Warm Introduction
Hey there, friend! With the holidays right around the corner, or maybe just a random Tuesday evening when you’re craving a homemade turkey dinner, this Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy is going to make you feel like a genius in the kitchen. I love it because it’s fuss-free, incredibly juicy, and you get perfectly seasoned turkey and luscious homemade gravy in under an hour. Yep. Did I mention you don’t even have to babysit the oven?
If you’re looking for a way to bring the full Thanksgiving vibes without an all-day commitment, grab your Instant Pot. It’s a dinner game-changer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✔️ Quick and Easy: Using the Instant Pot means minimal effort but maximum flavor!
- ✔️ Perfect for Smaller Crowds: No need to roast a whole turkey when you’re cooking for just a few people.
- ✔️ Flavor-Packed Gravy: You’ll turn the drippings into a velvety sauce that takes this dish to the next level.
- ✔️ Customizable: Change up the seasonings to suit your taste or add fresh herbs for flair.
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- Bone-in turkey breast (4-6 lbs): Look for a turkey breast that fits snugly in your Instant Pot. Boneless works too—just reduce cooking time slightly.
- Olive oil: For a flavorful sear before pressure cooking.
- Chicken broth: This keeps the turkey moist and becomes the base for your gravy.
- Onion, celery, and carrots: These aromatics add depth to the cooking liquid.
- Fresh rosemary and thyme: Trust me, those fragrant herbs make all the difference here.
- Butter & flour: The perfect combo for a rich, roux-based gravy.
Pro Tips
- No fresh herbs on hand? Use 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary and thyme instead.
- For a deeper flavor, you can substitute a splash of white wine for some of the chicken broth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Don’t forget to season under the skin for that extra flavor punch!
- Sear: Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” and heat a tablespoon of olive oil. Sear the turkey breast for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Aromatics: Toss the onion, celery, and carrot into the pot and stir until they start to soften, about 2-3 minutes. Add the rosemary and thyme.
- Deglaze: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to release those flavorful browned bits.
- Cook: Place the turkey breast on top of the vegetables. Seal the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 25 minutes (adjust to 20 minutes for boneless). Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release.
- Rest the Turkey: Carefully remove the turkey and let it rest on a cutting board. Tent with foil to keep warm.
- Make the Gravy: Strain the liquid into a bowl and discard the solids. Set the pot back to “Sauté,” melt butter, and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the strained liquid and cook until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Slice the turkey and serve with that dreamy gravy drizzled over the top.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- For extra-crispy skin: Once the turkey is done, place it under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the skin.
- Don’t skip resting: Resting ensures the juices stay locked in for super flavorful turkey slices.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Herb Swap: Use sage or parsley for a slightly different herbaceous twist.
- Add Heat: Sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for some warmth.
- Serving Pairings: Serve with classic mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or my recipe for Amazing Make-Ahead Stuffing for the ultimate comfort meal!
FAQs
- Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely! Wrap sliced turkey tightly in foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Gravy can be frozen separately.
- How do I reheat turkey without drying it out? Heat slices gently in a covered dish with a splash of broth or gravy to keep them moist.
- Can I use a frozen turkey breast? Yes, but be sure to fully thaw it in the fridge before cooking for even results.
Printable Recipe Card
Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy Servings: 6 servings | Total Time: 1 hour Ingredients: - 4-6 lb bone-in turkey breast - 1 tbsp olive oil - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 small onion, quartered - 2 carrots, chopped - 2 celery stalks, chopped - 3 sprigs fresh rosemary - 3 sprigs fresh thyme - 2 tbsp butter - 2 tbsp flour - Salt and pepper, to taste Instructions: 1. Pat turkey dry and season with salt and pepper. 2. Sear turkey in Instant Pot on “Sauté” mode and set aside. 3. Sauté aromatics, deglaze with chicken broth, and add turkey breast. 4. Pressure cook on High for 25 minutes. Natural release for 10 minutes. 5. Rest turkey, strain liquid, and make gravy with a butter-flour roux. 6. Serve sliced turkey with gravy.
There you have it—an easy, flavor-packed dinner that’s perfect for any occasion. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear what you think! Don’t forget to leave a comment below or tag me in your foodie pictures using #TheKitchensAid.
