Name: Easy 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 teaspoon chopped poultry fresh herb mix (rosemary, sage, and 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

Nothing beats a juicy, flavorful turkey breast cooked in a fraction of the traditional time — that's why my Easy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe has become a kitchen staple. It’s hands-off, simple, and the results? Tender, perfectly spiced turkey every single time.

A white plate holds six slices of golden brown cooked meat arranged in a neat row, each slice showing a slightly crispy, textured edge and juicy inside with light glaze on top. The plate is decorated with sprigs of fresh green herbs and small bright red berries placed around the meat. Nearby to the left, there is a white bowl filled with light brown sauce. The background surface is a white marbled texture. 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 Easy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited every time I make this recipe because it takes what feels like a complicated dish and makes it approachable for any home cook. It’s reliably delicious, and I love how it frees up my oven for other dishes.

Speedy Cooking: Unlike roasting for hours, in the Instant Pot your turkey breast is ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
Juicy Results: The pressure cooking locks in moisture, leaving each slice tender and flavorful without drying out.
Simple Ingredients: No complicated marinades—just fresh herbs, paprika, and staples that come together with ease.
Versatile Leftovers: The broth and leftovers turn into fabulous soups or sandwiches, stretching your meal further.

A close-up view of a roasted golden brown chicken lying on a white plate, showing a textured, crispy skin with visible seasoning and small black pepper flakes scattered on top. The chicken is positioned on the plate with its side facing up, and a silver fork is placed next to it. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Easy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe is chosen to enhance flavor with minimal fuss. Fresh herbs add aromatic earthiness, while broth and vegetables help build a rich base for gravy—all contributing to moist, tasty results.

Flat lay of a whole bone-in skin-on turkey breast with golden skin, a small white bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white bowl containing bright red paprika powder, a few sprigs of fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme mixed together, a small white bowl of coarse white salt, a small white bowl with ground black pepper, a small white bowl filled with clear chicken broth, a medium onion sliced into large rings, four whole garlic cloves with smooth white skins, and two fresh celery stalks with crisp green leaves 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

Bone-in skin-on turkey breast: Keeps the meat juicy and flavorful; bone adds depth to broth and keeps everything tender.
Olive oil: Helps herbs and spices stick to the skin, also promoting browning if finishing under the broiler.
Paprika: Adds sweetness and a mild smoky flavor without overpowering the turkey’s natural taste.
Fresh herb mix (rosemary, sage, thyme): Classic poultry herbs that infuse the turkey with that comforting, savory aroma.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the turkey meat.
Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful steaming environment and can be turned into a delicious gravy afterward.
Onion, garlic, celery: These aromatics build complex flavor in the cooking liquid, which you’ll use for gravy or soup later.

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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 like to keep this recipe flexible depending on the season and what herbs I have on hand. The beauty of cooking with the Instant Pot is that you can tweak flavors without worrying about messing up cooking times.

Herb swaps: If you don’t have rosemary or sage fresh, dried thyme and a pinch of oregano work beautifully too—I’ve tested both and they still deliver big flavor.
Lemon zest or juice: Adding a bit after cooking brightens up the turkey and makes for a refreshing twist, especially in spring and summer.
Spicy kick: Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle heat that wakes up the dish.
Broil finish: Don’t skip broiling if you want crispy skin—personally, it turns this effortless dish into something impressive for guests.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Aromatics and Broth Base

First, pour your chicken broth into the Instant Pot insert. Then add the chopped onion, whole garlic cloves, and celery stalks. These create a flavorful steam bath for the turkey and will double as the base for your gravy later. I like to roughly chop the onion into large slices so they’re easy to strain out but still impart maximum flavor.

Step 2: Make the Herb Oil and Prep the Turkey

In a small bowl, mix olive oil with paprika, your poultry herb mix (think rosemary, sage, thyme), salt, and black pepper. Wash and pat your turkey breast dry—removing the gravy pocket if your cut has one—to ensure the seasoning sticks. Brush that luscious herb mixture all over the turkey evenly. Then place the turkey breast upright on the trivet inside the Instant Pot.

