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Juicy Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Simple Gravy

Four thick slices of juicy instant pot turkey breast covered in savory brown gravy and fresh thyme.

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Cook a tender, moist turkey breast quickly in your Instant Pot. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a stress-free holiday main dish, complete with a simple gravy made from the pot drippings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in turkey breast (4–6 lbs)
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup water or broth (for gravy)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for gravy)

Instructions

  1. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub the entire surface with olive oil.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder. Rub this seasoning mix evenly over the turkey breast.
  3. Pour 1 cup of chicken broth or water into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside.
  4. Carefully place the seasoned turkey breast on the trivet, skin-side up.
  5. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to Sealing.
  6. Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes per pound of turkey. For a 5 lb breast, cook for 40 minutes.
  7. When cooking time finishes, allow a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 15 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
  8. Remove the turkey breast from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes.
  9. To make the gravy, carefully pour the liquid from the Instant Pot into a fat separator or bowl, reserving the drippings. You should have about 1.5 cups of liquid.
  10. Return the liquid to the Instant Pot inner pot. In a small cup, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of cold water or broth until smooth.
  11. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Bring the liquid to a simmer. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry slowly until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
  12. Slice the turkey breast against the grain and serve immediately with the homemade gravy. This method is a great alternative to using meal planning services for a quick dinner.

Notes

  • For crispier skin, you can place the rested turkey breast under a preheated broiler for 3-5 minutes after pressure cooking. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
  • If you are looking for a full holiday spread, consider using a meal delivery service for side dishes to save time.
  • This recipe works well for both bone-in and boneless cuts, but adjust the cooking time slightly for boneless (usually 5-7 minutes less).

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