Juicy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners

If you want a juicy turkey loaded with flavor in under an hour, this Instant Pot turkey breast recipe will have people thinking you spent hours cooking it.

I love turkey in many forms — spatchcocked and smoked, herb-roasted, smoked breast, or pulled — but when time is short the Instant Pot is a fantastic option. It delivers tender, flavorful turkey in a fraction of the time of the oven.

This Instant Pot turkey breast is a recent favorite. With a simple herb and olive oil rub, and a quick pressure-cook, you can serve a juicy breast in about an hour. Finish briefly under the broiler if you want crisp skin, and use the pan juices to make a rich gravy right in the pot.

Why this recipe works

• Fast cooking: High pressure cooks turkey much faster than traditional methods while still producing tender meat.
• Moisture retention: The sealed Instant Pot environment traps steam, keeping the breast juicy instead of drying it out.
• Flavor infusion: Pressure cooking pushes herbs and aromatics into the meat so each bite is well seasoned.
• Set-and-forget: Once the pot is programmed, you don’t need to watch over it — handy when you’re preparing multiple side dishes.
• Consistent results: The Instant Pot provides an even cooking environment, making it easier to achieve predictable, even doneness throughout the breast.

Ingredients notes

• Turkey breast: Choose bone-in for more flavor or boneless for easier carving. Size should fit comfortably in your Instant Pot — around a 6–7 lb bone-in breast is a common maximum.
• Olive oil: Helps the rub adhere and contributes richness; you can sear briefly for added color before pressure cooking.
• Aromatics: Onion, garlic and fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme and sage add depth to the cooking liquid and the meat.
• Seasonings: A simple mix of salt, pepper and paprika works well; adjust to taste or add other spices you enjoy.
• Chicken stock: Low-sodium stock provides the steam and flavor base for the turkey and the gravy.

Ingredient swaps

You can easily adapt this recipe:

• Use boneless turkey breast for a quicker cook (reduce time accordingly).
• Substitute butter or ghee for olive oil for a richer finish.
• Use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh — use about one third the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Swap vegetable stock for chicken stock for a lighter flavor, or add a splash of apple cider for brightness.

Step-by-step overview

Full ingredient list and step-by-step instructions are in the recipe card below.

Add chopped onion, minced garlic and chicken stock to the Instant Pot, then place the trivet inside. In a small bowl combine olive oil, chopped poultry herbs, salt, paprika and black pepper, and brush the turkey breast with the mixture. Set the breast on the trivet, breast-side up.

Secure the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select Manual (High) pressure for 30 minutes (or about 5 minutes per pound). Allow the pressure to release naturally to keep the meat juicy.

To crisp the skin, transfer the turkey to a baking sheet and broil for about 5 minutes until golden. Slice and serve immediately.

FAQs

Slow cooker option

If you prefer the slow cooker, place the ingredients in the crock and cook on low for 4–5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The slow cooker is a good alternative if you want hands-off, all-day cooking.

Best sides for turkey

Classic accompaniments enhance this turkey: mashed sweet potatoes, make-ahead turkey gravy, bread stuffing, scalloped sweet potatoes, corn pudding, homemade cranberry sauce, shaved Brussels sprouts with bacon, baked cheddar mac and cheese, roasted potatoes, or Instant Pot cranberry sauce.

Pro tips & recipe notes

• Choose a turkey breast that fits comfortably in your Instant Pot and is fully thawed if previously frozen.
• Brining the breast before cooking can help prevent dryness and improve flavor.
• Adjust cook time by about 5 minutes per pound to scale the recipe up or down.
• After cooking, allow the turkey to rest tented in foil for 15–20 minutes before slicing.

Other turkey recipes

If you try this Instant Pot turkey breast, let the author know how it turned out in the comments. There are also social channels associated with the original recipe for further inspiration.