Can I cook a frozen turkey breast in the Instant Pot?

While it's technically possible, I don't recommend it for this recipe. Starting with a thawed turkey breast ensures the herb butter can properly adhere to the meat and penetrate under the skin. If you must cook from frozen, increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes per pound and apply seasonings as best you can, knowing the flavor won't penetrate as deeply.

How do I know when my turkey breast is fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer to verify the turkey has reached 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. While the Instant Pot timing is quite reliable, turkey breasts can vary in thickness, so a quick temperature check provides peace of mind.

Can I make this recipe in a smaller Instant Pot?

This recipe is designed for a standard 6-quart Instant Pot. For smaller models, you'll need to use a smaller turkey breast (4-5 pounds). Reduce the cooking time to about 6-7 minutes per pound while keeping the other ingredients proportionally the same.

What if I don't have fresh herbs?

While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, dried herbs work in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount called for (1 teaspoon each of dried sage and thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, and 2 teaspoons dried parsley). For an even better shortcut, look for poultry herb blends in the spice aisle.

Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe

Name: Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey breast (7½-8 pounds), thawed (e.g., Butterball, all white); 6 tablespoons butter, softened; 2 tablespoons fresh sage, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, minced; 1½ teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups low-sodium or unsalted chicken broth; 1 large onion, peeled and quartered; 3 medium carrots, washed and cut into 2-inch pieces; 2 medium celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces

This incredibly juicy Instant Pot Turkey Breast is the answer to your holiday cooking prayers! Perfectly seasoned with fresh herbs and cooked to tender perfection in just one hour, this recipe delivers all the flavor of a traditional roast turkey with a fraction of the effort. The pressure cooking method ensures moist, succulent meat every time, making it ideal for special occasions or a hassle-free weeknight dinner that feels extra special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Time-Saving Marvel: Forget spending all day tending to a turkey in the oven! This Instant Pot method delivers a juicy, flavorful turkey breast in just one hour of cooking time.
Foolproof Results: The pressure cooking environment virtually eliminates the risk of dry turkey, giving you perfectly moist meat even if you’re a turkey-cooking novice.
Stress-Free Holiday Option: Free up your oven for sides and desserts while the Instant Pot handles the star of the show. Perfect for smaller holiday gatherings when you don’t need a whole turkey.
Versatile Leftovers: The perfectly cooked turkey breast makes incredible sandwiches, salads, and casseroles for days after your initial meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Turkey Breast: A whole turkey breast (around 7½-8 pounds) provides the perfect canvas for herbs and seasonings. Butterball’s all-white version works beautifully and fits in a standard 6-quart Instant Pot.
Butter: Creates a rich, flavorful base for the herb rub and helps keep the meat incredibly moist during cooking.
Fresh Herbs: Sage, thyme, rosemary, and parsley create the classic turkey flavor profile we all crave. They infuse the meat with incredible aroma and taste that dried herbs simply can’t match.
Kosher Salt & Pepper: The foundation of any good seasoning. Kosher salt has a cleaner flavor than table salt and adheres better to the meat.
Chicken Broth: Provides the necessary liquid for pressure cooking while adding another layer of flavor. Low-sodium or unsalted versions let you control the final saltiness.
Aromatic Vegetables: Onion, carrots, and celery (the classic mirepoix) infuse the cooking liquid with flavor, creating an incredible base for gravy.

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.

Variations

Flavor Twists

Citrus Herb: Add orange and lemon zest to your herb butter for a bright, zesty flavor profile.
Garlic Lover’s: Include 4-6 minced garlic cloves in your herb butter mixture for an aromatic punch.
Mediterranean Style: Swap the traditional herbs for oregano, basil, and a touch of lemon zest.

Stuffing Options

Fill the cavity with prepared stuffing before cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
For a low-carb option, stuff with additional vegetables, lemon halves, and extra herbs.

Dietary Adaptations

Make it dairy-free by substituting olive oil for the butter in the herb rub.
For a flavor boost, use bone broth instead of regular chicken broth.

How to Make Instant Pot Turkey Breast

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Place the trivet in your Instant Pot. Remove the turkey breast from packaging (save that gravy packet!), and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures your herb butter will adhere properly.

