Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy

Introduction

If you’re anything like me, you love the idea of cooking turkey but don’t always want to commit to hours in the kitchen. That’s where this Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy comes in – it’s a total game-changer! Seriously, I was a little skeptical at first, but after trying it once, it became my go-to for turkey dinners. The best part? It’s super easy, even if you’ve never used an Instant Pot before. Plus, the turkey comes out so tender and juicy – you’ll wonder why you ever cooked it any other way.

I remember the first time I made this recipe. It was a chilly evening, and I’d promised my family turkey for dinner, but I was running late. The Instant Pot saved me! In just under an hour, I had a perfectly cooked turkey breast with homemade gravy. My family was so impressed, and it became a regular in our dinner rotation. Now, whenever I make it, the whole house fills with that delicious, savory aroma, and I get to sit down with my loved ones for a meal that feels like it took hours – without all the stress.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want a comforting meal for the week, this recipe is a keeper. Plus, the homemade gravy? You’ll want to pour it over everything. Don’t worry if you’re new to cooking or feel a little intimidated – you’ve got this! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious turkey dinner ready in no time. So let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This

Here are some great reasons to fall in love with Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy:

• Quick and Easy: Forget hours of roasting; the Instant Pot cooks the turkey in a fraction of the time.
• Moist and Tender: The turkey stays juicy and perfectly cooked every time.
• Homemade Gravy: The gravy is made from the turkey drippings, so it’s full of flavor.
• Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need a long list of ingredients to make this meal delicious.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday dinner or a weeknight meal, this dish fits the bill.
• No Fuss: The Instant Pot does most of the work for you!
• Flavorful: With a simple seasoning blend, the turkey tastes savory and satisfying.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Calories per serving: Approximately 220 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Fat: 10g, Carbohydrates: 6g, Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for your Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy:

For the Turkey:

• 3-4 lb turkey breast, boneless and skinless
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup turkey or chicken broth (from the Instant Pot)

Ingredient Highlights

• Turkey Breast: Boneless and skinless turkey breast cooks quickly and evenly, making it perfect for the Instant Pot.
• Gravy: The gravy is made from the turkey’s own juices, which makes it incredibly flavorful and rich.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy:

Prepare the Turkey

1. Season the Turkey: Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
2. Sauté: Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the olive oil and brown the turkey breast on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Pressure Cook: Add the chicken broth to the Instant Pot, then close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 40 minutes.
4. Release Pressure: After the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

Make the Gravy

1. Remove Turkey and Set Aside: Carefully remove the turkey from the Instant Pot and set it on a cutting board to rest.
2. Make Roux: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode again. Melt butter in the pot, then stir in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until golden.
3. Add Broth: Slowly whisk in the turkey or chicken broth, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Continue to stir until the gravy thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Serve

1. Slice the Turkey: Slice the turkey breast and serve with the homemade gravy poured over the top.

How to Serve

Here are some ideas for serving Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy:

1. Classic Pairing: Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a traditional meal.
2. Open-Faced Sandwiches: Serve the turkey and gravy over toasted bread for a comforting open-faced sandwich.
3. On a Salad: For a lighter meal, serve sliced turkey on a bed of greens with a drizzle of gravy.
4. With Rice: Pair the turkey and gravy with steamed rice for a simple yet satisfying dish.
5. Side Dishes: Pair with your favorite sides, like green beans, roasted carrots, or stuffing.

Additional Tips

Make your Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy even better with these tips:

1. Check the Temperature: Ensure the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F for safety.
2. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage can elevate the flavor even more.
3. Make Ahead: You can make the gravy in advance and reheat it when serving the turkey.
4. Searing the Turkey: Searing the turkey before pressure cooking helps lock in the flavor and juices.
5. Gravy Variations: Add a splash of cream to the gravy for a richer texture or a dash of white wine for depth of flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Proper storage ensures your Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy stays fresh:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze leftover turkey and gravy for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a little extra broth if necessary.

Special Equipment

Here are the kitchen tools you’ll need:

• Instant Pot: For pressure cooking the turkey and making the gravy.
• Meat Thermometer: To check the turkey’s internal temperature.
• Whisk: For making the gravy smooth.
• Cutting Board: For slicing the turkey after cooking.
• Saucepan: For reheating the gravy if needed.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some common questions:

• Can I use a frozen turkey breast?
  It’s best to thaw the turkey breast before cooking for even results.
• Can I cook a whole turkey in the Instant Pot?
  Yes, but make sure the size fits your Instant Pot, and you may need to adjust the cooking time.
• Can I use a different type of broth for the gravy?
  Yes, feel free to use vegetable broth or any broth of your choice.
• Can I make this without the gravy?
  Yes, the turkey is delicious on its own, but the gravy adds a nice touch!
• Can I use a frozen turkey breast? It’s best to thaw the turkey breast before cooking for even results. If you’re in a pinch, you can cook from frozen, but you’ll need to add extra cook time. It’s recommended to cook frozen turkey breast on high pressure for 60 minutes instead of 40.
• Can I cook a whole turkey in the Instant Pot? Yes, you can cook a whole turkey in the Instant Pot, but it needs to fit comfortably inside. If you’re cooking a large turkey, you may need to cut it in half. The cooking time will also vary based on the size, typically 6-8 minutes per pound. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.
• Can I make the gravy ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the gravy in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it in a saucepan and add a splash of broth or water if needed to thin it out.
• Can I use a different type of broth for the gravy? Yes! While turkey or chicken broth is traditional, you can use vegetable broth or even beef broth for a different flavor. Experiment to find what you love most.

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Conclusion

I’m so excited for you to try this Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy! It’s the kind of recipe that brings comfort and flavor without any fuss, perfect for busy days or special moments. The best part? You get juicy, tender turkey and rich, savory gravy all in one go—no stress involved!

If you give it a shot, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Drop a comment below with your thoughts or any tweaks you made to make it your own! And if you’re sharing your meal on social media, don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your beautiful turkey creations. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, your photos always make my day. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy cooking!