Juicy Instant Pot Turkey Breast

Unlock the secret to an incredibly juicy, tender, and flavorful turkey breast with your Instant Pot. This recipe is destined to become your go-to for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, or any occasion demanding a deliciously effortless meal. Forget the hours spent hovering over the oven; the Instant Pot delivers spectacular results in a fraction of the time, making holiday meal prep a breeze and weeknight dinners more exciting.

This Instant Pot turkey breast recipe isn’t just for holidays; it’s a game-changer for any day of the week when you crave a moist and flavorful turkey without the fuss. By harnessing the power of pressure cooking, you can achieve perfectly cooked turkey in significantly less time than traditional methods, leaving you with more moments to savor with family and friends.

Embrace the convenience and efficiency of your Instant Pot and revolutionize your approach to cooking turkey. Whether you’re aiming to free up valuable oven space during a busy holiday cooking marathon or simply seeking a quick and healthy protein option for a weeknight meal, this recipe offers a delicious solution. The ease with which the Instant Pot transforms a humble turkey breast into a succulent centerpiece is truly remarkable.

One of the many benefits of using countertop appliances like the Instant Pot or an air fryer is their energy efficiency. In an era where being mindful of energy consumption is increasingly important, these tools allow you to prepare delicious meals without running a large oven for hours. Not only do they save energy, but they also keep your kitchen cooler, a welcome bonus during warmer months or when you have multiple dishes cooking. The Instant Pot specifically excels at locking in moisture and flavor, ensuring your turkey breast is never dry or bland.

Beyond the impressive cooking capabilities, the Instant Pot also simplifies cleanup. With everything contained within a single pot, post-meal tidying is a breeze, saving you time and effort. You’ll be amazed at how easily this method delivers a turkey breast that is exceptionally tender, incredibly juicy, and infused with rich flavors. It’s a recipe that promises to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire.

Get ready to discover the magic of pressure-cooked turkey, a dish that consistently yields superior results with minimal fuss. Your family and guests will rave about the perfectly cooked turkey, and you’ll love how straightforward the process is from start to finish. Let’s dive into how you can create this amazing meal right in your Instant Pot.

Cooking Perfect Turkey Breast in Your Instant Pot

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Turkey

How much turkey breast do you need per person?

When planning your meal, a good general rule of thumb is to calculate one pound of turkey per person. However, this can be adjusted based on a few factors. Consider how many other side dishes you’ll be serving alongside the turkey. For a large holiday feast like Thanksgiving, where guests often load their plates with a variety of sides, you might find that people eat slightly less turkey.

Furthermore, think about whether your guests are likely to go back for seconds, and if you desire leftovers for future meals. Many families love having extra turkey for sandwiches, soups, or other dishes. If you’re a fan of leftovers, it’s always a good idea to err on the side of caution and cook a bit more than you think you’ll need. Doubling the amount you initially estimate can often be a smart move to satisfy hearty appetites and ensure delicious post-holiday meals.

What internal temperature should a turkey be cooked to?

Achieving the correct internal temperature is vital for both food safety and the best eating experience. The USDA recommends cooking turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. While a conventional oven might require cooking at 450°F for a specific time per pound, the Instant Pot operates differently.

When cooking with an Instant Pot, the sealed environment traps heat and steam, creating a high-pressure zone that cooks food much faster and more efficiently than a conventional oven. This method ensures that the turkey breast cooks evenly and retains its natural moisture. For a turkey breast in the Instant Pot, you should pressure cook it on manual high pressure until its internal temperature, measured in the thickest part, reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. It will continue to rise to the safe 165°F during the resting period.

Can leftover turkey be frozen?

Absolutely! Freezing leftover turkey is an excellent way to extend its shelf life and ensure you can enjoy it for weeks or even months to come. We typically store our leftovers in the refrigerator for a few days, perfect for quick and easy post-holiday meals. However, if it seems unlikely that we’ll consume all the turkey within 3-4 days, I portion the remaining leftovers into zip-top freezer bags or airtight containers and freeze them for up to 2 months.

