Instant Pot Turkey Breast
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
27 mins
-
Additional Time
10 mins
-
Total Time
47 mins
-
Servings
6 servings
-
Calories
190 kcal
-
Course
Main Course, Dinner
-
Cuisine
American
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Description
This recipe uses an Instant Pot to cook a 3-pound boneless, skin-on turkey breast. The method starts by seasoning and browning the breast skin-side down in oil to develop flavor and color. Then, chicken broth, onion slices, and fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme are added to the pot. The turkey is placed on a trivet above the liquid, and cooked under high pressure for about 22 minutes for a 3-pound breast. The recipe includes guidance to adjust cooking times for other weights.
The pressure cooking ensures the turkey stays moist and tender while fully cooking throughout. The meat is brought to a safe internal temperature, checked by a thermometer, and rested uncovered briefly to allow juices to redistribute before slicing. Additionally, the cooking broth can be strained and used to create a gravy by simmering with butter, flour, and optional poultry seasoning, adding richness and depth to the meal.
This method is practical for a convenient, hands-off preparation of turkey breast suitable for a variety of meals. The browning step adds texture to the skin, while the aromatic herbs infuse subtle flavors during pressure cooking. Adjusting cooking times by weight and thickness is important for best results. Using the broth for gravy utilizes all the flavorful components of the dish efficiently.
Ingredients
- 1 turkey breast 3 pounds, with skin, boneless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ onion sliced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 3-4 prigs fresh herbs parsley, rosemary, sage, and/or thyme
For Gravy (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning optional
Instructions
- Season the turkey breast with salt and pepper. Turn the Instant Pot on to SAUTE and add the oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the turkey breast, skin side down for for 5 to 6 minutes or until browned.
- Remove the turkey and add the broth to the Instant Pot, scraping off any brown bits from the bottom.
- Place onion slices and fresh herbs in the broth, then add the trivet. Place the turkey breast, skin side up, on the trivet.
- Set the Instant Pot to MANUAL - HIGH PRESSURE and cook on high pressure for 22 minutes for a 3lb breast (see additional cooking times below for other sizes).
- After the cycle completes, let the turkey naturally release for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the turkey breast has reached an internal temperature of 160°F. Transfer to a plate and let rest 10 minutes, the temperature will continue to rise to 165°F.
To Make The Gravy
- While the turkey breast is resting, remove the broth from the Instant Pot, strain, and set aside.
- Set the Instant Pot to SAUTE and melt the butter. Add the flour and poultry seasoning, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring or until it begins to lightly brown.
- Add whisk in the strained broth, whisking after each addition, until smooth. Continue adding broth to reach the desired thickness.
- Taste and season the gravy with additional salt and pepper and stir in additional fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Browning the turkey breast skin-side down before pressure cooking adds color and flavor, but you can brown it in a skillet if preferred.
- Adjust pressure cooking times based on turkey breast weight: approximately 7-8 minutes per pound under high pressure.
- Check internal temperature after cooking; turkey should reach 160°F and then rest to reach 165°F.
- If temperature after cooking is low, you can pressure cook a few more minutes; resting further allows carryover cooking.
- Use the strained broth to make gravy by simmering with butter and flour or with a cornstarch slurry for thickening.
- Additional gravy can be blended with prepared gravy mix and simmered together for extra richness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 190 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 190 | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 70mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 484mg | 20% |
| Potassium | 375mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 26IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 24mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.