Whether you’re looking for a low-fuss way to enjoy a turkey dinner or have a smaller crowd planned for your next Thanksgiving, preparing your turkey in an Instant Pot is the way to go.
Why Cook Turkey in an Instant Pot?
To start, making an Instant Pot turkey frees up oven space. This makes preparing side dishes so much easier, because that valuable kitchen real estate is available. Plus, turkey made in the Instant Pot is almost guaranteed to be moist. It can be done in four simple steps and cuts down your cooking time by more than half! You can have a plump and juicy Instant Pot turkey breast on your table in around an hour (depending on size). Keep reading to see how it all comes together.
Next: Learn how you can make an entire Thanksgiving meal in an Instant Pot.
How to Cook Instant Pot Turkey Breast
This recipe comes to us from Jessica Kunz of Springfield, Illinois, who says, “This recipe makes some of the most succulent turkey I’ve ever eaten. High in lean protein, it’s a smart entree for a special occasion.”
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 medium onions, cut into wedges
- 3 celery ribs, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 whole lemon, sliced
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
- 1 bone-in turkey breast (6 pounds), fully thawed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs rosemary
- 6-8 sage leaves
Editor’s Note: You may substitute fresh herbs for dried herbs in the following amounts: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 2 teaspoons dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon rubbed sage.
Tools You’ll Need
- You can certainly carve a turkey breast with a standard, non-electric knife, but using an electric carving knife makes working around the bones a breeze.
- Remember how we said this Instant Pot turkey is juicy? A carving board is well worth the investment as it helps ensure all those tasty turkey juices don’t drip all over your counter and floor.
Directions
Step 1: Prep turkey and veggies
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
Place the carrots, onions, celery, sliced lemons and broth in a 6 to 8-quart electric pressure cooker. Brush the turkey breast with olive oil and rub the skin with the salt and pepper.
Place the turkey breast over the vegetables. Then tuck the fresh herbs into the broth around the turkey.
Editor’s Note: If using dried herbs, rub these directly onto the skin of the turkey, on all sides, with the salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cook on high
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
Lock the lid and close the pressure-release valve. Set your Instant Pot to ‘pressure cook’ on high for 36 minutes for a 6-pound turkey. When time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes and then safely quick-release any remaining pressure. Carefully remove the turkey from the pressure cooker.
Step 3: Broil
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
For crispy skin, transfer the turkey breast to a broiler pan and place the turkey under a preheated broiler, skin-side-up, until the skin turns golden brown; about 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 4: Rest and carve
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
Tent the breast with foil and let it stand 10 minutes before slicing using an electric carving knife. Serve warm.
Need to go back to the basics? See how this method compares to the traditional method for cooking a turkey.
How to Store Leftover Turkey
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
In our humble opinion, if you make a turkey and don’t have any leftovers, you’re missing out. Save any leftover Instant Pot turkey in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. You can also store it in an airtight container or freezer storage bag in the freezer for 3 to 4 months.
Have other leftovers? Here’s how long Thanksgiving leftovers last in the fridge.
Sides to Serve with This Turkey Recipe
Mom’s Macaroni and CheeseThe homemade goodness of this creamy mac and cheese makes it a perfect Thanksgiving side dish. No matter where you live, you'll want to dig into this traditional southern recipe. Don't forget to check out our collection of
mac and cheese Thanksgiving recipes.
Aunt Margaret’s Sweet Potato CasseroleTopped with gooey marshmallows, these brown-sugary sweet potatoes are an inviting side that both kids and adults will enjoy. It's been beloved for generations.
Parker House RollsThese rolls are the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving meal. Slather them with butter, dunk them in gravy or eat them plain. If there are leftovers (doubtful), make leftover turkey sliders the next day!
Green Bean CasseroleThanks to its savory flavors and crunchy onion topping, this easy green bean casserole recipe is a classic for a reason. You can make it Thanksgiving morning and pop it in the fridge, then add the onions and bake it right before the feast.
Shredded Gingered Brussels SproutsHere's a new
Thanksgiving dinner idea! These stovetop Brussels sprouts are a fan favorite because they're so fast to fix.