Frozen turkey is incredibly versatile and convenient for last-minute meals. It’s fantastic for adding to dishes like a hearty Instant Pot soup, savory casseroles, or delicious pot pies. The best part? You often don’t even need to thaw it first, especially when adding it to hot soups or stews, making meal prep even quicker.

Pressure Cooking a Juicy Turkey Breast

How long do I pressure cook a turkey in the Instant Pot?

The cooking time for turkey breast in the Instant Pot is largely dependent on its size, weight, and whether it’s bone-in or boneless. Precision is key for perfect results, so always keep these factors in mind.

For a BONE-IN turkey breast, cooking time is primarily determined by its weight. A good starting point for a 6-7 pound bone-in turkey is around 30 minutes of high pressure cooking, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. If you’re cooking a smaller bone-in breast, you can adjust the time: approximately 25 minutes for a 3-4 pound turkey breast, and 27-28 minutes for a 4-5 pound turkey breast. Always confirm doneness with a meat thermometer.

When cooking a BONELESS turkey breast, focus on the thickness of the thickest part, as boneless breasts can vary significantly in shape. Thinner, longer breasts will cook faster than thicker, more rounded ones. For a rounded, approximately 3-pound boneless turkey breast, start with about 30-35 minutes of high pressure cooking, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. This longer initial time accounts for the density of a thicker boneless cut, ensuring it cooks thoroughly while remaining incredibly moist.

How do I adjust this recipe for high altitude?

Living at high altitude requires slight adjustments to pressure cooking times because water boils at a lower temperature in higher elevations. Since pressure cooking relies on the boiling point of water to build pressure and effectively cook food, some recipes may need a little extra cooking time to achieve the desired doneness.

A general guideline for high altitude pressure cooking is to add 5 percent to your cook time for every 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet elevation. For example, if you reside at an elevation of 4,000 feet, you would add 10 percent to the recommended cooking time. So, for a recipe that calls for 20 minutes of cooking time, you would increase it to 22 minutes (20 minutes + 10% of 20 minutes = 2 minutes extra). Keep in mind that with pressure cooking, even 1-2 minutes can make a noticeable difference in the final texture of your food, unlike more traditional cooking methods where minor timing variations might be less impactful.

I received a “Burn” notification – what should I do?

A “Burn” notification on your Instant Pot can be unsettling, but it’s usually a sign that something is stuck to the bottom of the pot or the liquid content is insufficient or too thick. This often occurs if the pot was not thoroughly deglazed after a previous cooking cycle, leaving small food particles adhered to the surface. Any food stuck to the bottom can interfere with the cooker’s ability to come to pressure correctly, leading to uneven cooking or scorching.

It can also happen if the mixture inside the pot is too thick and prevents proper steam circulation, or if the ingredients haven’t been stirred sufficiently. For this specific turkey breast recipe, which typically contains enough liquid and less prone to sticking, a burn notice is less common but can still occur. If you get a burn notification, immediately turn off the Instant Pot, do a quick pressure release, and carefully remove the lid. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to dislodge any stuck food. Ensure there is adequate liquid in the pot; you might need to add an extra 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of chicken stock or water, especially considering your elevation and climate, which can affect liquid evaporation.

Why is it important to use a thermometer on the thickest part of the bird?

Using a meat thermometer is non-negotiable for cooking turkey safely and perfectly. The most critical aspect of using a meat thermometer is to insert it into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding bones or fat. This area is the slowest to heat through, meaning if this part reaches the correct temperature, the rest of the turkey is also safely cooked.

For a turkey breast, or any large roast, carefully insert the tip of a digital thermometer into the absolute center of the thickest portion. It’s crucial that the probe does not touch bone, which conducts heat differently and can give a false reading, or any pockets of fat, which may also register inaccurately. Insert the probe slowly and deliberately, ensuring it is fully embedded in the meat to get the most accurate internal temperature reading. This attention to detail guarantees a safe, succulent, and perfectly cooked turkey every time.

Making Turkey Breast in Your Pressure Cooker

How to make delicious gravy in the Instant Pot

One of the absolute best perks of cooking turkey breast in the Instant Pot is the incredible pan juices left at the bottom. These flavorful drippings are a culinary goldmine, providing the perfect base for a rich, savory gravy that will elevate your entire meal.

