Quick and easy Instant Pot turkey breast lets you enjoy the classic holiday entree without needing to fuss with a whole bird. Ready in just 40 minutes, the result’s a golden roasted, freshly seasoned and flavorful dish worthy of being the star of your holiday meal! Perfect for smaller holiday gatherings or to make as a second entree for larger crowds.
Thanksgiving has always been a huge affair for us, full of friends and family gathered around the table that overflows with scrumptious food.
I’ve always loved it.
Lived for it even.
But what happens when the kids start leaving home and you still want to celebrate, but the celebration needs to get smaller?
You find yourself no longer needing a whole turkey.
Or, on the flip side, what happens when those kids leave home but bring with them a whole new brood of friends home with them to share the holiday festivities?
You find yourself needing a giant bird plus some extra!
This Instant Pot turkey breast is the perfect solution for either scenario.
It is a delicious, hassle free way to serve a traditional entree for smaller Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations and the best way to add an extra protein main without taking up valuable oven space for larger gatherings.
Plus the result is spot on each time- moist and tender with a carefully chosen blend of seasonings and golden brown skin.
It all comes together quickly with barely any prep so you can enjoy the festivities and not be stuck in the kitchen.
Ingredients
To make this you’ll need:
- Turkey breast– Go for a 7 to 8 pound breast and make sure it is thawed first.
- Water– You could sub the water for chicken or turkey broth for more flavor.
- Onion– A quartered red onion.
- Fresh herbs– Both fresh thyme and fresh rosemary
- Garlic– 2 cloves quartered.
- Lemon
How to Make
Making Instant Pot turkey breast is hands down the easiest way to make turkey ever!
To do it, set the turkey breast on the trivet in the inner liner of the pot.
Then, place the rest of the ingredients around the turkey in the pot.
Secure the Instant Pot lid onto the pot and turn the pressure valve to seal.
Cook on manual high pressure for 35 minutes.
After the pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally.
Once the pressure has released, open the pot and let the bird rest for a couple minutes before removing and transferring to a serving tray.
Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
How long to cook turkey in the Instant Pot?
The cook time will vary based on the size of the bird, but you can generally plan on about 6 minutes per pound.
What Temperature Is Turkey Breast Done At?
If you’re concerned about food safety, cook to temperature instead of time.
Turkey breast is considered safe to consume by the USDA when cooked to a temperature of 165F.
However, residual heat will keep it cooking even after it’s removed, so take it from the heat source at 160F and let it rest until the internal temperature reaches 165F using a meat thermometer.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or in a hot oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze Instant Pot turkey breast?
Yes!
To freeze this, let it cool completely.
Slice it up and put it in a ziplocking freezer bag.
Seal and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips and Tricks
- Substituting a different cooking liquid can help infuse flavor into your turkey. We like using broth or even white wine.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
- If the skin of the turkey breast is crispy enough to suit your taste, put the cooked turkey breast on a baking sheet and pop it under the broiler for a minute or so, watching closely, to let the skin brown up.
What to serve with Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Instant Pot turkey breast is the easiest way to make the classic holiday main.
Make it and enjoy with your favorite sides like:
- Sausage, Apple, And Sage Dressing
- Cornbread Dressing Fritters
- Cranberry Pecan Wild Rice Stuffing
- Homestyle Baked Mac & Cheese
- Scalloped Potatoes Gratin
- Braised Celery
- Pumpkin Parmesan Twice Baked Potatoes
- Slow Cooker Green Beans Casserole
- Oatmeal Pull Apart Rolls
If you’ve tried this INSTANT POT TURKEY BREAST, or any other recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers! You can also follow along with me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes and whatever else we’ve got going on!
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Ingredients
- 7-8 lb turkey breast
- 1 cup water
- 1 red onion quartered
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 2 cloves garlic, quartered
- 1 lemon
Instructions
- Set turkey breast on the trivet in the inner pot. Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot, placing them around the turkey.7-8 lb turkey breast, 1 cup water, 1 red onion quartered, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 sprig fresh rosemary, 2 cloves garlic, quartered, 1 lemon
- Close the Instant Pot lid and turn the pressure valve to seal. Cook on manual high pressure for 35 minutes.
- Allow for a natural pressure release. Let the bird rest for a couple minutes before removing and transferring to a serving tray.
Notes
- Substituting a different cooking liquid can help infuse flavor into your turkey. We like using broth or even white wine.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
- If the skin of the turkey breast is crispy enough to suit your taste, put the cooked turkey breast on a baking sheet and pop it under the broiler for a minute or so, watching closely, to let the skin brown up.
Nutrition
Judith A. Graber says
Funny – I just tried to talk my sister into cooking just a turkey breast and she said no. A few still like dark meat, she likes the look of it on her table and it smells good cooking in the kitchen – and it’s tradition! I’m with you! Thanks for sharing with Fiesta Friday.
Barb says
is the turkey breast thawed when cooking?
4sonsrus says
Yes.