Rum Vanilla Cranberry SauceFor something memorable, serve this amped-up homemade cranberry sauce. Combine tart fresh cranberries with orange juice and rum to create a unique sauce that your guests will be talking about until next Thanksgiving.
Acorn Squash SlicesMaple syrup adds extra oomph to naturally sweet acorn squash, while pecans add nuttiness. For deeper flavor, sprinkle on warm spices like cinnamon and ginger.
Bacon & Sausage StuffingSausage stuffing is already famous for being one of the
best Thanksgiving recipes. Add bacon and it's even better!
Potato Pan RollsThe mashed potatoes in this recipe keep these rolls pillowy and moist. If you don't have leftover mashed potatoes and would rather not make them from scratch, use instant mashed potatoes instead.
Roasted Apple Salad with Spicy Maple-Cider VinaigretteYou might not think of salad as a
Thanksgiving side dish, but once you taste this super-seasonal version, you'll want it on your Thanksgiving menu every year.
Roasted Squash, Carrots & WalnutsThis dish is as vibrant as it is tasty. Once the turkey is out of the oven, crank up the temp and roast carrots and squash while your bird is resting.
Moist Corn Spoon BreadSpoon bread is an American classic that will never go out of style. This version of the recipe doesn't take up coveted oven space—it's made in a slow cooker.
Lemon Roasted Fingerlings and Brussels SproutsFor perfectly
roasted vegetables, choose ones that cook in the same amount of time, like these fingerling potatoes and
Brussels sprouts. Feel free to use other vegetables like cauliflower if you have it on hand. Just keep the measurements the same so the seasonings shine through.
Cranberry-Apple Red CabbageThis jewel-toned Thanksgiving side dish is a sweet-tart combo of red cabbage, apples and cranberry sauce. It may be entirely new to your family, but will feel comforting and familiar. Here are the best
Thanksgiving salad recipes to make this year.
Honey-Squash Dinner RollsThese puffy dinner rolls take on rich color when you add frozen squash to the dough. For riffs on the flavor, use mashed sweet potatoes, carrots or other root vegetables instead.
Badger State StuffingYour family will love the contrasting sweet, savory and slightly tart flavors in this Wisconsin spin on a Thanksgiving classic. Be sure to keep the sauerkraut and beer, but feel free to use any dried fruit to make the dish your own.
Roasted Honey Sweet PotatoesTender sweet potatoes are tossed with honey and cinnamon for a burst of spicy sweetness. Sprinkle with roasted nuts for a wonderfully crunchy topping.
Cheesy Corn Spoon BreadThis custard-like side dish is comforting and homey. The jalapeno pepper adds just the right amount of heat.
Garlic and Herb Mashed PotatoesCream cheese is the secret ingredient in these comforting spuds. Simply mash, mix and let them warm in the slow cooker.
Wild Rice StuffingThanks to its chewy texture, this wild rice stuffing is delightfully different than what you're used to. Amp up the wild rice's naturally nutty flavor by sprinkling with
toasted pecans just before serving.
Chipotle-Orange Cranberry SauceWith brown sugar, cinnamon and chipotle powder, this cranberry sauce may not be traditional, but once your guests taste it, it may well end up with a permanent spot in your holiday lineup!
Flaky Butterhorn RollsSure, you could go with refrigerated crescents, but with their slight sweetness and buttery flakiness, these homemade dinner rolls are in a league all their own.
Cheddar Creamed CornCan't decide whether to bring mac and cheese or
classic corn pudding to your family Thanksgiving gathering? This recipe lets you do both. You need only five ingredients to make this easy, cheesy casserole that comes together in the slow cooker.
Old-Fashioned Green BeansYou won't believe how three simple ingredients can create such enormous flavor! Bacon gives these simply simmered green beans savoriness and smokiness, while brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness.
Thanksgiving ColcannonA twist on the classic Irish veggie dish, this holiday-worthy colcannon will be brand-new to your menu. Butter, farmer's cheese and yogurt layer on the creaminess.
Air-Fryer Honey Brussels Sprouts with HamUse your air fryer to make these crispy caramelized Brussels sprouts. A drizzle of honey adds sweet contrast to the sprouts' savoriness, but to make things a bit more Thanksgiving-y, maple syrup would work just as nicely!
