Name: Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Rich Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pounds turkey breast (boneless, thawed); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon tarragon; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons pepper; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium or no sodium added); ½ cup half and half

If you’re after a juicy, tender turkey breast without the fuss of hours in the oven, I’ve got you covered with my Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Rich Gravy Recipe. This recipe is seriously a game changer—quick, flavorful, and that gravy? It’s everything. When I first tried this, I couldn’t believe how moist the turkey turned out and how fast it was ready. So stick with me and I’ll show you how to make this fan-freaking-tastic meal that your whole family will rave about.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot cuts traditional cooking time in half, so you can have dinner on the table quickly.
Moist and Flavorful Turkey: Pressure cooking locks in juices, making every bite tender and delicious.
Rich, Creamy Gravy Made in the Same Pot: You don’t need extra pans, and the gravy tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether a weeknight dinner or a special holiday meal, this recipe always impresses.

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, holding a serving of creamy mashed potatoes as the base layer, smooth and pale yellow in color. On top are two slices of roasted turkey, browned on the edges with a juicy texture. A glossy, orange-brown gravy is drizzled over the turkey and some mashed potatoes, partially running down the sides. Over the turkey rests a bright, chunky red cranberry sauce with whole berries and a few small, orange zest curls. Some finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled over the whole dish for color. In the background is a white bowl filled with more cranberry sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Rich Gravy, quick turkey breast recipe, easy pressure cooker turkey, moist turkey breast Instant Pot, flavorful turkey gravy recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Rich Gravy Recipe plays a special role, whether it’s the herbs that build a beautiful aromatic profile or the butter that adds richness. I always recommend using fresh spices for the best flavor and a good-quality turkey breast for tenderness.

Flat lay of a large raw boneless turkey breast with a smooth pale pink surface, scattered bright red smoked paprika powder, fresh green Italian seasoning herbs including thyme, rosemary, and oregano sprigs, small delicate light green tarragon leaves, two whole unpeeled garlic cloves with white papery skin, a few cubes of creamy pale yellow unsalted butter, and a small glass bowl of golden olive oil, all naturally arranged with some herbs gently overlapping the turkey, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Rich Gravy, quick turkey breast recipe, easy pressure cooker turkey, moist turkey breast Instant Pot, flavorful turkey gravy recipe

Turkey breast: I use boneless for easy slicing; look for one wrapped in butcher twine for even cooking.
Olive oil: Helps the spices adhere and adds a lovely base flavor during searing.
Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky depth that really wakes up the turkey.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that bring balanced, savory notes.
Tarragon: Adds a hint of sweetness and complexity to the herb mix.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the meat with wonderful aroma and taste.
Butter: For searing and enriching the gravy – unsalted lets you control saltiness better.
All-purpose flour: The key to that silky, thickened gravy we all crave.
Chicken broth: Low sodium is my go-to—it lets you season your gravy to taste.
Half and half: Used in the gravy for a creamy finish; you can swap it out for extra broth if you prefer.

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

I love how this recipe serves as a great canvas for different flavors — you can easily tweak it to fit your mood or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to experiment; personalization makes it your own and often leads to delicious discoveries!

Herb Variations: I sometimes swap tarragon for fresh rosemary or thyme, which gives the turkey a more classic holiday feel.
Dairy-Free Gravy: Use coconut milk or an unsweetened plant-based milk instead of half and half for a creamy but dairy-free option.
Bone-In Turkey: For extra flavor, I’ve used bone-in breast before but increased cooking time slightly to ensure tenderness.
Slow Cooker Alternative: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, cooking this on low in your slow cooker is a fantastic option (see my notes below for timing).

How to Make Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Rich Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Turkey Breast

Begin by drizzling olive oil over your turkey breast — I usually use about a tablespoon — and rub it all over so the spices stick beautifully. Then, mix smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, tarragon, salt, pepper, and minced garlic into a spice paste and cover the bird evenly. This step is crucial because it infuses tons of flavor before cooking. I remember the first time I skipped rubbing the spices thoroughly—my turkey ended up tasting bland, so trust me on this.

