Instant Pot turkey breast makes tender, juicy turkey breast with almost no prep! This easy turkey recipe can be made entirely in the Instant Pot.

An Instant Pot turkey breast on a blue plate surrounded by dishes of gravy mashed potatoes and green beans.

Cooking turkey breast in the Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal without all the fuss. With almost no prep, you can have a perfectly cooked turkey breast that is juicy and flavorful.

Making turkey breast in the Instant Pot is also a great way to save oven space for all of the other Thanksgiving sides and desserts. This recipe is also perfect for busy families or couples who want to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Instant Pot turkey breast on plates and platters.

Ingredient notes and substitutions

Thyme: Or use 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme.
Rosemary: Or use 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary.
Sage: Or use 1 tablespoon of fresh sage.
Chicken broth: Chicken stock also works well. Or use turkey broth if you prefer. I like to use reduced-sodium or no salt broth so that I can better control the sodium level.

How to make Instant Pot turkey breast

Bone-in turkey breast seasoned with salt and pepper on a parchment lined tray.

Step 1: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towel. Season the turkey liberally with salt and pepper.

Olive oil and herb mixture in a glass mixing bowl.

Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage and olive oil.
Separate the skin from the turkey breast and rub the garlic/herb mixture between the skin and breast, making sure to get under all of the skin.

Step 3: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté. When it reads hot, add a generous drizzle of olive oil.

Step 4: Sear the turkey breast on each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until browned. If your Instant Pot is not large enough to easily maneuver the turkey, do this on the stovetop in a skillet instead.

Step 5: Place the turkey breast in the Instant Pot, bone side down.

Step 6: Pour in chicken broth.

Step 7: Close and lock the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure release valve to 'Sealing.' Press manual high pressure and adjust the cooking time to 48 minutes.

Cooked turkey breast in broth in an Instant Pot inner pot.

Step 8: Once the cooking time has finished, let a the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes before switching the vent to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If it hasn't, you can seal the Instant Pot again and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, followed by a quick release.

Step 9: Remove the turkey from the Instant Pot, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.

Instant Pot turkey breast on a blue dish with fresh rosemary underneath.

Tips

Seasoning: Feel free to change up the seasoning. Sage, rosemary, thyme are classic poultry seasonings, but you could use any seasoning blend that you like.
Crisping up the skin: If you want crispy skin, you can broil the turkey breast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes after it's done cooking in the Instant Pot.
Cooking time: It takes roughly 8-9 minutes per pound for bone-in turkey breast. If your turkey breast is a little larger or a little smaller, adjust the cooking time accordingly.

A plate of sliced Instant Pot turkey breast over mashed potatoes and green beans.

Storage

Store any leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The turkey breast will keep for up to 4 days when properly stored in the fridge.

More Instant Pot turkey recipes!

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