Are you looking to host a magnificent holiday dinner but dread the thought of a four-hour, oven-hogging turkey roast? Are you searching for a foolproof method that guarantees unbelievably juicy, flavorful meat every single time? It’s time to discover the modern secret to a stress-free Thanksgiving: this incredible Instant Pot Turkey Breast and Gravy.
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a complete game-changer for holiday cooking. This brilliant method, inspired by the masterful techniques of Chef John, will show you how to cook a perfect, herb-roasted turkey breast and a rich, from-scratch gravy all in the same pot, in a fraction of the traditional time. This is the recipe that frees up your oven for all the important side dishes and makes you look like an absolute culinary genius.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Recipe Overview: Your New Thanksgiving Game-Changer
What makes this Instant Pot Turkey Breast the ultimate holiday recipe is its incredible efficiency and its guaranteed juicy results. The magic of pressure cooking locks in moisture, making it nearly impossible to dry out the lean turkey breast. The recipe uses several brilliant, professional techniques—like dry-brining the breast with an herb rub under the skin, making the gravy’s roux in advance, and searing the meat for a deep, golden crust—all in the single pot of the Instant Pot. It’s a stunning, complete centerpiece that is perfect for a smaller Thanksgiving or any special occasion.
| Metric | Time / Level |
| Total Time | 2 hours (plus brining/resting time) |
| Active Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Intermediate |
| Servings | 8-10 |
The Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Roast
This recipe uses a handful of classic, high-impact ingredients to create a stunning and delicious holiday centerpiece.
- Skin-On, Boneless Turkey Breasts: The star of the show. Using two smaller, boneless breasts is the key to this recipe’s speed and ease. The skin is essential for developing a beautiful, crispy, golden-brown crust.
- The Fresh Herb Rub: This is where all the incredible, savory flavor comes from. We create a fragrant paste of fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary, along with finely grated garlic, brown sugar for a hint of sweetness, salt, and pepper.
- The From-Scratch Gravy: This rich, savory gravy is built with layers of flavor.
- The Roux: A simple paste of butter and all-purpose flour is cooked to a nutty brown at the beginning to act as our foolproof thickener.
- Dry White Wine: A splash of a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is used to deglaze the pot after searing the turkey, scraping up all the delicious, caramelized brown bits and adding a bright, acidic note to the gravy.
- Turkey or Chicken Stock: A high-quality, low-sodium stock provides the rich, savory liquid base for our gravy.
Step-by-Step to the Juiciest Turkey Breast Ever
This recipe uses a unique and brilliant workflow, all in your Instant Pot. Follow these detailed steps for a perfect result.
Step 1: The Flavor-Packed Herb Rub & Dry Brine
Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, the chopped fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary, the finely grated garlic, 5 teaspoons of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper until it is well combined.
Step 2: Now for the most important step for a flavorful, juicy result! Starting on the top edge of one of the turkey breasts, carefully use your fingers to gently lift the skin and separate it from the meat, creating a pocket. Be careful not to detach the skin completely around the edges.
Step 3: Stuff half of the herb and sugar mixture underneath the skin, massaging it directly onto the flesh to evenly distribute it over the surface of the meat. Repeat this process with the remaining turkey breast and the rest of the herb mixture.
Step 4: Let the seasoned turkey breasts sit, uncovered, at room temperature for at least 1 hour. Or, for the absolute best results, you can wrap them tightly in plastic and let them chill and “dry brine” in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This step seasons the meat deeply and helps to dry out the skin for a crispier sear.
Step 2: The Genius Make-Ahead Roux
Set your 6- or 8-quart Instant Pot® to the high “Sauté” setting.
Melt 6 tablespoons of the butter. Add the 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly with a whisk or a wooden spoon, until the roux is a deep golden brown and has a wonderful, nutty aroma. This should take about 4 to 6 minutes.
Immediately scrape the finished roux into a separate, heatproof bowl and set it aside. The roux will continue to darken slightly as it sits.
Step 3: Sear the Turkey and Deglaze the Pot
Do not wipe out the Instant Pot. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pot.
