Description
A flavorful and tender Instant Pot turkey breast recipe that delivers juicy, perfectly cooked meat in just over an hour. This recipe includes a simple seasoning rub, a quick sear for extra flavor, pressure cooking for tenderness, and a creamy homemade gravy to serve alongside. Ideal for a hassle-free turkey dinner or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey Breast
- 1 medium turkey breast (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup water
Gravy
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Season the Turkey: Use a paper towel to completely pat dry the turkey breast. Rub vegetable oil, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and minced garlic evenly over the turkey. Set it aside on a plate for at least 15 minutes and ideally bring it to room temperature to ensure juicier, more tender meat.
- Sear the Turkey: Turn on the Instant Pot to Sauté mode on high. Add butter and melt until it bubbles, about 1 minute. Sear the turkey breast for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside; the turkey will not be fully cooked at this stage.
- Prepare for Pressure Cooking: Place a wire rack inside the Instant Pot and pour in 1/2 cup of water to prevent drippings from burning and to aid in making gravy later. Return the seared turkey breast onto the rack inside the pot.
- Pressure Cook the Turkey: Close and seal the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the steam release knob is in the sealed position. Set to manual pressure cooking mode for 30 minutes. When time is up, allow a natural pressure release for about 20 minutes, or manually quick-release remaining pressure.
- Rest the Turkey: Transfer the cooked turkey breast to a plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing.
- Make the Gravy: Leave the turkey drippings in the Instant Pot and switch back to Sauté mode on high. Add flour, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the drippings. Whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Slice the rested turkey breast and serve with the creamy homemade gravy spooned over the top or on the side.
Notes
- Bringing the turkey to room temperature before cooking improves tenderness.
- Searing the turkey breast adds flavor and color but does not fully cook it.
- Natural pressure release helps keep the turkey juicy and tender.
- The wire rack prevents the turkey from sitting in water, ensuring even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Gravy can be thickened more or thinned out by adjusting flour and broth amounts as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 6-7 oz cooked turkey with gravy)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
