Instant Pot Turkey Thighs Recipe

If you’re looking for a juicy, flavorful, and downright easy dinner that feels like it took hours but actually only takes about 50 minutes, you’re going to want to try my Instant Pot Turkey Thighs Recipe. I absolutely love how tender the turkey thighs turn out, and you’ll find that the sauce is rich and comforting, perfect for those cozy weeknight dinners or even a laid-back weekend meal. Trust me, once you get this down, it’ll be one of your go-to recipes!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients is key to making this Instant Pot Turkey Thighs Recipe sing. I love using fresh herbs and a touch of wine to build deep flavors without needing a hundred spices.

• Turkey Thighs: Dark meat keeps the meat juicy and so much more flavorful than breast meat.
• Italian Seasoning: An easy way to bring a blend of fragrant herbs with minimal effort.
• Garlic and Onion: Classic aromatics that give a savory base to the sauce.
• Bay Leaves and Fresh Rosemary: These add a lovely earthy depth; the rosemary sprigs are especially aromatic when pressure cooked.
• Red or White Wine: I usually grab whatever I have open in the fridge—it brightens and enriches the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Using broth instead of water adds that extra savory umami punch to the turkey.
• Tomato Sauce: Gives the sauce its hearty, slightly tangy character that pairs beautifully with turkey.
• Fresh Parsley: Stirred in last to add a fresh and colorful finish.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Instant Pot Turkey Thighs Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or your preferences. I encourage you to make it your own!

• Spicier Sauce: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a subtle kick that my family enjoys.
• Herb Swaps: If rosemary isn’t your favorite, thyme or sage are wonderful alternatives that bring a different aroma but just as much depth.
• Wine-Free Version: I’ve made it without wine by simply adding a bit more broth and a squeeze of lemon to keep brightness without alcohol.
• Low-Sodium Option: Just opt for low-sodium chicken broth and ease up on added salt at the end for a healthier twist.

How to Make Instant Pot Turkey Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Season and Pat Dry the Turkey

First things first—pat those turkey thighs completely dry with paper towels. This little step helps the seasoning stick better and gives you that beautiful golden sear. After drying, rub the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper all over the thighs evenly. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to soak up those flavors. I always found this rest time improves the taste dramatically.

Step 2: Sear the Turkey in the Instant Pot

Turn on your Instant Pot’s Sauté function on high and add the vegetable oil. When the oil starts to shimmer and sizzle, carefully add your turkey thighs. I like to sear them about 5 minutes on each side until they’re a lovely golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking through here—you’re just locking in flavor. This step really makes a difference in taste, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Deglaze

Next, add the thinly sliced onions, minced garlic, bay leaves, and rosemary twigs to the pot. Sauté everything for about 2 minutes until the onions soften and release their sweetness. Then pour in the wine, chicken broth, and tomato sauce. Use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pot bottom—this deglazing step prevents burn warnings and adds tons of flavor.

Step 4: Pressure Cook Until Tender

Switch your Instant Pot to manual High Pressure and seal the lid securely (make sure that steam release valve is set to “sealed”). Set the timer for 30 minutes. Once it’s done cooking, you can either let it naturally release for about 20 minutes—perfect if you want a hands-off approach—or carefully do a quick release if you’re in a hurry. I usually do natural release because it helps the turkey stay juicy.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve

Open your Instant Pot, discard the bay leaves and rosemary stems, then stir in fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness. Taste your sauce, then season with additional salt and pepper if needed (I generally add about 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper at this stage). Serve these tender turkey thighs smothered in sauce over rice or creamy mashed potatoes—you’re in for a treat!

How to Serve Instant Pot Turkey Thighs Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about simple garnishes that add freshness. I love to sprinkle fresh parsley right before serving—it brightens the rich sauce. Sometimes, a little lemon zest or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese works wonders too if you want a subtle extra zing. These small touches really elevate the dish.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides with this Instant Pot Turkey Thighs Recipe are creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables like carrots or green beans add a nice texture balance, and a simple side salad keeps the meal light and fresh. Give your meal some color and crunch!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served the turkey thighs whole on a large platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and extra sauce drizzled on top. Adding some roasted baby potatoes around the edges makes it look impressive without extra effort. You can even slice the turkey and arrange it over a bed of garlic mashed cauliflower for an elegant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover turkey thighs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The meat keeps its moisture beautifully, and the flavors actually deepen overnight—making for even tastier leftovers. Just make sure to cool everything to room temperature before refrigerating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a dream. I separate the turkey thighs and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags and label them with dates. They keep well for 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for a quick, comforting meal.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. This prevents drying out and helps maintain that juicy texture. Avoid microwaving for too long since turkey can become dry quickly if overheated.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first made this Instant Pot Turkey Thighs Recipe, I was amazed at how hands-off it was and how incredible the flavors turned out. It quickly became a family favorite, especially because it’s so easy to prepare, yet has that slow-cooked, comforting taste. I know once you try it, you’ll be reaching for turkey thighs more often because they’re juicy and rich and simple to cook—no fuss, just delicious dinners you can count on.
Go ahead, give this a shot—you’re going to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share your table!

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