Working one breast at a time, place the turkey breast, skin-side down, in the hot pot. Let it cook, undisturbed, for 6 to 8 minutes, until the skin is a deep, beautiful golden brown and has become crispy. Transfer the seared breast to a baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining turkey breast.
Add the 1/2 cup of white wine to the hot pot to deglaze it. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine bubble and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the raw alcohol smell has cooked off.
Step 4: Pressure Cook to Juicy Perfection
Add the 2 cups of turkey or chicken stock to the pot. Place the wire rack in the pot and then position both of the seared turkey breasts on the rack, side by side.
Follow the manufacturer’s guide for locking the lid and preparing to cook. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on the high-pressure setting for 15 minutes.
After the pressure-cook cycle is complete, carefully follow the manufacturer’s guide for a quick release of the pressure.
Step 5: Rest the Turkey and Finish the Gravy
Once the pressure has been fully released, carefully unlock and remove the lid. Transfer the turkey breasts to a cutting board and let them rest, uncovered, for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This is a crucial step that allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist result.
Set the Instant Pot® back to the high “Sauté” setting and bring the cooking liquid in the bottom of the pot to a boil.
Gradually whisk in the reserved, pre-made roux until the gravy is smooth. Let the gravy boil and cook, whisking, for about 5 minutes, until it has thickened to a perfect consistency. Turn off the Instant Pot.
To serve, cut the rested turkey crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices and top it with the rich, homemade gravy.
The Juiciest & Easiest Instant Pot Turkey Breast and Gravy
A recipe for a juicy and flavorful Thanksgiving turkey breast with a rich, homemade gravy, all prepared in a single Instant Pot. Boneless, skin-on turkey breasts are seasoned with a fresh herb rub of sage, thyme, and rosemary that is placed directly under the skin. The recipe cleverly starts by making a dark, nutty roux in the pot, which is set aside. The turkey is then seared, and the pot is deglazed with white wine before the turkey is pressure-cooked until tender. The final step involves whisking the reserved roux into the flavorful cooking liquid to create a smooth, delicious gravy.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes resting/marinating time)
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking, Searing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 clove garlic, finely grated
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 skin-on, boneless turkey breasts (about 2 1/2 pounds each)
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups turkey stock or low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, sage, thyme, rosemary, garlic, 5 teaspoons of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
- Gently lift the skin from each turkey breast to create a pocket, leaving it attached around the perimeter. Rub half of the herb mixture under the skin of each breast, massaging it evenly over the meat. Let the turkey sit uncovered at room temperature for at least 1 hour or chilled for up to 3 days.
- Make the Roux: Set a 6- or 8-quart Instant Pot® to the high sauté setting. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 4 to 6 minutes until the roux is a deep golden brown. Scrape the roux into a heatproof bowl and set it aside.
- Sear and Cook the Turkey: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pot. Working one at a time, place a turkey breast skin-side down and cook, undisturbed, for 6 to 8 minutes until deep golden brown. Transfer to a baking sheet and repeat with the second breast.
- Pour the white wine into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the alcohol smell has cooked off.
- Add the stock to the pot. Place the cooking rack in the pot and position both turkey breasts on the rack side by side.
- Follow the manufacturer’s guide to lock the lid. Set to pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. After the cycle, perform a quick pressure release.
- Make the Gravy and Serve: Carefully remove the lid. Transfer the turkey to a baking sheet and let it rest.
- Set the Instant Pot® back to the high sauté setting and bring the cooking liquid to a boil. Whisk in the reserved roux and cook for about 5 minutes, until the gravy boils and thickens. Turn off the pot.
- Cut the rested turkey crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices and serve topped with the gravy.
Notes
- This entire meal of turkey and gravy is made in a single Instant Pot, simplifying the cooking process.
- Making the roux first and setting it aside is a unique technique that allows you to sear the turkey and build flavor in the pot before finishing the gravy.
- Letting the seasoned turkey rest at room temperature for at least an hour acts as a dry brine, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy bird.
