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There is nothing quite like a perfectly cooked turkey breast that stays juicy, tender, and packed with flavor all the way through. My Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe delivers exactly that, turning a seemingly complicated holiday centerpiece into an effortless weekday delight. Infused with fresh herbs, luscious butter, and cooked to perfection in a matter of minutes, this recipe is your ticket to a moist and aromatic turkey breast that will impress everyone at your table without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance of flavors starts with simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Each element in this recipe plays a vital role in building the rich taste, tender texture, and lovely color of your turkey breast.
- Whole turkey breast (7½-8 lbs): Choose a high-quality, thawed all-white turkey breast for tender, consistent meat.
- Butter (6 tbsp, softened): Acts as the flavor carrier and keeps the meat moist and silky.
- Fresh sage (2 tbsp, minced): Adds warm, earthy notes that pair wonderfully with poultry.
- Fresh thyme (2 tbsp, minced): Brings a subtle herbaceous brightness to the butter rub.
- Fresh rosemary (1 tbsp, minced): Delivers an aromatic, piney touch that enhances the turkey’s flavor.
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley (2 tbsp, minced): Offers a mild, fresh herbal element and a splash of color.
- Kosher salt (1½ tsp): Essential for seasoning and drawing out the herbs’ flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1 tsp): Provides a gentle heat and complexity.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (2 cups): Keeps the turkey juicy during cooking and forms the base for a luscious gravy or sauce.
- Onion (1 large, peeled and quartered): Adds sweetness and depth to the cooking liquid.
- Carrots (3 medium, cut into 2-inch pieces): Brings a natural sweetness and a hearty touch to the broth.
- Celery (2 medium stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces): Enhances the broth with a subtle, savory undertone.
How to Make Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot
Begin by placing the trivet in the bottom of your Instant Pot insert—this keeps the turkey elevated for even cooking and easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Turkey
Take the turkey breast out of its packaging, setting aside any gravy packet it might come with for later use. Then, pat the turkey dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the herb butter stick perfectly to the skin.
Step 3: Make the Herb Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with the fresh sage, thyme, rosemary, parsley, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mixing these herbs into the butter ensures that every bite of your turkey is bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor.
Step 4: Apply Herb Butter to the Turkey
Rub this fragrant herb butter all over the turkey breast’s exterior, making sure to get under the skin and inside the rib cavity. This step is the secret weapon for juicy, flavorful meat and that irresistible golden skin.
Step 5: Arrange Turkey and Vegetables in the Pot
Place the turkey breast inside the Instant Pot with the cavity facing up. Pour the chicken broth inside the pot and around the turkey, then scatter the quartered onion, carrots, and celery around and inside the cavity for aromatic goodness. This vegetable medley helps infuse the cooking liquid with extra flavor and creates wonderful drippings for gravy later.
Step 6: Seal and Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the vent is closed to maintain pressure. Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 1 hour. Once cooking finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before opening the lid carefully.
Step 7: Rest and Slice
Using the trivet, carefully lift the turkey breast out of the pot and transfer it to a large bowl. Let it rest until it’s cool enough to handle—the internal temperature will finish rising to a perfect 165°F while it rests. After resting, carve the meat off the bones and slice it thinly, then arrange on your serving platter ready to impress.
How to Serve Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like sprigs of thyme or parsley scattered on top add a pop of color and elevate your presentation instantly. For an extra tasty touch, drizzle some of the flavorful turkey juices over the slices right before serving.
Side Dishes
Classic accompaniments like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a bright cranberry sauce pair exceptionally well with the herb-infused turkey. The savory broth-vegetable medley also doubles as a flavorful side gravy to drizzle over sides and meat alike.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching centerpiece, arrange the slices fan-style on a wooden board surrounded by roasted seasonal vegetables or fresh fruit like pomegranate seeds for a festive burst of color. You can also make elegant sandwiches or wraps with leftover slices, layered with fresh greens and a smear of mayo or Dijon mustard.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, promptly refrigerate leftover turkey in an airtight container. It will stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days, perfect for quick meals or snacks.
Freezing
If you want to keep slices longer, freeze them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to separate portions with parchment paper to avoid clumping. Frozen cooked turkey breast can last up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.
