Instant Pot Turkey Breast: The Secret to Juicy Turkey & Homemade Gravy (Plus One-Pot Potatoes!)
Imagine a Thanksgiving dinner where the turkey is perfectly moist, bursting with flavor, and practically cooks itself while you prepare other dishes. Or, perhaps, a simple weeknight meal that tastes like a holiday feast. This Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe makes that dream a delicious reality. It’s truly the quickest and most foolproof method to achieve incredibly juicy, perfectly cooked turkey breast, complete with a rich, homemade gravy. And here’s an exciting bonus: for smaller turkey breasts, you can even cook your mashed potatoes right alongside the turkey in the same Instant Pot! This recipe is an absolute game-changer, whether you’re hosting an intimate Thanksgiving gathering, preparing a festive holiday meal for a small crowd, or simply craving comforting homemade food with minimal effort. Say goodbye to dry, bland turkey and hello to tender perfection in an instant!
The Secret to Juicy Turkey: Cooking Upside Down
Let me share a little confession with you: the very first time I attempted to roast a turkey, I accidentally cooked it upside down. I was a young 22-year-old, eager to contribute to our family’s Thanksgiving dinner, and truly had no idea that this was even “a thing.” Yet, that “mistake” resulted in the most incredibly moist and flavorful turkey I had ever tasted!
As it turns out, cooking a bone-in turkey breast or even a whole turkey upside down is a well-known culinary technique used by many chefs and home cooks alike. The magic happens because gravity works in your favor. When the turkey is cooked breast-side down, the natural juices from the bones, cavity, and darker meat trickle down through the breast meat. This constant self-basting ensures that the lean breast meat remains exceptionally juicy and infused with incredible flavor throughout the cooking process. Even for this Instant Pot Turkey Breast recipe, I apply the same brilliant technique, consistently achieving turkey perfection without the worry of dry meat.
Brining for Ultimate Flavor & Moisture
While the Instant Pot is fantastic at locking in moisture, taking an extra step to brine your turkey breast can elevate its flavor and tenderness to an even higher level. Brining, whether wet or dry, helps the turkey retain moisture and season the meat deeply, ensuring a more succulent and flavorful result. If you’re short on time, you can absolutely skip this step and still get a delicious turkey thanks to the Instant Pot and the upside-down cooking method. However, if you have a few extra hours, a simple dry brine is highly recommended for the yummiest turkey breast imaginable!
How to Dry Brine a Turkey Breast
Dry brining is remarkably simple and far less messy than a traditional wet brine, making it a favorite technique for many. Here’s how to do it:
- Pat Dry: Start by thoroughly patting your turkey breast dry with paper towels. This helps the salt adhere better to the skin.
- Apply Salt: Generously rub coarse kosher salt on the outside of the turkey breast, paying attention to all surfaces. Don’t forget to get some inside the cavity if it’s a bone-in breast.
- Rest: Place the seasoned turkey breast on a platter or baking sheet, uncovered, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally, overnight. The salt will draw out moisture, then reabsorb it, carrying the seasoning deep into the meat.
After dry brining, there’s no need to rinse your turkey! Just remove it from the fridge, pat dry again if needed, and proceed with the rest of the cooking directions. The salt has already done its job, enhancing both flavor and moisture retention.
If you prefer a traditional wet brine, you can find an excellent guide on How to Brine a Turkey.
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Step-by-Step: How to Cook Turkey Breast in Instant Pot
Cooking a turkey breast in your Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward, but a few key steps ensure maximum flavor and tenderness. Let’s walk through the process:
- Season Generously: Begin by seasoning your turkey breast. A simple blend of garlic powder, thyme, poultry seasoning, and paprika works wonders. For an extra boost of flavor, consider using this delicious homemade turkey seasoning blend. Ensure you rub the seasoning all over the turkey.
- Sauté Aromatics: Next, use the Instant Pot’s Sauté function to cook some chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced celery. These ingredients will form the flavorful base for both your turkey and the delicious gravy you’ll make later. Sautéing them briefly brings out their natural sweetness and depth.
- Deglaze the Pot: Once the aromatics are fragrant, it’s time to deglaze. Pour in some low-sodium chicken or turkey stock (water also works in a pinch if you don’t have stock). While the pot is still hot, use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This step is crucial for preventing a “burn” notice and for building a rich flavor profile.
- Prepare the Turkey: Stuff the cavity of the turkey breast with additional aromatics like more onion, whole garlic cloves, fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary), and even a few lemon slices. These will infuse the turkey with incredible fragrance and taste from the inside out.
- Position for Perfection: Place your seasoned and stuffed turkey breast, crucially, BREAST-SIDE DOWN, onto a trivet or a silicone sling inside the Instant Pot. A silicone sling makes lifting the cooked turkey out much easier.
- Cook to Tenderness: Follow the cooking time guidelines (detailed below) based on your turkey’s weight. Once cooked, allow for a natural pressure release to ensure the turkey remains incredibly tender and moist.