- The article references a ‘Cook’s Note’ that is not included in the provided text.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 6 oz turkey with gravy)
- Calories: 550-650
- Sugar: 3-5 g
- Sodium: 1200-1500 mg
- Fat: 30-40 g
- Saturated Fat: 14-18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8-12 g
- Fiber: <1 g
- Protein: 50-60 g
- Cholesterol: 200-250 mg
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This Instant Pot Turkey Breast is a fantastic way to get a head start on your holiday meal.
- Make-Ahead: The herb rub can be made several days in advance. The turkey itself can be seasoned and wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—the longer it sits, the more flavorful it will be! The roux for the gravy can also be made a day in advance and stored, covered, at room temperature.
- Storage: Store any leftover sliced turkey and gravy in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the turkey and gravy gently in a covered skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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Creative Recipe Variations
This simple and elegant recipe is a wonderful base for your own delicious and creative twists.
- Add a Creamy Finish to the Gravy: For an even richer, more luxurious gravy, you can turn off the “Sauté” function at the very end and whisk in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or crème fraîche.
- Use a Bone-In Turkey Breast: If you prefer to use a bone-in turkey breast, you absolutely can. You will need to increase the pressure cooking time significantly. A good rule of thumb is about 6 to 8 minutes per pound, but you should always consult your Instant Pot’s manual and use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
- Make it with a Different Herb Blend: Feel free to get creative with the herbs in your rub. A bright and zesty lemon-dill-parsley blend would be fantastic for a lighter, spring-like flavor, or a savory and aromatic blend of tarragon and chives would give the turkey a classic French feel.
Enjoy Your New Stress-Free Holiday Main Course!
You’ve just created a stunning, impressive, and perfectly cooked turkey breast and gravy that is guaranteed to be the star of your dinner table. This Instant Pot method is a true game-changer, proving that you can achieve a spectacular, traditional-tasting meal with a fraction of the time and effort. It’s the perfect, modern solution for a delicious and stress-free holiday.
We hope you and your loved ones enjoy every last, juicy, and delicious bite!
If you enjoyed making this recipe, please leave a comment below or share it with a friend who is looking for a new, easy way to cook a holiday turkey!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why do you make the roux for the gravy at the beginning?
This is a brilliant and unique technique! By making your roux first and setting it aside, you accomplish two things. First, you get the most time-consuming part of the gravy-making process out of the way early, which reduces last-minute stress. Second, adding a cool or room-temperature roux to a hot liquid (the simmering broth at the end) is a classic, foolproof method for creating a perfectly smooth, lump-free gravy.
Q2: How do I get the turkey skin even crispier after it comes out of the Instant Pot?
The initial sear in the Instant Pot will create a beautiful, golden-brown skin. However, the pressure-cooking process uses steam, so the skin will soften. For an extra-crispy, oven-roasted finish, you can place the cooked and rested turkey breasts on a baking sheet and put them under your oven’s broiler for just 2 to 4 minutes, watching them very carefully, until the skin is perfectly browned and crispy.
Q3: Can I cook a whole, bone-in turkey in my Instant Pot?
No, a whole turkey, even a small one, will not fit inside a standard 6- or 8-quart Instant Pot. This recipe, using boneless or a small bone-in breast, is the perfect way to get that classic turkey flavor using your pressure cooker.
Q4: What does “deglaze” mean, and why is it important?
Deglazing is the simple but crucial act of adding a liquid (in this case, wine) to a hot pan after you have seared meat. This allows you to use a spoon or spatula to scrape up all the delicious, caramelized, brown bits (known as the “fond”) that are stuck to the bottom of the pan. Those brown bits are pure, concentrated flavor, and deglazing is the secret to incorporating all that deliciousness into your final pan gravy.
Q5: Can I make this recipe without the wine?
Yes. The wine adds a wonderful, bright acidity that helps to balance the richness of the gravy, but if you prefer to cook without it, you can simply deglaze the pan with an equal amount of your turkey or chicken stock.