Creamed Pearl OnionsTo
save time on Thanksgiving Day, assemble this dish the night before, store in the refrigerator and slip it into the oven right after the turkey comes out. Make things even easier with frozen pearl onions instead of fresh.
Brown Sugar-Glazed Baby CarrotsAre glazed carrots a Thanksgiving staple because they're insanely delicious or because they're so easy to make? This recipe uses the slow cooker, gently braising the carrots in butter and brown sugar until they melt in your mouth.
Buttery Dinner RollsThese lovely dinner rolls are tender, fluffy and delicious when eaten warm from the oven. Serve them with butter or top with cranberry sauce.
Scalloped Sweet Corn CasseroleAlmost every family has some version of this dish. Make it your own by stirring in crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, chopped green onions or anything else you wish before sprinkling with Rice Krispies for a crispy-crunchy topping. Bonus: You can use fresh or frozen corn in this comforting casserole.
Butternut Squash ButterThis Thanksgiving, serve homemade butternut squash butter as a gorgeous topper for turkey or rolls, or in little phyllo cups as an appetizer. It's comfort food without being overly heavy or rich.
Creamed Spinach & Pearl OnionsHere's an indulgent way to eat your veggies. Cooked on the stovetop, this Thanksgiving side dish takes only about 15 minutes to make—and it'll be gone in a fraction of that time once dinner is served!
Roasted Potatoes with Garlic ButterThis recipe, which showcases creamy yellow Yukon Golds and vivid orange sweet potatoes, is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the stomach. Drizzled with garlic butter, then showered with cheddar and Parmesan, this dish proves there's beauty in simplicity.
Sicilian Brussels SproutsThese Mediterranean-style sprouts are simply exploding with flavors. You will love the pops of sweetness from the golden raisins and nutty savoriness from toasted pine nuts.
Cinnamon Spiced ApplesThese slow-cooked spiced apples are wonderful no matter when you serve them. They taste wonderful alongside turkey and stuffing, but you could serve them for dessert as a crustless apple pie, too.
Gluten-Free StuffingGluten-free folks, rejoice! Now you can enjoy this favorite Thanksgiving side, too. This easy GF stuffing has all the classic stuffing flavor and texture minus the side effects.
Cran-Raspberry Gelatin SaladThis retro stunner mixes raspberry gelatin with a can of whole-berry cranberry sauce, canned crushed pineapple and orange juice for a side that's bursting with delicious nostalgia. Make
sugared cranberries to fancy it up.
Coconut-Bourbon Sweet PotatoesIf your sweet tooth can't wait for dessert, this is the Thanksgiving side for you. With bourbon, coconut and marshmallows, these sweet potatoes might just be the most indulgent dish on the table.
Wild Rice Stuffed SquashThese beautiful wild rice-stuffed squash halves are a delicious, showstopping entree for vegan or vegetarian guests. Even meat lovers will fall in love with this dish as a holiday side. Looking for dairy-free recipes? Here's our collection of
vegan Thanksgiving sides.
Syrian Green Beans with Fresh HerbsThese simple green beans make the most of your
herb garden, featuring chopped fresh parsley, cilantro and mint.
Comforting Cheesy PotatoesRequiring just 10 minutes of prep, these slow-cooker cheesy potatoes are comforting, hearty and oh-so good. No judgment if you go in for seconds (or thirds).
Slow-Cooker Sriracha CornThis corn is an unexpected side dish for just about any hearty Thanksgiving entree. The Sriracha adds a wonderful hint of smokiness and spice. Cool your palate with a bite of something rich, like buttery mashed potatoes or creamed onions.
Italian Spaghetti SquashIf you want a veggie-forward Thanksgiving side, this five-ingredient spaghetti squash is a real winner. Don't worry about taking up that precious oven space—our recipe is for the slow cooker.
Cheesy Corn Spoon BreadHomey and comforting, this custardy side dish is a must-have Thanksgiving side. The jalapenos add just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting.
Glazed Spiced CarrotsPretty glazed carrots are a classic side dish for all kinds of special occasions. This recipe is very easy to put together, leaving your oven and stovetop free for other cooking creations.
Sweet and Tangy Ranch BeansYou can prep this delicious semi-homemade side in no time—just open a few cans! The beans' sweet and tangy sauce is perfectly balanced.
