pressure, checking again.
7. Rest or Brown: Once the turkey has reached 165°F, carefully remove it from the Instant Pot and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This resting period is vital for retaining juices. Optional: If you desire a browned, crispy skin, transfer the turkey breast to a shallow cooking dish and place it under a broiler for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
8. Prepare for Gravy: While the turkey rests (or broils), carefully strain the broth from the Instant Pot through a fine-mesh sieve into a heat-proof bowl or measuring cup. Discard the cooked aromatics. Reserve 2 cups of this flavorful broth to make your gravy.
9. Make the Gravy: Pour the reserved 2 cups of broth back into the Instant Pot. Select the “Saute” function.
10. Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, whisk together the 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Once the broth in the Instant Pot comes to a gentle simmer, slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously until the broth thickens to your desired gravy consistency. This usually takes a few minutes.
11. Season the Gravy: Stir in the poultry gravy seasoning if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to stir until well combined and perfectly seasoned.
12. Serve: Remove the turkey breast from the broiler (if you used this feature). Slice the turkey against the grain into desired thickness and serve immediately, generously drizzled with your homemade Instant Pot gravy. Enjoy!

Tips for Instant Pot Turkey Breast Success

• Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure your turkey breast fits comfortably in your Instant Pot. An overcrowded pot can lead to uneven cooking.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the most crucial tool for perfectly cooked poultry. Always verify the internal temperature to prevent under or overcooking.
• Rest is Best: Don’t skip the resting step! It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and moist turkey.
• Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to customize the spice blend to your preference. Add a pinch of dried sage, rosemary, or even a touch of smoked paprika for different flavor profiles.
• Broiler for Crisp Skin: If you miss that crispy skin texture, the broiler is your best friend after pressure cooking. It takes just a few minutes to achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish.
• Gravy Consistency: If your gravy is too thin, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry (mixed with cold water) and simmer until thickened. If it’s too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or water.

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Turkey Breast

This Instant Pot Turkey Breast is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. While it’s fantastic with classic mashed potatoes, consider these other options to complete your meal:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: An absolute must for soaking up all that delicious gravy!
• Roasted Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, asparagus, green beans, or carrots roasted with herbs and garlic.
• Cranberry Sauce: A tangy counterpoint to the rich turkey and gravy.
• Stuffing or Dressing: A holiday classic that complements turkey perfectly.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: Adds a touch of sweetness and richness.
• Fresh Green Salad: For a lighter, fresher contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a bone-in turkey breast?

Absolutely! The recipe works beautifully with bone-in turkey breast. The bone can even add more flavor and help retain moisture. The cooking time listed is generally suitable for a 4lb bone-in breast, but always verify with a meat thermometer.

What if my turkey breast is larger or smaller than 4 lbs?

As a general rule for turkey breast in the Instant Pot, cook for approximately 6-7 minutes per pound if thawed, and 10-12 minutes per pound if frozen. Always follow with a 10-minute natural pressure release and check the internal temperature with a thermometer.

Can I skip the browning step?

Yes, browning under the broiler is entirely optional. It primarily adds a crispy skin texture and a golden-brown aesthetic. The turkey will still be perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy without it.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover turkey breast and gravy in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Turkey can also be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, slice the turkey before freezing and store gravy separately.

Can I make the gravy without the poultry gravy seasoning?

Yes, you can! The poultry gravy seasoning simply enhances the flavor. If you don’t have it, your gravy will still be delicious, especially with the rich drippings and proper seasoning with salt and pepper. You might consider adding a pinch of dried sage or a dash of soy sauce for umami if desired.

This recipe is designed to take the stress out of cooking turkey, delivering consistently delicious results that will impress your family and friends. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight meal, your Instant Pot turkey breast will be the star of the show.