To begin, carefully drain the liquid from the Instant Pot through a fine-mesh strainer. This step is essential to separate the pure, concentrated turkey juices from any vegetable pieces or other small floating solids, ensuring your gravy is silky smooth. Return about 2 cups of the strained juices to the Instant Pot. Whisk in 1/4 cup of water (or more chicken stock for extra richness) and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until thoroughly combined and no lumps remain.

Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Continue to whisk the mixture constantly as it heats up. The cornstarch will begin to thicken the gravy, creating a luscious, velvety consistency. Once it reaches your desired thickness, switch off the Instant Pot and remove the pot from the heat. Serve this magnificent homemade gravy generously alongside your perfectly cooked turkey and all your favorite fixings. Don’t forget to save any remaining liquid – it’s fantastic for making turkey soup with any leftovers!

What is the difference between a pressure cooker and an Instant Pot?

While the terms “pressure cooker” and “Instant Pot” are often used interchangeably today, especially when referring to electric models, there’s a distinction. Traditionally, a pressure cooker refers to a stovetop model: a sealed metal container that cooks food rapidly by generating steam under increased atmospheric pressure, bringing the internal contents to a high boiling point.

An Instant Pot, on the other hand, is a specific brand of electric multi-cooker that incorporates pressure cooking technology as one of its primary functions. It utilizes the same principle of cooking foods quickly under pressure but does so with advanced safety features and often requires very little liquid. Instant Pots are renowned for their incredible efficiency, user-friendliness, and enhanced safety compared to older stovetop models. Moreover, they come equipped with a multitude of other functions, such as slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, and even yogurt making, making them an exceptionally versatile appliance for quick and varied meal preparation.

Mastering Turkey Breast in the Instant Pot

How to soften butter to room temperature quickly

Method One: Plan Ahead

The simplest way to achieve perfectly softened butter (and other chilled ingredients) is to plan ahead. Take your butter out of the refrigerator and leave it on the kitchen counter for approximately 30 minutes while you gather and prep your other ingredients. This allows the butter to gradually come to room temperature, ensuring it’s soft enough to cream smoothly without being melted. I often start by pulling out all necessary chilled ingredients before I begin any recipe to ensure everything is ready when I need it.

Method Two: Microwave Safely

Sometimes, planning ahead isn’t an option, or perhaps it’s a chilly winter day and 30 minutes isn’t quite enough. In such cases, the microwave can be a quick helper, but caution is key to avoid melting the butter. Place the butter, still wrapped in its paper (unless it’s foil-wrapped), into the microwave. Microwave for just 2 seconds, then flip it over. Microwave for another 2 seconds, flip again, and continue this pattern, microwaving for short 2-second bursts on each side. Stop as soon as the butter feels soft and pliable. It’s crucial not to overdo this method; overly softened or melted butter will significantly alter the final result of your recipe, often leading to a greasy or dense texture.

Method Three: Warm Water Bath

My third tried-and-true method involves a warm water bath. Place the wrapped butter sticks into a zip-top bag, ensuring it’s sealed tightly to prevent water from entering. Then, submerge the bag in a bowl of warm (not hot) water. This method works wonderfully for eggs as well. The gentle warmth of the water helps the butter (and eggs) reach the ideal “room temperature” consistency without any risk of melting or cooking, making it a perfect and reliable trick when you’re short on time.

What to serve with Instant Pot Turkey Breast

This Instant Pot turkey breast is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. While it stands strong as a centerpiece, the right accompaniments can transform it into an unforgettable feast. Here is a curated list of some of our favorite recipes that perfectly complement this magnificent main dish, ensuring a well-rounded and delightful meal for any occasion:

• Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
• Apple Cranberry Spritzer
• Cranberry Quick Bread
• Traditional Deviled Eggs
• Apple Stuffing
• Honey Glazed Carrots
• Easy Cranberry Sauce
• Loaded Green Bean Casserole
• Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
• Easy Sausage Stuffing
• One Hour Dinner Rolls
• Easy Gravy Recipe
• Bourbon Apple Cider
• Bacon & Garlic Green Beans
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Mini Apple Pies
• Holiday Party Punch
• Pumpkin Roll Cake
• Best Pumpkin Pie
• Turkey Gravy

Can you cook a turkey breast from frozen in the Instant Pot?