Creamy Carrot SoupThis soup's creamy orange hue and deliciously different flavor make it a great option for a Thanksgiving side. A hint of rosemary adds an earthy note to the slightly sweet soup.
Black Bean Potato au GratinHere's a hearty and unexpected Thanksgiving side that's packed with protein and fiber. Give it a southwestern twist by adding chili powder and swapping the peas for canned corn.
Slow-Cooker Italian MushroomsIf your family debates whether mushrooms belong in stuffing, this recipe is here to keep the peace. Serve these savory slow-cooked mushrooms; folks who want stuffing with 'shrooms can add them to their own serving.
Oregano Green Beans with Toasted Pine NutsThis super easy side dish is a wonderful way to get more veggies in your Thanksgiving feast. You can substitute any kind of nut for the pine nuts or even replace them with fresh berries.
Spectacular Overnight SlawIt may seem summery, but you can't go wrong with crunchy coleslaw on Thanksgiving. It's a fresh complement to turkey and savory items like cheesy potatoes.
Pickled Bell PeppersThese colorful sliced peppers add zest to the menu—and they're a smart way to use any leftover peppers you have! This side dish tastes great on its own or tossed in a leafy green salad.
Pressure-Cooker Lemon Red PotatoesButter, lemon juice, parsley and chives enhance this simple side dish, which is made in an Instant Pot. It's a light, bright alternative to heavy mashed potatoes. If you're looking for more, then here's a list of
alternatives to turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.
Broccoli Cheddar SoupFor a comforting side that will warm everyone up, this soup takes the cake—err, pie. The combo of broccoli and cheddar is the perfect mix of cool-weather flavors.
Corn and Broccoli in Cheese SauceCorn and broccoli might not be most obvious ingredient combo, but don't let that stop you from trying this veggie side. Reviewers of all ages have loved it. The next day, stir in leftover turkey for a quick one-pot meal.
Creamy Hash Brown PotatoesPackaged ingredients like frozen hash browns and chive cream cheese are the secret behind these rich slow-cooker potatoes. Play around with flavors by using different types of cream o' soup.
Creamy Grape SaladNot every side dish needs to be hot! This refreshing, creamy grape salad is the perfect palate cleanser between bites. For a special finishing touch, sprinkle it with brown sugar and pecans.
Party Time BeansFeaturing five kinds of beans, this slightly sweet side is perfect for a cool autumn day. The beans aren't too heavy, making them a great complement to heavier sides.
Balsamic Green Bean SaladServe up those green beans in a whole new way—with a green bean salad recipe! The tangy flavors and fresh crunch are most welcome alongside creamy side dishes.
Slow-Cooked BroccoliIf you're hosting this year, this hands-off side is an ideal menu option. Reviewers have had fun swapping different crackers or chips for topping, so feel free to cater to your own family's tastes.
Bacon Macaroni SaladFilled with crispy bacon, chopped tomato, celery and green onion, this salad is the ultimate make-and-take Thanksgiving side. In fact, you
have to make it ahead so the flavors have time to meld.
Glazed Ranch CarrotsOn Thanksgiving, the last thing you want to do is spend hours on a side dish. This one relies on packages of baby carrots and ranch dressing mix, so there's no time-consuming prep.
Fried Onions and ApplesThis tangy side dish pairs so well with a smoky turkey and savory gravy. The combination of the sweet apples mixed with salty fried onions makes for a side dish to remember.
Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato StuffingIf you're headed to a second Thanksgiving this year, here's what to make. The recipe calls for leftover dinner rolls, letting you transform something from your first feast into this super moist side. The cheesy ranch flavor is a fun twist on the classic sage seasoning.
Sweet Potato Carrot CrispThis whipped side dish is a versatile option that will pair with everything else on the table. Subtly sweet, it has just a hint of garlic, while the nut and crumb topping adds a fun crunch to any holiday meal.
Festive Fall Tortellini TossIconic flavors of the season come together in this pasta dish with mushrooms, squash, apples and walnuts. This recipe can easily be doubled and can be served either warm or at room temperature, a terrific choice if you're traveling over the river and through the woods.