Instant Pot Turkey Breast and Potatoes (One-Pot Magic!)
Here’s where the Instant Pot truly shines with its multi-tasking capabilities! If you’re working with a smaller turkey breast (typically 3-5 pounds) or if you own an 8-quart Instant Pot, you can prepare a delicious batch of mashed potatoes right alongside your turkey. This is perfect for a smaller meal, saving you time and extra dishes.
To do this, simply quarter your potatoes (Russets or Yukon Golds work well) and arrange them around the turkey on the trivet or sling. They will cook perfectly in the flavorful broth, absorbing all the wonderful turkey essences. While this method yields enough potatoes for a few servings, it might not be sufficient for a large crowd. For larger gatherings or if you prefer a dedicated potato recipe, I highly recommend my Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe. It’s hands down my favorite way to make mashed potatoes, and having a second (or even a third, dare I say!) Instant Pot makes preparing multiple side dishes a breeze.
Once the cook time is complete, carefully remove the cooked potatoes. Transfer them to a ceramic or glass bowl, and mash them with a pat of butter (or vegan butter/ghee) and a splash of warm milk or broth until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy the convenience of a nearly complete meal from a single pot!
Instant Pot Turkey Breast Video
For a visual guide to each step of this recipe, be sure to check out the Instant Pot Turkey Breast video I’ve prepared. It walks you through the entire cooking process, making it even easier to follow along!
Instant Pot Turkey Breast Cooking Time Chart
Just like my Instant Pot Whole Chicken recipe, the cooking time for an Instant Pot Turkey Breast largely depends on its size. A reliable rule of thumb for bone-in poultry is 6 minutes per pound, followed by a 10-15 minute natural pressure release (NPR). This natural release allows the internal temperature to stabilize and the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and moist turkey.
- For a 3 pound Turkey Breast: Cook for 18 minutes + 15 minutes natural release.
- For a 4 pound Turkey Breast: Cook for 24 minutes + 15 minutes natural release.
- For a 5 pound Turkey Breast: Cook for 30 minutes + 15 minutes natural release.
- For a 6 pound Turkey Breast: Cook for 36 minutes + 15 minutes natural release.
- For a 7 pound Turkey Breast: Cook for 42 minutes + 15 minutes natural release.
**Important Note:** Always verify the internal temperature of your turkey breast with a digital meat thermometer. The turkey should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) before it’s safe to eat. Keep in mind that the temperature will continue to rise by 5-10 degrees while the turkey rests after cooking.
What if Your Turkey is Frozen?
Forgot to thaw your turkey breast? No problem! The Instant Pot can handle frozen turkey breast directly, making it an excellent last-minute solution. While I haven’t personally tried this method, many home cooks have had great success. For a frozen turkey breast, the cooking time typically doubles.
You’ll cook it for approximately 12 minutes per pound, keeping all other instructions (like adding aromatics and broth, and the 15-minute natural release) the same. This method still yields a surprisingly juicy and tender turkey. For more detailed instructions on cooking a turkey breast from frozen in the Instant Pot, I recommend checking out this helpful guide from Savor the Best!
Achieving Crispy Turkey Skin (Optional)
The Instant Pot excels at creating moist, tender meat, but it doesn’t typically yield crispy skin due to the moist cooking environment. If crispy, golden-brown skin is a must-have for you, don’t worry – there are simple ways to achieve it after pressure cooking:
- Broiler Method: Carefully transfer your cooked turkey breast from the Instant Pot to a roasting pan or baking dish, ensuring it’s breast-side up. Gently brush the skin with a little olive oil. Place it under a preheated broiler for just a few minutes, keeping a very close eye on it to prevent burning. Rotate the turkey as needed to ensure even browning and crisping. This step is entirely optional; the turkey will be delicious without it, especially if you don’t typically eat the skin.
- Air Fryer Lid: If you own a Ninja Foodi or an Instant Pot with a Mealthy Crisp Lid or similar air fryer attachment, this is an excellent tool for crisping the skin. Simply attach the crisping lid after pressure cooking and follow its instructions to achieve a beautifully golden and crispy skin without turning on your oven.
Crafting the Perfect Instant Pot Gravy
No Instant Pot Turkey Breast meal would be complete without a rich, savory homemade gravy! The best part? You can make it right in the same Instant Pot liner, saving you from dirtying another pot. This method utilizes the flavorful cooking liquids leftover from the turkey, ensuring a truly delicious gravy.
- Strain the Liquid: First, carefully remove the cooked turkey breast and any large pieces of onion, celery, or herbs from the Instant Pot. Strain the remaining cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a separate bowl to remove all solids.
- Prepare for Sauté: Return at least 2 ½ cups of the strained liquid to the Instant Pot liner. Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function.
- Enhance Flavor (Optional): For an extra layer of umami and to deepen the gravy’s color, stir in 2 teaspoons of coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce.
