Name: Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 7 lb bone-in skin-on turkey breast; 3 tablespoons olive oil; ¾ teaspoon paprika; 2 teaspoons chopped poultry fresh herb mix (rosemary, sage, thyme); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 medium onion, chopped into large slices; 4 garlic cloves; 2 celery stalks; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; ¼ cup cold water

I can’t get over how tender and juicy this Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe turns out every single time. The pressure cooker locks in all that savory flavor, and the turkey comes out perfectly cooked without hours of waiting.

A white plate holds six slices of roasted meat arranged side by side in a fan shape, each slice golden brown with visible seasoning and a slightly crispy texture on the edges, topped with a light, shiny sauce. Around the meat, there are sprigs of fresh green thyme and bright red berries scattered for decoration. In the background, a white bowl filled with a smooth, light brown gravy and a modern cooker with a digital panel sit on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe quickly became my go-to for any occasion when I want juicy turkey without fuss. The combination of herbs and paprika adds just the right touch of flavor, and the method is surprisingly quick.

Speedy yet succulent: Get a full 7-pound turkey breast done in under an hour, including prep.
Hands-off cooking: The Instant Pot does the heavy lifting, so you don't have to hover.
Flavorful herb blend: Rosemary, sage, and thyme infuse the meat beautifully without overpowering.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether a holiday dinner or weeknight meal, this recipe impresses every time.

A close-up of a large roasted chicken piece with golden brown crispy skin, showing a mix of light and dark orange shades with small blackened herb bits scattered on top. The chicken has a textured surface with some shiny, moist spots, and is resting on a white plate with a silver fork touch visible on the left side. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe isn’t just the pressure cooking—it’s how the simple ingredients come together to create a juicy, flavorful meal. Knowing why I use each one helps me tweak the recipe if needed and shop smart.

Flat lay of a large bone-in skin-on turkey breast with golden skin, a small white bowl of olive oil, a small white bowl containing paprika powder, a small white bowl with a fresh chopped herb mix of rosemary, sage, and thyme, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, a small white bowl filled with clear chicken broth, a whole medium onion sliced into large rings, four whole garlic cloves, two fresh celery stalks arranged neatly, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Turkey breast: Bone-in and skin-on is key for moisture and richer taste—plus, the skin crisps so nicely afterward!
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and locks in juiciness while cooking.
Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and beautiful color without overwhelming the palate.
Fresh herb mix (rosemary, sage, thyme): Classic poultry herbs that bring out that unmistakable savory aroma.
Salt and pepper: Simple but essential for enhancing all the natural turkey flavors.
Chicken broth: Creates the moisture needed for pressure cooking and serves as the base for the delicious gravy.
Onion, garlic, celery: Classic aromatics that add depth to the cooking liquid, infusing the turkey with savory notes.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I know we all like to put our own spin on things, and this Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe is no exception. I occasionally add a splash of white wine to the broth for a little extra depth, but it’s just as fabulous without it.

Variation: One time, I switched up the herb blend with just thyme and oregano for an Italian twist—turned out fantastic and super fragrant.
Spicy kick: If you like some heat, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or chili powder in your oil mix before coating the turkey.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot Base

Start by pouring chicken broth into the Instant Pot insert—this liquid is crucial because it generates the steam necessary for pressure cooking. Next, place the trivet inside, then scatter the onion slices, garlic cloves, and celery stalks underneath. This creates a flavorful bed for your turkey while keeping it out of the broth.

Step 2: Season the Turkey

In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, paprika, your fresh poultry herbs, salt, and pepper. I like to get my hands in there and really massage the mixture onto every surface of the turkey breast—especially the skin. Don’t forget to give the turkey a good rinse and pat dry before seasoning to ensure your rub sticks well.

Step 3: Cook Under Pressure

Place the turkey breast on the trivet inside the Instant Pot, breast side up. Seal the lid, making sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Hit the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the timer for 35 minutes on high pressure. Trust me, this timing works perfectly for a 7-pound breast, but always check with a meat thermometer to confirm it’s at least 165°F internally.

Step 4: Let It Rest and Optional Crisping

Once the timer beeps, hit “Cancel” and let the pressure release naturally. This step is critical—it keeps the turkey juicy and avoids drying it out. When safe, open the lid carefully, lift the turkey out with a large fork, and transfer it to a board or baking pan. If you love crispy skin as much as I do, pop it under a 440°F broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Step 5: Make the Gravy

Drain the pan drippings through a sieve, pressing the onions and garlic to get every last bit of flavor. Measure two cups of this liquid, pour it back into the Instant Pot insert, then whisk in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water). Hit “Sauté” and stir until your gravy thickens up—perfect for drizzling over your turkey.

Top Tip

From my experience, the key to this Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe turning out consistently great is patience during pressure release and ensuring proper seasoning upfront. Here are my go-to tips to keep it foolproof:

Natural Pressure Release: This extra waiting helps juices redistribute so the meat stays tender and moist.
Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and herbs—they really bring out the turkey’s flavor.
Crisp the Skin Last: Broiling at high heat for just a few minutes transforms the skin from soft to irresistibly crunchy.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid under or overcooking, always check the thickest part of the breast; 165°F is the safe temp.

How to Serve Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe

instant pot turkey breast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a little extra thyme on top for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, I drizzle a little lemon juice to brighten all those rich flavors. Simple touches like these make the dish feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This pressure-cooked turkey pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crunchy autumn slaw. I often serve it alongside stuffing or buttery corn on the cob for a comforting, complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I like to slice the turkey breast and fan the pieces on a large platter, garnished with rosemary sprigs and cranberries for a festive look. Another favorite is serving the slices stacked on warm dinner rolls with gravy as a delicious turkey sandwich bar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I let the leftover turkey cool completely before placing it in airtight containers. It stores beautifully in the fridge and stays juicy and flavorful for 3-4 days. Pro tip: slice the leftovers before refrigerating—they reheat more evenly that way.

Freezing

I’ve also frozen sliced turkey breast successfully. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in freezer bags. When thawed, the texture remains surprisingly tender, making it perfect for quick lunches or soups on busy days.

Reheating

To reheat without drying out the meat, I cover the turkey slices with foil and warm them gently in a 325°F oven. Adding a splash of broth or gravy keeps everything moist. Microwave works too, but I keep the time short and use a covered dish for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I know when the turkey breast is fully cooked in the Instant Pot?

The easiest and safest way is to use a digital meat thermometer. The turkey is done when it reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. Pressure cooking times are a great guide, but temperature ensures perfect doneness.

Can I use a boneless turkey breast instead?

Yes, you can use a boneless turkey breast, but reduce the cooking time to about 25 minutes on high pressure. Always check the temperature to avoid overcooking since boneless meat tends to cook faster.

Is it necessary to broil the turkey after pressure cooking?

Not at all. Broiling is optional and only needed if you want crispy, golden skin. If you prefer, you can serve the turkey straight from the Instant Pot—it will be juicy and flavorful either way.

Can I make gravy ahead of time using the Instant Pot drippings?

Absolutely! You can strain and refrigerate or freeze the drippings before making gravy. When ready, reheat and thicken with cornstarch or flour as usual. This makes meal prep easier on busy days.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe has been a game changer in my kitchen—what used to be a long, stressful cooking process is now a simple, speedy one that yields tender, delicious results every time. I’m excited for you to try it and discover how easy, flavorful, and satisfying turkey can be with the magic of the Instant Pot.