Step 2: Create and Apply the Herb Butter

In a bowl, mix the softened butter with minced sage, thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined. Get hands-on and rub this aromatic mixture all over the turkey—on the outside, under the skin (gently separate it from the meat with your fingers), and inside the cavity. This step ensures flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Position and Add Liquids

Position the seasoned turkey breast in the Instant Pot with the cavity facing up. Pour chicken broth inside and around the turkey. Distribute the chopped onion, carrots, and celery around the turkey and inside the cavity if you’re not using stuffing.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the vent is closed. Set to manual HIGH pressure for 60 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release until the pin drops (approximately 10 minutes).

Step 5: Rest and Carve

Carefully lift the turkey out using the trivet handles and transfer to a large bowl. Let it cool slightly until you can handle it. Remove the meat from the bones, slice it against the grain, and arrange on a serving platter.

Step 6: Make the Gravy (Optional)

Strain the cooking liquid and set aside the vegetables. Return the liquid to the Instant Pot on sauté mode, whisk in the gravy packet that came with your turkey, and cook until thickened (5-10 minutes). Alternatively, save the strained liquid as homemade turkey broth for future recipes.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Proper Sizing: Ensure your turkey breast fits in your Instant Pot! A 6-quart pot typically accommodates a 7-8 pound breast.
Room Temperature Start: Let your turkey breast sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking for more even results.
Herb Substitutions: If fresh herbs aren’t available, use dried herbs at about 1/3 the amount (they’re more potent when dried).
Temperature Check: Even with the Instant Pot’s reliability, verify doneness with a meat thermometer—the turkey should reach 165°F at the thickest part.
Rest Before Carving: Give the turkey at least 10 minutes to rest before slicing to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This succulent turkey breast pairs beautifully with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole. For a complete Thanksgiving-inspired meal any time of year, add some stuffing (either cooked separately or in the cavity) and a simple gravy made from the cooking liquid.

Presentation Tips

For a stunning presentation, arrange sliced turkey on a platter with fresh herb sprigs, orange slices, and cranberries. Drizzle with a touch of the gravy and serve the remainder on the side.

Beyond Dinner

Transform leftovers into gourmet turkey sandwiches with cranberry mayo, or dice the meat for hearty turkey soup using the reserved cooking broth as your base.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled turkey slices in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the meat surrounded by a small amount of gravy or broth to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the turkey in portion-sized, airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. For best texture, freeze the meat with some gravy or cooking liquid.

Reheating

To maintain moisture when reheating, place turkey slices in a baking dish, add a splash of broth, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through (about 15 minutes). Alternatively, microwave individual portions with a splash of liquid and cover with a damp paper towel.

FAQs

Can I cook a frozen turkey breast in the Instant Pot?

While it’s technically possible, I don’t recommend it for this recipe. Starting with a thawed turkey breast ensures the herb butter can properly adhere to the meat and penetrate under the skin. If you must cook from frozen, increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes per pound and apply seasonings as best you can, knowing the flavor won’t penetrate as deeply.
How do I know when my turkey breast is fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer to verify the turkey has reached 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. While the Instant Pot timing is quite reliable, turkey breasts can vary in thickness, so a quick temperature check provides peace of mind.
Can I make this recipe in a smaller Instant Pot?

This recipe is designed for a standard 6-quart Instant Pot. For smaller models, you’ll need to use a smaller turkey breast (4-5 pounds). Reduce the cooking time to about 6-7 minutes per pound while keeping the other ingredients proportionally the same.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, dried herbs work in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount called for (1 teaspoon each of dried sage and thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, and 2 teaspoons dried parsley). For an even better shortcut, look for poultry herb blends in the spice aisle.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Turkey Breast recipe transforms what’s traditionally a labor-intensive holiday centerpiece into an approachable meal you can enjoy any day of the week. The pressure cooking method preserves moisture while infusing the meat with herbaceous flavor, giving you restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a small holiday gathering or simply craving the comfort of turkey dinner on a Tuesday, this recipe delivers delicious results every time. Give it a try—your taste buds (and schedule) will thank you!