- Create a Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of the reserved cooking broth with 2 tablespoons of your chosen thickener. Arrowroot powder or gluten-free flour works beautifully for a gluten-free option, but regular all-purpose flour is also perfectly fine if you don’t have dietary restrictions. This mixture is called a “slurry.”
- Thicken the Gravy: Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering liquid in the Instant Pot. Stir constantly and cook until the gravy reaches your desired thickness. If it’s not thick enough after a few minutes, you can repeat the “slurry” step, adding another small amount of thickener mixed with broth, until you achieve the perfect consistency.
This method yields a luscious, flavorful gravy that perfectly complements your tender Instant Pot turkey breast and mashed potatoes.
Essential Side Dishes for Your Turkey Breast
A perfectly cooked turkey breast deserves equally delicious companions. Here are some fantastic side dish ideas that pair wonderfully with your Instant Pot creation, many of which can also be made in your Instant Pot or prepared with minimal fuss:
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes (A no-brainer, and truly the best!)
- Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole (A naturally sweet and comforting classic.)
- Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese [Instant Pot] (A healthier, cheesy indulgence.)
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Parmesan, and Balsamic (Irresistibly crunchy and flavorful.)
- Maple Cider Holiday Salad (A refreshing, vibrant counterpoint to rich flavors.)
- Cauliflower Au Gratin (A lighter, yet equally creamy and cheesy alternative.)
- Instant Pot Loaded Cauliflower Mash (A low-carb, flavor-packed side.)
With these options, you can easily create a memorable and satisfying meal, whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a cozy family dinner.
The Recipe Card: Instant Pot Turkey Breast + Potatoes
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Turkey:
- Kosher salt
- 4-6 pound bone-in turkey breast
- 2 cups broth or water
- 1 large or 2 small onions
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2-3 whole cloves of garlic
- 1-2 stalks celery cut in half
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Poultry seasoning
- Fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Optional potatoes:
- 4-5 potatoes cut in half or quartered
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter or ghee WW can sub 2T butter, add more to taste
Optional gravy:
- 2 teaspoons coconut aminos or low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons thickener or flour of choice
Instructions
Optional Dry Brine
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Take your Turkey Breast out of the packaging and place on a large pan or platter. Dry well, then rub 1 ½ teaspoons of coarse kosher salt on the inside cavity of the turkey breast, then an additional 1 ½ teaspoons over outside of the breast. Allow to rest in the fridge overnight.
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The day of cooking, remove turkey breast from the refrigerator. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika and poultry seasoning on the skin of your turkey. If you didn’t brine, rub a teaspoon of salt on the outside of the bird and sprinkle additional salt in the inside. If you dry brined your turkey, skip the salt.
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Set Instant Pot to Saute and add 1 tsp of olive oil to the bottom of the inner liner. Roughly chop your onions and add half to the bottom of your pot. Saute until fragrant, then add the celery and garlic. Saute for 2 more minutes. Add 1 ½ – 2 cups of broth to the bottom of your Instant Pot. Place turkey, BREAST SIDE DOWN, on your silicone sling. Stuff the inner cavity with remaining onion, garlic, and fresh thyme. Add potatoes, if using, next to the Turkey. Cook for 6 minutes per pound and allow for a 15 minute natural release before releasing the remaining pressure. **If your Turkey Breast is still frozen, cook for 12 minutes per pound, and allow for a 15 minute natural release before releasing the remaining pressure. **see notes
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For Potatoes: remove from and add to a ceramic bowl. Mash, adding 2T of vegan butter, ghee, or butter and a sprinkle of salt. If necessary, add in some additional broth. Taste and add additional salt or butter if desired.
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Set oven to broil, then after cook time, carefully lift turkey out of the instant pot and onto a roasting pan or baking dish, breast side up. Brush skin with 1 tsp of olive oil and broil until skin is crisp and golden, rotating as necessary. Do NOT leave your turkey unattended or it will likely burn! Also – this step is totally optional!! Your breast will be delicious without it (unless you love to eat the skin)
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To make the gravy, strain the liquid from the instant pot and reserve at least 2 ½ cups and place back in the instant pot. Add 2 teaspoons of coconut aminos or low sodium soy sauce. Set to saute. Remove ¼ cup of cooking broth and stir in 2 T of thickener or flour. Whisk this “slurry” into your cooking liquid and stir frequently, cooking until thickened. If your gravy isn’t getting thick enough, repeat “slurry” step until desired thickness.
Video
Notes
Turkey – 21 Day Fix: 1 RED (per 3/4 c. turkey); WW: Green – 2 points, Blue – Zero points, Purple – Zero points (per 5 oz. turkey)
Potatoes – 21 Day Fix: 1 YELLOW, 1 TSP (per 1/2 c. potatoes); WW: Green – 4 points, Blue – 4 points, Purple – 3 points (per 1/2 c. potatoes)
Nutrition