Juicy and Tender Boneless Turkey Breast in the Instant Pot: A Game-Changer

Are you craving a delicious and hassle-free turkey dish without the fuss of firing up the oven? Look no further than the Instant Pot for a foolproof way to cook a succulent boneless turkey breast. This game-changing method will have you savoring every bite of tender, juicy turkey in a fraction of the time.

Why Cook Boneless Turkey Breast in the Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking capabilities make it the perfect tool for preparing boneless turkey breast. Here are just a few reasons why you should give this method a try:

• Time-Saving: No more waiting hours for the turkey to cook in the oven. The Instant Pot dramatically reduces the cooking time, while still delivering mouthwatering results.
• Effortless: Simply season, pressure cook, and enjoy. No need for basting, brine, or other time-consuming preparations.
• Versatile: Whether you’re cooking for a small gathering or meal prepping for the week, the Instant Pot can handle boneless turkey breasts of various sizes.
• Juicy and Tender: The pressure cooking method locks in moisture, ensuring a tender and juicy turkey breast every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Boneless turkey breast (fresh or frozen)
• Olive oil or butter
• Seasonings (e.g., paprika, herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper)
• Chicken or turkey stock
• Vegetables for flavoring (e.g., celery, onion, garlic)
• Cornstarch or flour (for gravy)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the Turkey Breast: Pat the turkey breast dry and rub it with a mixture of olive oil (or melted butter) and your favorite seasonings, such as paprika, herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper.

2. Sear the Turkey (Optional): If desired, you can sear the seasoned turkey breast in the Instant Pot using the “Sauté” function. This step adds extra flavor and a beautiful golden-brown color to the exterior.

3. Prepare the Instant Pot: Place the trivet or steamer basket in the Instant Pot inner pot and add the recommended amount of chicken or turkey stock (usually 1 to 1 1/2 cups).

4. Add the Turkey and Aromatics: Place the seasoned turkey breast on the trivet and arrange aromatics like celery, onion, and garlic around it. These will infuse the cooking liquid with delicious flavor.

5. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for the recommended time based on the weight of your turkey breast (see the table below for approximate cook times).

   Turkey Breast Weight	Approximate Cook Time (Fresh)	Approximate Cook Time (Frozen)
   3 lbs	25 minutes	55-65 minutes
   4 lbs	30 minutes	65-75 minutes
   5 lbs	35 minutes	75-85 minutes
   6 lbs	40 minutes	85-95 minutes

6. Natural Release: Once the cook time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes before venting any remaining pressure.

7. Check for Doneness: Remove the turkey breast from the Instant Pot and use an instant-read thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

8. Make the Gravy (Optional): While the turkey rests, you can use the flavorful cooking liquid to make a delicious gravy. Simply whisk together a cornstarch or flour slurry and stir it into the hot liquid until thickened to your desired consistency.

9. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the juicy turkey breast and serve it with the homemade gravy (if desired) and your favorite sides.

Tips and Variations

• Crisp the Skin: If you prefer a crispy skin, you can place the cooked turkey breast under the broiler or in a hot oven for a few minutes to achieve that desired texture.
• Brine for Extra Moisture: For an even juicier turkey breast, consider brining it before cooking. A simple salt and water brine can work wonders in enhancing moisture and flavor.
• Add Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different seasoning blends, fresh herbs, or citrus zest to create your signature flavor profile.
• Make Ahead and Reheat: Cooked turkey breast can be refrigerated or frozen for later use. Simply reheat slices in the Instant Pot with a bit of stock or gravy to maintain moisture.

With this Instant Pot boneless turkey breast recipe, you can enjoy a delicious and hassle-free turkey dish any time of the year. Say goodbye to dry, overcooked turkey and hello to tender, juicy perfection with every bite.