Reheating
Gently reheat slices covered with foil in a low oven or warm in the microwave with a splash of broth to maintain moisture. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the tender meat you worked so hard to prepare.
FAQs
Can I use frozen turkey breast in this Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe?
While you can cook from frozen in the Instant Pot, I recommend thawing the turkey breast beforehand. This ensures the herb butter can be rubbed under the skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor penetration.
Is it necessary to use all fresh herbs in the herb butter?
Fresh herbs make the biggest flavor impact, but if you only have dried, you can substitute with about one-third the amount. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will be slightly different, but still delicious.
How do I know when the turkey breast is fully cooked?
The key indicator is an internal temperature of 165°F. The Instant Pot cooks it perfectly, but a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to be sure your turkey is safe and juicy.
Can I stuff the turkey breast before cooking in the Instant Pot?
Yes! You can fill the cavity with your favorite stuffing or dressing. The recipe’s veggies can also go inside if you are not stuffing it. Just be sure not to overpack to allow even cooking.
How do I make gravy with the Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe drippings?
Use the flavorful cooking liquid left in the pot as a base. Strain the broth, then simmer it with a thickener like cornstarch or flour mixed with cold water to create a rich gravy that complements your turkey perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever stressed over turkey before. It’s juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly effortless to prepare—perfect for a cozy family dinner or even a special occasion. So, roll up your sleeves and enjoy the magic of the Instant Pot to bring delicious turkey to your table in no time!
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Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes plus 10 minutes natural release
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Instant Pot Turkey Breast recipe offers a tender, flavorful turkey cooked to perfection using a pressure cooker. Infused with fresh herbs and butter, and accompanied by aromatic vegetables, this recipe ensures a juicy and savory meal ready in just over an hour, perfect for gatherings or a delicious family dinner.
Ingredients
Turkey and Butter Herb Mixture
- 1 7½-8 lb. whole turkey breast (Butterball, all white, thawed)
- 6 tbsp butter (softened)
- 2 tbsp fresh sage (minced)
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (minced)
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley (minced)
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Broth and Vegetables
- 2 cups low-sodium or unsalted chicken broth
- 1 large onion (peeled and quartered)
- 3 medium carrots (washed and cut into 2 inch pieces)
- 2 medium celery stalks (cut into 2 inch pieces)
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Set the Instant Pot trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot insert to elevate the turkey during cooking.
- Prepare the Turkey: Remove the turkey breast from the packaging and set aside any gravy packet. Pat the turkey dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the herb butter stick properly.
- Make Herb Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine softened butter with fresh sage, thyme, rosemary, parsley, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful paste.
- Apply the Butter Mixture: Rub the herb butter all over the outside of the turkey breast, under the skin, and inside the rib cavity to infuse flavor throughout the meat.
- Position Turkey and Vegetables: Place the turkey breast cavity side up on the Instant Pot trivet. Pour the chicken broth inside and around the turkey. Scatter chopped onion, carrots, and celery around the turkey, placing some vegetables inside the cavity if not stuffing with dressing.
- Seal the Instant Pot: Place the lid onto the Instant Pot and seal it securely. Close the vent to prepare for pressure cooking.
- Pressure Cook the Turkey: Set the Instant Pot to manual HIGH pressure mode and cook for 1 hour to ensure the turkey is cooked through and tender.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally; wait until the pressure pin drops before opening the lid, which will take approximately 10 minutes.
- Remove and Rest: Carefully lift out the turkey on the trivet and transfer it to a large bowl. Let the turkey rest until cool enough to handle. Reserve the cooking juices for making gravy, if desired. The safe internal temperature goal is 165°F, with residual heat bringing it up after cooking.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled, carve the meat off the bones and slice it. Arrange the sliced turkey on a serving platter and serve immediately. Enjoy your perfectly cooked Instant Pot turkey breast!
Notes
- Using fresh herbs in the butter mixture adds great flavor but dried herbs can be substituted if necessary (use half the amount).
- Ensure the turkey breast is fully thawed before cooking to guarantee even cooking.
- Natural pressure release is important to maintain juiciness and tenderness in the turkey.
- You can use the reserved juices from the Instant Pot to make a delicious gravy or sauce.
- Adjust cooking time slightly if your turkey breast is larger or smaller than the recipe’s range.
