Instant Pot Christmas recipes bring festive flavors to your holiday table with less stress and more joy. This recipe for Instant Pot Holiday Herb Turkey Breast with Garlic Gravy is a delicious centerpiece that cooks quickly and stays juicy, freeing up your oven for other dishes. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or having an intimate family dinner, this easy recipe makes Christmas dinner a breeze.
Ingredients
- 1 (3 to 4 lb) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for gravy)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub all over with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Rub minced garlic over the turkey and under the skin if possible.
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Place the quartered onion and lemon halves in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth.
- Position the turkey: Set the metal trivet inside the Instant Pot. Place the seasoned turkey breast on the trivet, skin side up.
- Pressure cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing. Select Manual or Pressure Cook (High) and set the timer for 30 minutes for a 3 lb breast, or 35 minutes for a 4 lb breast.
- Natural release: When cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully switch the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure.
- Check doneness: Open the lid and check the turkey’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Rest and crisp skin (optional): Transfer the turkey breast to a cutting board, tent with foil, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. If you prefer crispier skin, broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes, watching closely.
- Make the gravy: Strain the cooking liquid into a measuring cup. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Melt butter in the pot, stir in flour, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in 1 to 1 1/2 cups of the strained liquid, stirring constantly, until thickened (2-3 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Carve and serve: Slice the turkey breast and arrange on a platter. Drizzle with garlic gravy and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Substitutions: If you can’t find a bone-in turkey breast, a boneless breast works—reduce the cook time by 5 minutes per pound. For a different flavor, use poultry seasoning instead of the herb blend.
- Common mistakes: Avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature promptly after the pressure release. Let the pot naturally release for at least 10 minutes for juicier meat.
- Make-ahead: You can season the turkey up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Broiling tip: For extra-crispy skin, broil the cooked turkey for a few minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
This Instant Pot turkey breast pairs beautifully with classic Christmas sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and stuffing. The garlic gravy is delicious poured over roasted vegetables or creamy polenta. For a festive touch, garnish the platter with fresh herbs and lemon slices. Serve with a crisp white wine, sparkling cider, or your favorite holiday punch.
Variations
- Herb Butter Turkey: Mix softened butter with herbs and garlic, and rub it under the skin before cooking for extra richness.
- Orange & Cranberry Glaze: Brush the turkey with a glaze made from orange juice, zest, and cranberry sauce for a sweet-savory holiday twist.
- Spicy Cajun Turkey: Swap the herbs for Cajun seasoning and add a pinch of cayenne for a Southern-inspired Christmas main.
- Bone-in Chicken: Use the same method and seasonings for a bone-in chicken breast or whole chicken (adjust cooking times accordingly).
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. To reheat, add a splash of broth and cover loosely with foil; warm in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave slices with a spoonful of gravy for 1-2 minutes, checking for even heating. Reheat gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I cook a frozen turkey breast in the Instant Pot?
- Yes, you can cook a frozen turkey breast in the Instant Pot. Add 5-10 minutes to the pressure cooking time (total 40-45 minutes for a 3-4 lb breast) and skip the seasoning under the skin, as it won’t adhere as well. Be sure to check the internal temperature for doneness.
- What size Instant Pot do I need for this recipe?
- A 6-quart Instant Pot is suitable for most 3-4 lb turkey breasts. If you have an 8-quart pot, you can fit a slightly larger breast or add extra vegetables. For smaller pots, use a smaller turkey breast and halve the ingredients if needed.
- Can I add vegetables to the pot?
- Yes, you can add carrots, potatoes, or parsnips around the trivet before cooking. Cut them into large chunks so they don’t become too soft. Keep in mind that vegetables cooked this way will be very tender and flavorful, absorbing some of the turkey juices.
- How do I prevent the turkey from drying out?
- Use a natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes before opening the lid, and avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature right away. Letting the turkey rest after cooking also helps retain juices. Covering the turkey with foil while it rests prevents moisture loss.
- Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
- If your Instant Pot is large enough, you can cook two small turkey breasts at once. Make sure they fit comfortably without stacking and increase the seasoning accordingly. The cook time remains the same as long as the breasts are not touching or overlapping.
- Is the gravy gluten-free?
- The basic recipe uses all-purpose flour for the gravy. For a gluten-free version, substitute cornstarch (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water, then whisk into the simmering drippings until thickened).
This Instant Pot Christmas turkey breast recipe delivers juicy, flavorful results with minimal effort, making your holiday meal both memorable and manageable. Enjoy the convenience and savor the season!
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