Description
This Best Instant Pot Turkey Breast recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful turkey breast cooked quickly and effortlessly using an Instant Pot. Perfectly seasoned with a blend of classic herbs and spices, and finished with a natural pressure release, this method ensures tender, moist meat ideal for holiday dinners or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey and Seasoning
- 1 boneless or bone-in turkey breast (3 to 5 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
Cooking Liquid
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, rosemary, and sage. Rub the turkey breast all over with olive oil or melted butter, then evenly coat it with the seasoning mixture to enhance the flavor.
- Sear the Turkey: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a small amount of oil. Once hot, place the turkey breast in the pot and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns a light golden brown. This step locks in juices and adds depth of flavor. Remove the turkey and set aside.
- Add Cooking Liquid: Pour chicken broth, lemon juice, and minced garlic into the Instant Pot. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits, which add richness to the final dish.
- Pressure Cook the Turkey: Place the trivet inside the pot and set the turkey breast on top. Secure the lid, ensuring the valve is in the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes if using a boneless turkey breast or 30 minutes for bone-in.
- Release Pressure and Check Temperature: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the turkey has reached 165°F (74°C) for safety and optimal doneness.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the turkey breast from the Instant Pot and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve warm.
- Optional Gravy: For a flavorful gravy, simmer the remaining liquid in the pot and thicken using a cornstarch slurry if desired.
Notes
- If using a frozen turkey breast, increase the cook time by 10 to 15 minutes to ensure it cooks through.
- For crispier skin, place the cooked turkey breast under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes after pressure cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference or substitute with a store-bought poultry seasoning blend for convenience.
