Print

Ultra Juicy Herb Butter Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Quick Stovetop Gravy

Close-up of a perfectly cooked, juicy instant pot turkey breast, sliced and resting in rich brown gravy.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Cook a perfectly moist and tender turkey breast quickly in your Instant Pot. This recipe uses an aromatic herb butter rub and includes simple steps for making flavorful gravy from the pot drippings, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or small holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (3-4 lb) boneless turkey breast, skin on or off
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 small onion, quartered
  • 1 lemon, halved

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika to create the herb butter.
  2. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub the herb butter mixture evenly over the entire surface of the turkey breast.
  3. Pour the olive oil into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Place the quartered onion and lemon halves inside the pot.
  4. Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Carefully set the seasoned turkey breast on top of the trivet.
  5. Pour the chicken broth around the base of the pot, avoiding pouring it directly over the turkey.
  6. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the vent to the sealing position.
  7. Select Manual or Pressure Cook (High Pressure) for 45 minutes for a 3-4 lb breast.
  8. When the cooking time finishes, allow a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 10 minutes, then carefully move the valve to quick release any remaining pressure.
  9. Remove the turkey breast from the pot and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
  10. To make gravy, carefully pour the liquid from the Instant Pot into a saucepan, leaving behind any large solids. Skim off excess fat from the top.
  11. Bring the liquid to a simmer on the stovetop. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry.
  12. Whisk the slurry into the simmering liquid until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  13. Slice the turkey breast against the grain and serve immediately with the homemade gravy.

Notes

  • For extra moisture, you can place a few sprigs of fresh herbs directly under the turkey on the trivet.
  • If your turkey breast is frozen, increase the high-pressure cook time to 70 minutes and use a 15-minute NPR before quick releasing.
  • Use the leftover drippings and broth for a flavorful base for stuffing or soup later.

Nutrition