While the Instant Pot is celebrated for its ability to cook many items from a frozen state, it’s a practice I strongly advise against for a turkey breast. Despite the pressure cooker’s general versatility, tackling a frozen turkey breast presents significant challenges that can compromise both the safety and quality of your meal.

A turkey breast is a very thick piece of meat. Attempting to cook it from frozen dramatically increases the likelihood of uneven cooking. You’ll likely find that the exterior becomes overcooked, dry, and tough long before the interior reaches a safe internal temperature. This scenario not only results in a poor culinary experience but also poses a food safety risk, as the center of the breast might remain undercooked and potentially unsafe to eat. For the best possible outcome – a juicy, tender, and safely cooked turkey breast – it is imperative to start with a fresh or completely thawed turkey. Planning ahead to thaw your turkey thoroughly will make all the difference in achieving a delicious and worry-free meal.

Preparing Your Pressure Cooker Turkey Breast

Essential Ingredients for Instant Pot Turkey Breast

• 1 ½ cups chicken stock
• 2 large onions – quartered
• 3 large carrots – cut into 1.5” slices
• 2 stalks celery – cut into 1.5” slices
• 4 tablespoons butter – softened
• 2 cloves garlic – minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley – minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh sage – minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme – minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary – minced
• 1 boneless skin-on turkey breast – approximately 3 pounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Simple Steps for Turkey Instant Pot Success

Step-by-Step: How to Make Instant Pot Turkey Breast

1. Place the trivet insert into the bottom of your Instant Pot.
2. Next, add the chicken stock, quartered onions, 1.5-inch carrot slices, and 1.5-inch celery slices. Ensure the vegetables form an even layer to create a stable bed for the turkey breast.
3. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with the minced garlic, parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels. Carefully lift the skin away from the breast meat, creating a pocket.
5. Evenly rub the herb butter mixture into the pocket between the skin and the breast meat, ensuring good coverage.
6. Drizzle the outside of the turkey breast with olive oil, then generously sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper.
7. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the exterior of the turkey, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated on all sides for maximum flavor.
8. Gently place the seasoned turkey breast into the Instant Pot, skin side up, resting on the bed of vegetables and trivet.
9. Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring it is properly locked, and turn the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position.
10. Set the Instant Pot to the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting on High Pressure for 35 minutes.
11. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully switch the valve to the “Venting” position to release any remaining pressure.
12. Once the float valve drops, open the lid, carefully remove the turkey from the Instant Pot, and transfer it to a cutting board. Slice into your desired portions and enjoy!
13. **Refer to the “Browning” note below for instructions on achieving crispy skin.**
14. Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Optional Browning Step for Crispy Skin

If you prefer a crispy, golden-brown turkey skin after cooking, simply transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking sheet. Place it under a preheated broiler for 3-4 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of browning. Be sure to keep a close eye on it during this step, as broilers can brown food very quickly, and you want to prevent any burning.

How to store and reheat leftover turkey breast

Properly storing and reheating your leftover turkey breast ensures it remains delicious and safe for future meals. Once your meal is complete, promptly transfer any remaining turkey to an airtight container. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents drying out. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

For quick reheating, individual servings can be microwaved for about 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Alternatively, for a gentler reheating method that helps retain moisture, you can use your Instant Pot. Place your serving of turkey in a small, heat-safe cake pan or bowl. Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the Instant Pot, then place a trivet inside and position the cake pan on top of the trivet. Reheat on manual pressure for approximately 5 minutes. The total reheating time may vary depending on the quantity of turkey you are reheating, so adjust as necessary.

Perfecting Boneless Turkey Breast in Your Instant Pot

Expert Guide: How to Carve a Turkey Breast

Carving a turkey breast correctly is an art that enhances both its presentation and tenderness. Patience and a sharp knife are your best tools here to achieve the most appealing and succulent results.

