Transform your holiday meals or weeknight dinners with this incredibly easy and delicious Instant Pot Turkey Breast Potato Dinner. Say goodbye to dry, bland turkey and complicated, multi-pot cooking. This recipe delivers a perfectly tender and juicy turkey breast, perfectly cooked potatoes, and rich, savory gravy, all made in a single Instant Pot! It’s the ultimate one-pot solution for a stress-free Thanksgiving or any special occasion throughout the year.
Instant Pot Turkey Breast and Potato Dinner: Your Ultimate One-Pot Solution
This year, elevate your festive spread or simply enjoy a comforting family meal without the usual culinary fuss. The Instant Pot Turkey Breast Potato Dinner is designed for convenience without compromising on flavor or tenderness. Whether you’re hosting a small Thanksgiving gathering, preparing a special Sunday dinner, or simply craving a satisfying turkey meal, this pressure cooker recipe is a game-changer. It’s perfect for those who want a homemade feast without spending hours in the kitchen, proving that delicious, wholesome meals can be both easy and impressive.
For smaller households or those looking to simplify their holiday cooking, preparing a turkey breast in the Instant Pot is an absolute revelation. Gone are the days of dealing with a whole turkey, consuming precious oven space, and managing multiple cooking times. This method ensures your turkey breast remains incredibly juicy and tender, a stark contrast to often-dry oven-roasted versions. It’s the ideal solution for serving just a few mouths, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy that perfectly cooked turkey without an overwhelming amount of leftovers (unless you want them!).
The beauty of this recipe extends beyond just the turkey. We ingeniously incorporate potatoes into the same pot, allowing them to soak up all those rich, flavorful turkey drippings. And the best part? The rich, homemade gravy is also made directly in the Instant Pot, utilizing those very same pan juices. This means not only an explosion of flavor in every bite but also a dramatically reduced cleanup – often just one pot to wash! It’s efficient, delicious, and incredibly practical.
Why Choose the Instant Pot for Your Turkey Breast?
The Instant Pot, or any electric pressure cooker, is a marvel of modern kitchen technology, especially when it comes to cooking poultry. Here’s why it’s the superior choice for your turkey breast:
- Unmatched Juiciness: Pressure cooking traps moisture inside the pot, resulting in a turkey breast that is consistently tender, succulent, and never dry. The high-pressure environment forces moisture into the meat fibers, ensuring a moist bite every time.
- Significantly Faster Cooking: A turkey breast that might take hours in a conventional oven can be fully cooked in a fraction of the time in the Instant Pot. This efficiency is invaluable, particularly during busy holidays or weeknights when time is of the essence.
- Flavor Infusion: Cooking the turkey breast with a cup of liquid and seasonings allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a deeply savory and aromatic dish. The drippings collected are a goldmine of flavor, forming the perfect base for your gravy.
- One-Pot Convenience: From searing (if desired) to pressure cooking the turkey, then the potatoes, and finally making the gravy, everything happens in one pot. This streamlines your cooking process and drastically cuts down on post-meal cleanup, making it a true hero of the kitchen.
- Frees Up Oven Space: During holidays like Thanksgiving, oven space is prime real estate. Cooking your turkey breast in the Instant Pot frees up your oven for other essential dishes like casseroles, pies, or roasted vegetables.
How to Master Your Instant Pot Turkey Breast and Potatoes
Creating this magnificent one-pot meal is simpler than you might imagine. Follow these steps for a foolproof and delicious result:
- Prepare the Turkey: Begin by patting your turkey breast dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better. Rub the turkey breast generously with olive oil, then apply a delightful blend of poultry seasoning, rubbed sage, coarse salt, and black pepper. This seasoning blend creates a fragrant and savory crust.
- Pressure Cook the Turkey: Place the seasoned turkey breast in your Instant Pot on a trivet with one cup of water. Pressure cook it according to its weight, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature. Adding chopped onion and minced garlic at this stage will infuse even more flavor into the drippings.
- Remove Turkey, Add Potatoes: Once the turkey is cooked and has rested for a natural release, carefully remove it from the Instant Pot. Leave the flavorful drippings in the pot. Now, add your chosen whole potatoes directly into the rich liquid.