Step 2: Sear for Golden Flavor

Set your Instant Pot to the high sauté setting and add butter plus olive oil. Once hot, place the turkey breast in and brown it on all sides. This should take about 5 to 8 minutes—don’t rush this part! Searing gives your turkey that gorgeous golden crust and deep flavor that a plain steamed bird just can’t match. Once seared, transfer the turkey to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Turkey

Place the Instant Pot’s wire rack inside and lay the turkey on top. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual mode, cooking on high pressure for 25 minutes. I always let the pot naturally release pressure for 10 to 15 minutes after cooking—it keeps the meat super moist without drying out. Quick release if you’re in a hurry, but I prefer the slower wait for tenderness. When done, remove the turkey breast carefully, wrap it in foil, and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing to let the juices settle.

Step 4: Make the Rich Gravy

Don’t toss those flavorful drippings! Switch your Instant Pot back to sauté, add butter, and melt it. Whisk in flour and cook for a couple minutes until the raw smell disappears—this is your roux. Then slowly whisk in chicken broth and half and half, stirring constantly until it thickens, usually about 3 minutes. If you want a lighter gravy, just use broth alone. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This gravy always steals the show at my dinner parties.

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Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Rich Gravy Recipe

Don’t Skip Searing: It might seem like an extra step, but you get a flavor boost and a beautiful color that makes all the difference.
Natural Release Is Your Friend: Letting the pressure release naturally avoids overcooking and keeps the breast juicy.
Make Your Gravy While the Turkey Rests: This saves time and warms the pot so your gravy thickens perfectly.
Use Butcher Twine if Needed: If your turkey breast isn’t pre-tied, I recommend tying it yourself for even cooking—plus it holds the shape beautifully.

How to Serve Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Rich Gravy Recipe

Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Rich Gravy Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I personally love topping this turkey with fresh chopped parsley or thyme right before serving. The bright green gives a fresh pop of color and those subtle herb notes complement the rich gravy beautifully. A squeeze of fresh lemon over slices can also add a surprising zing that lifts the dish.

Side Dishes

This turkey with gravy pairs perfectly with classic mashed potatoes (I’m obsessed with creamy crockpot cheesy mashed potatoes), cranberry sauce, and roasted green beans or carrots. For a little extra indulgence, buttery dinner rolls are a must to soak up that luscious gravy!

Creative Ways to Present

For Thanksgiving or a special dinner, I like arranging slices on a large platter with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries scattered around for a festive look. Another trick I’ve learned is making individual gravy boat servings so everyone can ladle as much as they like—always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your turkey has cooled, I slice it and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The gravy goes in a separate jar or container. This keeps everything fresh and makes reheating a breeze. You’ll get about 3 to 4 days of delicious leftovers.

Freezing

I’ve frozen both the turkey breast slices and gravy successfully. Just make sure to cool completely before freezing, and use freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

When it’s time to reheat, I warm the gravy gently on the stovetop, whisking occasionally, and heat the turkey slices in a covered dish in the oven or microwave to retain moisture. Adding a splash of broth or water to the turkey while reheating helps keep it tender.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in turkey breast for this recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in turkey breast can add extra flavor, but you’ll want to increase the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked through—usually adding about 5 to 10 minutes on high pressure. Also, keep the meat side down on the rack for more even cooking.
Do I need to add extra liquid to the Instant Pot?

This recipe doesn’t require additional liquid for pressure cooking because the turkey releases its own juices. However, if your Instant Pot struggles to reach pressure or shows a burn warning, adding up to 1 cup of chicken broth or water helps avoid that issue.
Can I make the gravy without dairy?

Yes! You can substitute half and half with non-dairy milk like coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy dairy-free gravy. Just be sure to use an unsweetened variety to keep flavors balanced.
What if I don’t have time for natural pressure release?

If you’re short on time, you can use quick release when the cooking cycle finishes. Just watch out for hot steam and be careful when opening the lid. The turkey might be slightly less juicy but still tasty.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Rich Gravy Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it takes the stress out of cooking a big bird while delivering juicy, flavorful results every time. Whether you’re making it for dinner tonight or a holiday feast, I’m confident you’ll enjoy how hands-off and satisfying it is. Give it a shot—I promise you’ll love the rich gravy and tender turkey as much as I do. Happy cooking, friend!