Step 3: Pressure Cook to Juicy Perfection

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Use “manual” or “pressure cook” mode at high pressure and set the timer for 35 minutes. This timing is spot-on for about a 7-pound bone-in turkey breast like mine. Don’t rush the natural release afterward—letting the pressure come down on its own helps keep all those juicy flavors locked inside.

Step 4: Optional Broil for Crispy Skin

Carefully remove the turkey from the pot and place it on a baking tray. If you want that beautiful golden crispy skin, pop it under the broiler (preheated to around 440 °F) for a few minutes. Watch it closely, and turn the pan if you need to, so it crisps evenly without burning.

Step 5: Make the Gravy (Because Why Not?)

Strain your cooking liquid to remove the aromatics, pressing a bit to extract all the flavor. Measure about two cups of this liquid back into the Instant Pot and whisk in a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup cold water). Use the sauté function to simmer until thickened. This simple gravy is a perfect accompaniment and elevates the whole meal.

Top Tip

From my many try-outs, the key to this Easy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe is patience during pressure release and checking the internal temp for perfect doneness. These small steps made the biggest difference for me.

Natural Pressure Release: Wait for the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure instead of quick releasing; it keeps the turkey juicier than rushing it.
Internal Temperature Check: Always verify with a digital thermometer that your turkey hits 165°F, the safe minimum for poultry.
Pat Dry Before Seasoning: Drying your turkey well before brushing on the seasoning oil helps create better browning and flavor penetration.
Broil with Attention: Broiling the skin to crisp requires you to watch closely to avoid burning—don’t walk away!

How to Serve Easy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe

Instant Pot turkey breast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing the turkey with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme—it adds an herbal brightness and a lovely pop of green. A wedge of lemon on the side is another personal favorite; squeezing citrus right before eating really brightens the flavors.

Side Dishes

This Instant Pot turkey breast pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and some buttery dinner rolls. For a lighter option, a crisp cranberry salad or steamed green beans tossed with almonds also complement it beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, I arrange thick slices of the turkey breast over a bed of wild rice, sprinkle chopped pistachios for crunch, and drizzle with a bit of that homemade gravy. It turns this simple recipe into a show-stopping centerpiece that impresses guests effortlessly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover turkey keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I slice it before storing so it’s easy to grab for quick meals or sandwiches. Don’t forget to save the broth—it’s a flavor bomb perfect for adding into soups or stews later!

Freezing

I often freeze leftover turkey slices in freezer bags with a little cooking liquid to keep them moist during freezing. When thawed, they still taste fresh and juicy. The broth freezes great too—just label it and pop out cubes when you need quick broth for other recipes.

Reheating

To reheat turkey without drying it out, I drizzle a bit of broth or water over the slices, cover with foil, and warm gently in the oven or microwave. This gentle method preserves moisture and keeps it tender.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long does it take to cook a 7-pound turkey breast in the Instant Pot?

For a 7-pound bone-in turkey breast, I recommend 35 minutes at high pressure followed by a natural pressure release, which keeps the meat juicy and thoroughly cooked.

Can I use boneless turkey breast instead?

Absolutely! Just reduce the cooking time to 25 minutes at high pressure for boneless turkey breast, and always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.

How do I ensure the turkey skin gets crispy?

After pressure cooking, transfer the turkey breast to a baking sheet and broil it in a preheated oven at 440°F until the skin crisps up—usually just a few minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Can I make gravy from the Instant Pot drippings?

Yes! Strain the cooking liquid, add a cornstarch slurry to thicken it while simmering on sauté mode in the Instant Pot, and you have a flavorful gravy that’s perfect with your turkey.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe is a real game changer, especially when you want a comforting homemade meal without fuss. It’s saved me on busy weeknights and even made holiday leftovers feel special. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you’ll likely find yourself coming back to this method time and again!