- Cook Potatoes While Turkey Browns (Optional but Recommended): While the potatoes are pressure cooking in the Instant Pot, you have the perfect opportunity to achieve that coveted golden-brown, crispy skin on your turkey breast. Transfer the turkey to a baking pan and briefly broil it in the oven. This extra step adds a wonderful texture and visual appeal that elevates the dish.
- Gravy Perfection: After the potatoes are fork-tender, remove them from the pot. The remaining drippings are the foundation for an incredible homemade gravy. Use the sauté function on your Instant Pot to simmer the drippings, then whisk in a butter-flour roux until your gravy reaches the perfect, velvety consistency.
And just like that, you have a complete, mouth-watering turkey breast and potato dinner, all crafted within the efficient confines of your Instant Pot!
While adding potatoes makes this a truly convenient one-pot meal, you absolutely have the option to skip them and proceed directly to making the glorious gravy. However, if you’re like us and typically enjoy hearty potatoes with your turkey dinner, this method is by far the most convenient and flavorful approach. The potatoes absorb some of the rich turkey essence, becoming incredibly delicious. Once they’re done, the stage is set for crafting that perfect, velvety gravy.
No turkey dinner is complete without a vibrant side of cranberry sauce! The tart sweetness of cranberry sauce perfectly complements the rich, savory flavors of the turkey and gravy. It’s a classic pairing for a reason, creating a delightful balance that elevates the entire meal. And don’t forget, leftover cranberry sauce is fantastic on a next-day turkey sandwich – pure bliss!
Quick Pumpkin Pie Pudding
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce!
Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes
Instant Pot Creamy Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Instant Pot Turkey Breast Potato Dinner
Ingredients
For the Instant Pot
- 1 cup Water
For the Turkey
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 teaspoons Poultry Seasoning
- 3 teaspoons Rubbed Sage
- 1 teaspoon Coarse Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 2-6 lb Turkey Breast (or whatever will fit in your pot)
- 3-4 Large Potatoes
Optional Add-Ins (add in and cook with turkey breast)
- 1 Small Onion, chopped
- 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
For the Gravy
- ⅓ cup Butter
- ⅓ cup Flour
Instructions
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Pour one cup of water into the inner liner of your Instant Pot, then insert the wire rack or trivet.
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Thoroughly rub the turkey breast with olive oil, ensuring it’s coated evenly. Then, liberally apply the blend of spices all over the turkey.
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Carefully place the seasoned turkey breast into the pressure cooker on the trivet. Position it however it fits best (I often place mine breast meat side down to keep it moist, but cooking it on its side also works). If using, add the chopped onion and minced garlic around the turkey.
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Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and ensure the steam release knob is set to the Sealing position.
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Press the “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) button, then use the ‘+’ or ‘-‘ buttons to select the cooking time. For a smaller 2-4 pound breast, approximately 25 minutes works well. For a 5-6 pound breast, aim for about 30 minutes, and for a 7 lb breast, about 40 minutes on High Pressure. Always err on the side of caution with slightly less time to avoid overcooking.
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Once the cooking cycle finishes, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully manually release any remaining steam. When the float valve (pin) in the lid drops down, it is safe to open the pot.
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Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast. It should register 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) at its thickest part to be fully cooked. If it’s below 165 degrees F, replace the lid and pressure cook for a few more minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
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Carefully remove the cooked turkey breast from the Instant Pot and transfer it to a baking pan. Also, remove the wire rack/trivet from the pot.
Cook the Potatoes
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Place the whole potatoes directly into the pot, utilizing the flavorful drippings left behind by the turkey. Close the lid and set the steam release knob to the Sealing position.
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Press the “Manual” (or “Pressure Cook”) button and select 10 minutes cooking time. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a Quick Release of the pressure by carefully turning the steam release knob immediately after the pot beeps.
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Remove the cooked potatoes from the pot and set them aside while you prepare the gravy.
Brown the Turkey While the Potatoes are Cooking (optional step)
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Adjust your oven rack to the lowest position. Preheat your broiler to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) to begin warming up.
