This simple, moist Instant Pot turkey breast is a flavorful, easy recipe that is a great twist on traditional turkey.
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cook Time40 minutesmins
Rest Time10 minutesmins
Total Time1 hourhr10 minutesmins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
Servings: 8
Calories: 69kcal
Ingredients
1bone-in turkey breast,5 to 6 pounds
2tablespoonsolive oil,divided
2tablespoonsbutter
1teaspoondried sage
1teaspoonrosemary
½teaspoonthyme
½teaspoonpaprika
½teaspoonseasoned salt
½teaspoonpepper
2cupswater
2clovesgarlic
1rib celery,cut into big chunks
½small onion,sliced
Gravy
2cupsLeftover broth and turkey drippings
2tablespoonscornstarch
¼cupcold water
Instructions
Remove any gravy package that might be included with the turkey breast. Pat dry the turkey breast with paper towels.
Mix together the sage, rosemary, thyme, paprika, seasoned salt, and pepper.
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil all over the turkey breast and rub it in. You don’t have to measure the olive oil, just drizzle the turkey all over.
Sprinkle the spice mixture all over the turkey and pat it onto the skin. Start on one side, turning the breast to add spices to all sides. You can do several sprinkles.
Place 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Set the Instant Pot to saute, and once the butter has melted, sear the turkey breast on all sides, about 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Once the sides are seared, remove the turkey to a plate.
Turn the Instant Pot off.
Add the celery, onion, and garlic to the bottom of the pot.
Place the wire trivet that came with the Instant Pot in the bottom of the pot, leaving the handles available for later to lift the turkey out.
Carefully and slowly add 2 cups of water to the Instant Pot.
Place the turkey breast into the Instant Pot.
Place the lid on the Instant Pot with the vent in the closed position. Set the Instant Pot to the manual setting for about 33 to 40 minutes, about 6 to 7 minutes per pound.
Once the cooking time has transpired, let the Instant Pot pressure release naturally, meaning don’t open the currently closed vent. Let it release naturally for at least 10 to 15 minutes or until you are ready to take it out.
Carving
Remove the turkey to a cutting board, tent it with aluminum foil, and let it rest before slicing. You'll want to let it rest before you slice it to keep all those delicious juices inside. If you slice it too soon, you'll lose that incredible moisture!
Run your knife along the bone for a nice even slice. Once you've removed the meat from the bone, you'll be able to make uniform slices of the turkey breast to serve.
Gravy
Strain the liquid that remains in the Instant Pot using a fine-meshed strainer to remove the chunks of onion, garlic, and celery. Measure out 2 cups of juices (or more if you need it, adjust cornstarch/water accordingly). Place the strained liquid back into the Instant Pot.
Set the Instant Pot to saute to reheat the liquid.
While the liquid is reheating, whisk the cornstarch and cold water together.
Once the liquid is boiling, whisk in the cornstarch/water mixture and whisk until desired thickness. Serve immediately.
Notes
Don't rinse your turkey - this can lead to the spread of bacteria around the kitchen! Make sure you wash your hands after handling raw turkey and disinfect any surfaces or spice containers you may have touched along the way. You'll also want to use clean plates and utensils to prevent cross-contamination. Also, use separate cutting boards for raw protein and produce.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F. If you’re cooking a whole turkey, check the temperature in at least three places. We recommend the innermost part of the thigh, the thickest part of the breast, and the innermost part of the wing.