If you’ve ever dreamed of a perfectly juicy turkey dinner without the full-day kitchen commitment, this Instant Pot Turkey is your secret weapon! In under an hour, you can deliver wonderfully moist turkey breast with delicately crisp edges and savory herbal notes, all with a fraction of the usual fuss. Whether you’re prepping for a festive holiday spread or craving comforting leftovers for days to come, Instant Pot Turkey takes a classic favorite and turns it into an effortlessly achievable meal for any busy weeknight or special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Instant Pot Turkey lies in its simplicity. Just a handful of pantry staples and a fresh turkey breast work magic together, each playing an essential role in maximizing flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:
- Turkey Breast (4-5 pounds, boneless or bone-in): The main act, providing lean, tender protein perfect for slicing and soaking up flavor.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness while helping the seasoning stick and encouraging a golden-brown sear.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and ensures the turkey is perfectly seasoned throughout.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and a nice, savory balance to the mix.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses aromatic depth that melds beautifully with the other herbs.
- Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the seasoning blend with a subtle, sweet earthiness.
- Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon): Provides classic, woodsy herb notes that scream “holiday turkey.”
- Dried Rosemary (1 teaspoon): Adds an irresistible piney aroma and flavor—key for a traditional feel.
- Chicken or Turkey Broth (1 cup): Keeps the turkey moist and creates a savory base for the optional gravy.
- Unsalted Butter (1 tablespoon): For making silky, luscious gravy if you decide to go the extra mile.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons, optional): Thickens your gravy, but swap for gluten-free flour if needed.
How to Make Instant Pot Turkey
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Turkey
Start by patting your turkey breast completely dry with paper towels; this helps you achieve that gorgeous sear later. Combine all the dry seasonings in a bowl: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary. Next, rub olive oil all over your turkey breast to help the seasoning mix cling, then evenly coat every inch with your fragrant blend. The herb aroma alone will make your kitchen smell incredible!
Step 2: Sear the Turkey
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add a swirl of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, carefully lay in the turkey breast and let it sear for 3-4 minutes per side. This step isn’t just for show—the golden crust you’re creating boosts flavor and locks in juices, giving your Instant Pot Turkey that irresistible roasted character.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
After searing, transfer the turkey breast to a plate. Pour the broth into the Instant Pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those savory browned bits stuck to the bottom—these are flavor gold! Deglazing sets the foundation for moist, aromatic cooking and an extra-tasty gravy later on.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Place the metal trivet in the Instant Pot and nestle your seasoned turkey breast on top (skin-side up if you’re using bone-in). Seal the lid and ensure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Select Manual or Pressure Cook mode and set the timer for 25-30 minutes (roughly 6 minutes per pound). Instant Pot Turkey comes out best with a natural pressure release, so after cooking finishes, let the pressure subside naturally for at least 10 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining steam. Your turkey is ready once the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Take the turkey breast out and tent it loosely with foil. This short resting period is crucial—it lets those savory juices redistribute so every bite of Instant Pot Turkey stays tender and moist. After 10 minutes, slice and marvel at your handiwork!
Step 6: Make the Gravy (Optional)
Don’t forget about those savory drippings in the pot! Set the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode. Melt the butter directly in the pot, whisk in flour to form a roux, then gradually whisk in the cooking liquid. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a silky, rich gravy worthy of any feast—drizzle generously over each serving.
How to Serve Instant Pot Turkey
Garnishes
Brighten up your Instant Pot Turkey with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme for added color and freshness. You can also toss on a few pomegranate seeds or orange zest if you’re feeling festive, for a burst of brightness against the savory turkey and gravy.
Side Dishes
Instant Pot Turkey pairs beautifully with both classic and modern sides. Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple green salad all shine here. Don’t forget stuffing and cranberry sauce if you’re pulling out all the stops for a holiday meal!
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, fan turkey slices on a large platter and drizzle with warm gravy. Try nestling slices over wild rice pilaf or alongside caramelized root vegetables for a rustic, cozy vibe. Leftovers also make fantastic turkey sandwiches or turkey salad—slice thin and get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store cooled turkey slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Pour any extra gravy over the top to help keep the turkey moist. Instant Pot Turkey will stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored properly.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze slices of turkey breast individually or in meal-sized portions. Place parchment between slices to prevent sticking, then wrap tightly and store in a labeled freezer bag. Both turkey and gravy freeze beautifully—simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To keep everything juicy, reheat leftover Instant Pot Turkey gently in a covered dish with a splash of broth or extra gravy. Warm in a 300°F oven or the microwave at low power, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. This keeps the turkey tender and prevents it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a bone-in turkey breast for Instant Pot Turkey?
Absolutely! Bone-in breasts add extra flavor and moisture. Just add a few extra minutes to the pressure cook time (closer to 30 minutes total), and always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What should I do if my turkey breast is larger or smaller?
Adjust the cooking time to about 6 minutes per pound for the perfect Instant Pot Turkey. If you have an especially large breast, you may want to add a few minutes and always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Can I make Instant Pot Turkey ahead of time for a party?
Yes! This recipe is wonderfully make-ahead friendly. Slice the turkey and store it with some gravy or broth, then gently reheat before serving for stress-free entertaining.
Do I need to use a trivet in the Instant Pot?
Using a trivet keeps the turkey elevated above the liquid, allowing heat to circulate and ensuring the meat cooks evenly without boiling. If you don’t have one, you can make do with a ring of rolled foil.
What herbs can I swap in if I don’t have thyme or rosemary?
Sage, marjoram, or Italian seasoning all work nicely in this Instant Pot Turkey. Feel free to mix and match based on your personal taste or what you have on hand!
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Turkey really does take the stress out of enjoying a flavorful, juicy turkey any day of the week. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy Sunday dinner or around a holiday table, I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and see just how easy and satisfying an incredible turkey can be!
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Instant Pot Turkey Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Instant Pot Turkey recipe is perfect for a hassle-free yet flavorful main course. Tender turkey breast seasoned with herbs, cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot, and served with a rich gravy.
Ingredients
Turkey:
- 4–5 pound boneless turkey breast (or bone-in if desired)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
For Gravy:
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for gravy)
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry and season with a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary. Rub with olive oil.
- Sear the Turkey: Brown the turkey in the Instant Pot on Sauté mode.
- Cook the Turkey: Pressure cook the turkey with broth for 25-30 minutes. Let pressure release naturally.
- Make the Gravy: Thicken the cooking liquid with butter and flour on Sauté mode.
- Serve: Rest the turkey before slicing and serve with gravy.
Notes
- Leftover turkey is great for sandwiches, salads, or soups.
- Bone-in turkey breast may require additional cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