Baked Parmesan BroccoliThis cheesy side dish is a great way to get some vegetables in at this famously carby, starchy meal. The Parmesan adds a little interest to the broccoli that will have folks making room on their plates for more.
Black-Eyed Peas & HamThese slow-cooked black-eyed peas are sure to be a hit at your feast this year. The ham adds a subtle savoriness without being too overpowering or rich. Have the recipe again on New Year's for good luck!
Butternut Squash with Whole GrainsFresh thyme really shines in this hearty slow-cooked side dish featuring tender butternut squash, nutritious whole grain pilaf and vitamin-packed baby spinach.
Turkey Cook Times
Cooking a turkey breast that’s larger or smaller than 6 to 7 pounds? Here’s an Instant Pot cook time guide for fully thawed, bone-in turkey breasts. A general rule of thumb is to allow 5-6 minutes per pound of cooking time in the Instant Pot on high pressure plus a 10-minute natural pressure release.
Turkey Weight
|
Time
|
| 3 Pounds |
18 minutes |
| 4 Pounds |
24 minutes |
| 5 Pounds |
30 minutes |
| 6 Pounds |
36 minutes |
| 7 Pounds |
42 minutes |
| 8 Pounds |
48 minutes |
| 9 Pounds |
54 minutes |
Helpful Tips and FAQs for Making Instant Pot Turkey
Can you cook Instant Pot turkey breast from frozen?
Yes! Another benefit of cooking a turkey breast in an Instant Pot is that you can cook it from frozen if you forget to thaw the meat in time. Just know that the cooking time will need to increase to 60-70 minutes for a 6- to 7-pound turkey breast, or about 10 minutes per pound.
How do you know when a turkey is done?
The best way to determine if your turkey is done is to use an instant-read meat thermometer (we especially love the Thermapen meat thermometer). Upon removing your turkey breast from the Instant Pot, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. Your turkey is done when it reads 160°F.
Editor’s Note: The turkey will continue to cook as it rests and reach the USDA’s recommended 165°F cooking temperature. Removing the turkey at 160°F ensures the turkey does not become overcooked, tough and dry. Follow these tips to avoid other common turkey mistakes.
How do I keep turkey breast moist?
Luckily, using an Instant Pot to cook your turkey breast is, on its own, a great way to ensure a plump, moist bird. However, if you want to really ensure a tender, moist turkey breast, here are three other tricks you can try.
- Brine: If you’re loyal to brining your bird, you can still brine your turkey breast ahead of cooking it in the Instant Pot.
- Add fat: One of our go-to tricks for adding moisture to turkey is tucking a little butter or mayonnaise under the skin before seasoning and cooking. As the meat cooks, the fat melts and creates a protective heat barrier while also absorbing into the meat.
- Add citrus: Similarly, you can also tuck some thinly sliced lemon, limes or oranges under the skin of the turkey to infuse the meat with extra moisture while cooking.
Can you get crisp skin in an Instant Pot?
Unfortunately, the one downside to the Instant Pot is you will not be able to get that crispy, golden turkey skin using this method alone. However, all hope is not lost.
To crisp up the skin, simply remove the turkey breast from the Instant Pot once it’s fully cooked and transfer it to a broiler pan. Pop it under a preheated broiler for 5-10 minutes (keep a close eye on it) and you’ll have a perfectly juicy Instant Pot turkey WITH crispy skin in just a few extra minutes.
Editor’s Note: Make sure you still let your turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving after you remove it from the broiler to let the juices redistribute through the meat.
Can you make gravy from the drippings?
If you’re worried about the gravy, don’t be. You can easily make gravy in the Instant Pot, too (just avoid these gravy mistakes). To make the gravy, strain the cooking liquid through a fine mesh strainer to separate it from the vegetables, herbs and lemon slices. Next, return the turkey drippings to the Instant Pot and set the machine to its “saute” function. Bring the drippings to a boil and then add a slurry of 2 tablespoons of cornstarch dissolved into 2 tablespoons of water. Whisk to combine and continue to cook until the gravy has thickened.
Editor’s Note: For an extra indulgent gravy, swap the 2 tablespoons of water for 1/4 cup of half-and-half.
Updated: Nov. 19, 2021