1. First and foremost, allow the cooked turkey breast to rest for at least 15 minutes after removing it from the Instant Pot. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, preventing them from escaping when you slice and ensuring a moist and flavorful result. To keep the turkey warm during this time, loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
2. Ensure you are using a very sharp carving knife or a good quality chef’s knife. A dull knife will tear the meat, rather than slice it cleanly.
3. Begin by making a long, smooth slice along one side of the breast bone, following its natural curve. For cleaner cuts, use long, even strokes. If you have a serrated carving knife, you can use a gentle sawing motion back and forth.
4. As your knife reaches the edge, the slice of turkey should naturally fall away. Continue this pattern, making parallel slices, until all the meat is removed from that side of the breast bone. Repeat the process on the other side.

What size Instant Pot is best for this turkey breast recipe?

The size of your Instant Pot can affect the amount of turkey breast you can cook at one time. I typically use an 8-quart pot for this recipe, which comfortably accommodates most standard turkey breasts. However, this recipe can certainly be adapted for a 6-quart pot with smaller turkey breasts, usually up to 6.5 lbs. If you own one of the smaller versions, such as a 3-quart mini, I highly recommend halving the recipe to ensure proper fit and even cooking.

My Favorite Instant Pot Tools and Accessories!

To maximize your Instant Pot experience and ensure successful culinary creations, having the right accessories can make a world of difference. Here are some of my top recommendations that enhance the functionality and versatility of your pressure cooker:

1. Instant Pot: The essential appliance itself, available in various sizes to suit different needs.
2. Non-Stick Instant Pot Insert with Silicone Lid: Ideal for easier cleanup and preventing food from sticking, plus the lid is great for storage.
3. Accessory Set: Often includes items like a steamer basket, egg rack, and extra sealing rings, expanding your cooking possibilities.
4. Glass Lid: Perfect for slow cooking or when using the sauté function, allowing you to monitor your food without releasing heat.
5. Sealing Rings: It’s always good to have extra, especially to prevent flavor transfer between savory and sweet dishes.
6. Silicone Egg Bites Mold: Fantastic for making breakfast bites, mini cheesecakes, or baby food portions.
7. Large Mesh Steamer Basket: Excellent for steaming vegetables, seafood, or even cooking pot-in-pot dishes.
8. Complete Cook & Bake Set: A comprehensive collection that might include springform pans, trivets, and other baking essentials.

If you loved this Easy Instant Pot Turkey Breast recipe, you’re sure to enjoy these other fantastic turkey recipes as well. Each offers a unique and delicious way to prepare turkey for any occasion. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

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Instant Pot Turkey Breast

Course dinner, Main Course

Servings: 6

Instant Pot Turkey Breast will be your Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day go-to recipe for juicy, tender, and flavorful turkey breast.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Nature Release 15 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ cups chicken stock
• 2 large onions quartered
• 3 large carrots cut into 1.5” slices
• 2 stalks celery cut into 1.5” slices
• 4 tablespoons butter softened
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh sage minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary minced
• 1 boneless skin-on turkey breast 3 pounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

• Add the trivet insert to the Instant Pot.
• Then add the chicken stock, onions, carrots, and celery. Make sure the vegetables are in an even layer so they create a bed for the turkey breast to sit on.
• In a small bowl, mix together the butter, garlic, parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary until combined.
• Pat the turkey breast dry with a paper towel and gently lift the skin away from the meat.
• Rub the butter mixture between the skin and the breast meat making sure to cover it evenly.
• Drizzle the outside of the turkey breast with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
• Rub seasoning all over the turkey to make sure it’s evenly coated on all sides.
• Place the turkey breast in the Instant Pot skin side up.
• Close the lid and ensure the valve is in the “sealing” position.
• Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook – Manual for 35 minutes.
• Once the Instant Pot has finished cooking, allow for a natural pressure release for 15 minutes. Then, release any additional pressure by switching the valve to the venting position.
• Remove the turkey from the Instant Pot and slice into your desired size. Enjoy.
• **SEE NOTES BELOW FOR BROWNING
• Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Notes

If you want to brown the turkey skin after cooking, transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking sheet and broil for 3-4 minutes or until your desired doneness. Make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.

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