If you’re craving a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, let me introduce you to the Instant Pot Turkey Thighs with Tomato and Herbs Recipe. This recipe brings together tender turkey thighs simmered in a lush tomato sauce, seasoned with aromatic herbs that will fill your kitchen with irresistible warmth. The magic of the Instant Pot means you’ll get rich, comforting flavors and fall-off-the-bone texture without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a wonderfully simple, yet deeply satisfying meal that easily becomes a family favorite, perfect for both weeknight dinners and leisurely weekend feasts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering quality ingredients that complement each other is key to unlocking the full potential of this dish. Each component plays its role, from herbs that build layers of flavor to a splash of wine that adds depth and brightness.
- 2 medium turkey thighs (about 2 pounds): Choose bone-in, skin-on thighs for the most flavor and juiciness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses the turkey with classic Mediterranean herb notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and earthiness.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For a perfect sear to lock in the juices.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced: Sweetness and body to the sauce as it softens and caramelizes.
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced: An aromatic punch that elevates every bite.
- 1-2 bay leaves (optional): Adds a gentle complexity and earthy note to the sauce.
- 1-2 twigs fresh rosemary: Woody, piney flavor bringing freshness and herbal depth.
- 1/4 cup red wine (or white wine): A splash of acidity and richness that ties together the flavors beautifully.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth (about 2 cups): The savory base that keeps the turkey moist and flavorful.
- 1 (13.5 ounce) can tomato sauce: Thickens the sauce and adds bright, tangy tomato goodness.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped: For a fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To adjust the seasoning perfectly before serving.
How to Make Instant Pot Turkey Thighs with Tomato and Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Thighs
Begin by patting the turkey thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear. Then, coat them evenly in Italian seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper. Letting the thighs rest for at least 10 minutes allows the spices to really soak in, setting the foundation for a flavorful dish.
Step 2: Sear the Thighs
Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting on high and heat the vegetable oil until it’s shimmering. Carefully lay the turkey thighs in the pot and sear each side for about 5 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. This step locks in juices and creates a rich base flavor. Don’t worry if the thighs aren’t fully cooked inside yet; this is just the start.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
To the pot, add the thinly sliced onions, minced garlic, bay leaves, and rosemary twigs. Sauté these together for approximately 2 minutes until the onions become tender and fragrant, allowing these aromatics to deepen the overall flavor of the sauce.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Mix
Now it’s time to pour in the wine, chicken broth, and tomato sauce. Stir gently to combine everything, making sure the turkey thighs are nestled in the savory liquid. This mixture will simmer under pressure to tender, flavorful perfection.
Step 5: Pressure Cook the Turkey
Seal the Instant Pot’s lid, switching it to pressure cook mode on manual High. Cook the thighs for about 30 minutes; this slow, intense cooking transforms the meat into tender, falling-off-the-bone goodness.
Step 6: Release Pressure and Finish
Once cooking time is up, you can either let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for around 20 minutes or do a quick release if you’re pressed for time. Open the lid carefully, stir in that fresh parsley, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Your Instant Pot Turkey Thighs with Tomato and Herbs Recipe is now ready to wow!
How to Serve Instant Pot Turkey Thighs with Tomato and Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling extra fresh parsley right before serving adds a pop of color and a fresh note that contrasts beautifully with the rich tomato sauce. For a vibrant twist, consider a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up every bit of that flavorful sauce. Alternatively, a simple bed of fluffy rice or buttered egg noodles underscores the meal’s homey appeal. Roasted vegetables on the side add a crisp, caramelized texture to round out the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, arrange the turkey thighs atop the starch of your choice, then drizzle generously with tomato-herb sauce. Adding a sprig of rosemary or a lemon wedge can provide added fragrance and a splash of brightness that makes the meal feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the turkey and sauce to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This makes for effortless reheated lunches or dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
If you want to save extra portions for longer, freeze the turkey thighs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some headspace in the container as the sauce expands when frozen.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or water can loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge or freezer. The Instant Pot Turkey Thighs with Tomato and Herbs Recipe tastes just as heavenly the next day.
FAQs
Can I use turkey drumsticks instead of turkey thighs?
Absolutely! Turkey drumsticks work great and will be just as tender when cooked in the Instant Pot. Just remember that the cooking time might vary slightly, so check for tenderness before serving.
What if I don’t have wine for the recipe?
No worries! You can substitute the wine with extra chicken broth or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity. The wine adds depth but is not essential for the success of this recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can simmer the turkey thighs slowly on the stove or braise them in the oven at a low temperature. It will take longer, around 1.5 to 2 hours, but the flavor and tenderness will still be fantastic.
Can I add other vegetables to the Instant Pot with the turkey?
Certainly! Adding hearty root vegetables like carrots or potatoes before pressure cooking can make this a one-pot meal. Just cut them into chunks so they cook evenly within the 30-minute timeframe.
How can I make the sauce thicker if I prefer?
If you like a thicker sauce, once the turkey is done cooking and removed, switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode and simmer the sauce uncovered until it reduces to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the Instant Pot Turkey Thighs with Tomato and Herbs Recipe that makes it a treasured go-to in my kitchen. It’s a celebration of bold, warm flavors wrapped around hearty turkey thighs with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers every time with ease and delicious results. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight winner!
Print
Instant Pot Turkey Thighs with Tomato and Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender, flavorful Instant Pot turkey thighs cooked in a rich tomato and herb sauce, enhanced with wine, fresh rosemary, and garlic. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for a comforting dinner served over rice or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Turkey Thighs and Seasoning
- 2 medium turkey thighs (about 2 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Sauté and Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1–2 bay leaves (optional)
- 1–2 twigs fresh rosemary
- 1/4 cup red wine (or white wine)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth (about 2 cups)
- 1 (13.5 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey Thighs: Use a paper towel to pat the turkey thighs completely dry. Rub the Italian seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper evenly all over the thighs. Set them aside on a plate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Sear the Thighs: Turn on the Instant Pot’s Sauté function on high. Add vegetable oil and heat until it sizzles, about 1 minute. Place the turkey thighs in the pot and sear them for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. They do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the thinly sliced onions, minced garlic, bay leaves, and fresh rosemary twigs to the pot. Sauté everything together until the onions become tender, about 2 minutes, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
- Add Liquids and Mix: Pour in the red or white wine, chicken broth, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly in the pot, ensuring the turkey thighs are well coated and submerged in the flavorful liquid.
- Pressure Cook the Turkey: Switch the Instant Pot to pressure cooking mode on manual High. Seal the lid by turning the steam release valve to the sealed position. Cook the turkey thighs until tender, about 30 minutes.
- Release Pressure: After cooking, you may let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for about 20 minutes or perform a quick release by carefully turning the steam release valve to venting.
- Finish and Serve: Open the lid, stir in the finely chopped fresh parsley, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste (recommended 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper). Serve the turkey thighs along with the rich sauce over rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Be sure to pat the turkey thighs dry before seasoning for a better sear and flavor absorption.
- Using the sauté function before pressure cooking helps develop a deeper flavor.
- For best results, allow natural pressure release to keep the meat moist and tender.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the savory sauce.
- You can substitute red wine with white wine or additional chicken broth if preferred.