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Place the baking pan containing the turkey breast, skin side up, under the preheated broiler. Allow it to brown for a few minutes until it reaches your desired golden crispiness. You might need to rotate the pan or turn the turkey to ensure even browning. If you prefer not to brown it, simply skip this step and let the turkey rest, covered, while the potatoes cook.
Make the Gravy
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Press the “Sauté” button on your Instant Pot, setting it to Normal heat.
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In a separate microwave-safe dish, combine the butter and flour to create a roux. Microwave this mixture for approximately 20-25 seconds, or until it forms a smooth paste.
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Once the drippings in the Instant Pot begin to simmer, vigorously stir in the butter/flour mixture. Continue stirring constantly until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
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Serve your perfectly cooked Instant Pot Turkey Breast, tender potatoes, and rich homemade gravy immediately!
Notes
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**For a 6-quart Instant Pot, you can typically fit a turkey breast up to 7 lbs.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Tips for Success & Variations
- Turkey Size Matters: The cooking time for your turkey breast will depend on its weight and thickness. Always use an instant-read thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Perfect Potatoes: For even cooking, try to use potatoes of similar size. If your potatoes are very large, you can cut them in half before adding them to the Instant Pot. Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes all work wonderfully.
- Gravy Customization: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a little more butter-flour roux. For a thinner gravy, you can dilute it with a splash of broth or water. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Herb Enhancements: Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, either tucked under the turkey breast during cooking or sprinkled over the finished dish for an extra layer of aroma and flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Allowing the turkey breast to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking (and before broiling, if applicable) helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful result.
Serving Suggestions for Your Instant Pot Turkey Dinner
This Instant Pot Turkey Breast Potato Dinner is a complete meal in itself, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of classic sides to create an even more elaborate feast. Consider serving it with:
- Homemade Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce (as linked above) for that essential tart counterpoint.
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to add a refreshing element.
- Steamed or roasted green beans, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus for added color and nutrition.
- Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious gravy.
Leftovers? Yes, Please!
Should you find yourself with any delightful leftovers from your Instant Pot Turkey Breast Potato Dinner, rejoice! Cooked turkey breast is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas:
- Classic Turkey Sandwiches: Layer sliced turkey, gravy, and cranberry sauce between slices of bread for an iconic post-holiday treat.
- Turkey Pot Pie: Dice the leftover turkey and potatoes, combine with vegetables and gravy, top with a pie crust, and bake for a comforting meal.
- Turkey Salad: Shred the turkey, mix with mayonnaise, celery, and herbs for a light and flavorful salad.
- Turkey Noodle Soup: Use turkey broth (if you made any) or chicken broth, add diced turkey, noodles, and vegetables for a heartwarming soup.
No matter the occasion, this Instant Pot Turkey Breast Potato Dinner promises a meal that is both incredibly satisfying and wonderfully simple to prepare. It’s a recipe designed to bring joy and deliciousness to your table without the usual stress, making it a new favorite for years to come.
Essential Resources for Your Instant Pot Culinary Adventures
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Whether you’re new to the Instant Pot or a seasoned pro, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here are some of our top Amazon recommendations to help you create this Instant Pot Turkey Breast Potato Dinner and explore even more delicious recipes:
- Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker: The quintessential kitchen appliance for quick and easy meals.
- Instant Read Meat Thermometer: Crucial for ensuring your turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature and remains juicy.
- Silicone Sling/Trivet: Makes it incredibly easy to lift hot turkey breasts or other dishes out of the Instant Pot.
- Whisk Set: Essential for lump-free gravy and smooth sauces.
- Heat Resistant Spatulas: Perfect for stirring and scraping the pot without scratching.
- Gravy Separator: A handy tool for separating fat from your delicious turkey drippings before making gravy.
- Cutting Board Set: For prepping your turkey and potatoes safely and hygienically.
- Large Serving Platter: To present your beautiful Instant Pot Turkey Breast Potato Dinner.
Equip your kitchen with these essentials and embark on a journey of delicious and effortless cooking with your Instant Pot!