Juicy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe for Tender, Fast Dinner

This Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe yields a juicy, flavorful turkey breast in the pressure cooker in about 35 minutes—an excellent time-saver for Thanksgiving or any busy holiday.

I like to serve this turkey breast with cranberry sauce, a sweet corn casserole and roasted vegetables, and I often use leftovers for turkey tetrazzini or soups.

Why this method works

Pressure cooking shortens the cook time while locking in moisture and flavor. A bone-in, skin-on turkey breast cooks in roughly one-third of the time it would take in the oven, freeing up oven space for side dishes. The Instant Pot produces tender meat and flavorful pan drippings that make excellent gravy. If you prefer crispy skin, a few minutes under the broiler will finish it perfectly.

How to cook turkey breast in the Instant Pot

This method is straightforward and reliable:

• Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot insert and add large slices of onion, whole garlic cloves and celery to the bottom.
• Place the trivet in the pot and set the turkey breast on it, breast side up. In a small bowl combine olive oil, paprika, poultry herb mix (thyme, rosemary and sage), salt and pepper; brush this mixture all over the skin.
• Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on High Pressure for the recommended time (see timing section).
• When cooking finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally—this helps keep the turkey moist. When the pressure pin drops, open the lid away from your face and check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast (not touching bone). It should read at least 165°F.
• Remove the turkey from the pot. If you want crisp skin, place the breast on a baking pan and broil until golden, watching closely to avoid burning. For a lower-fat option, remove the skin, then slice the meat.
• Use the liquid left in the pot to make gravy (instructions below) and save any remaining broth for soups.

How long to cook turkey breast in the Instant Pot

Cook time varies by size. A 7 lb bone-in, skin-on turkey breast cooks well at 35 minutes on High Pressure; smaller breasts require proportionally less time. Always verify doneness with a digital thermometer—the thickest part of the breast should reach 165°F. This 7 lb size fits comfortably in a 6-quart Instant Pot. After the cook cycle, allow a natural pressure release to preserve juices; a quick release can cause the meat to lose moisture.

To crisp the skin after pressure cooking, place the breast on a baking pan and broil on high (around 440°F) for a few minutes, rotating the pan if needed and watching closely so the skin doesn’t burn.

How to make turkey gravy in the Instant Pot

Strain the pan drippings through a fine sieve to remove solids, pressing the onions and garlic to extract maximum flavor. Measure 2 cups of the strained liquid and return it to the Instant Pot insert. Whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water, then whisk that slurry into the hot liquid and use the Sauté setting to simmer until thickened. Reserve remaining strained broth for soups or freeze it once cooled for later use.

Side dishes to serve with turkey breast

– Mashed potatoes: Instant Pot mashed potatoes are quick and reliable.

– Roasted Brussels sprouts: garlic and Parmesan enhance their flavor and make them crowd-pleasing.

– Roasted carrots: brown sugar roasted carrots are an easy, sweet vegetable side.

– Green bean casserole: a classic made from scratch for a traditional holiday table.

– Hashbrown casserole: a cheesy, creamy alternative to mashed potatoes.

– Stuffing: slow-cooker sausage stuffing saves oven space and time.

How to use leftover turkey meat

Leftover turkey is versatile: dice it for turkey tetrazzini, substitute it in chicken noodle soup, or use it in casseroles, sandwiches and salads. Freeze leftover broth for future soups and stews.

For cooking a boneless turkey breast from frozen, there are specific Instant Pot methods designed for that cut if you prefer a different approach.

More Instant Pot recipes

If you try this recipe, leave a comment and rating—feedback helps others and lets me know how it turned out for you.