Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Creamy Gravy Recipe

If you’re looking for a foolproof way to get juicy, flavorful turkey on the table fast, then you’ve got to try my Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Creamy Gravy Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe delivers perfectly tender turkey breast with a rich, velvety gravy that feels like a special occasion but comes together in no time at all. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy holiday meal, I promise you’re going to want to save this one.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Creamy Gravy Recipe works together beautifully to create layers of flavor—from the smoky paprika to the fragrant Italian herbs. Choosing good quality herbs and fresh garlic will really boost the taste.

• Turkey breast: I recommend boneless and thawed for even cooking and easy slicing.
• Olive oil: Helps the spices stick and gives a nice sear during sauté.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth without overwhelming the flavor.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a fresh, aromatic touch.
• Tarragon: A slightly sweet herb that complements turkey wonderfully.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for that warm, robust kick.
• Unsalted butter: For searing and creating a luscious gravy base.
• All-purpose flour: To thicken the gravy and make it silky smooth.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory richness to the gravy without overpowering.
• Half and half: Optional but highly recommended for creamy, dreamy gravy texture.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Creamy Gravy Recipe is. I often adjust the herbs or try different cooking methods to match what’s in my pantry or the season. Feel free to make it your own!

• Herb Variations: If you’re loving rosemary or sage, add them to the rub—I always find rosemary adds a lovely piney aroma that works beautifully with turkey.
• Bone-In Turkey Breast: I sometimes go for bone-in for extra flavor; just add a few more minutes to the cook time to ensure it’s fully done.
• Dairy-Free Gravy: Skip the half and half and use coconut milk or additional broth for a lighter, dairy-free option.
• Slow Cooker Alternative: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, try slow cooking your seasoned turkey breast on low for 5-6 hours for a similar tender result.

How to Make Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Creamy Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Turkey

Start by drizzling olive oil all over the turkey breast—you’ll want to do this so the spices cling nicely. Then, rub the turkey with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, tarragon, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. I like to give it a good massage to make sure every inch is seasoned. This step really infuses your turkey with flavor and is a game-changer for taste.

Step 2: Sear the Turkey Breast

Set your Instant Pot to the high sauté setting, and once it’s hot, add butter and olive oil. When the butter is melted and bubbly, add your turkey breast. Sear it on all sides for about 5 to 8 minutes; this browns the outside and locks in those juices. Don’t skip this part! It adds wonderful depth and a gorgeous golden crust.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Turkey

Remove the seared turkey and place the Instant Pot’s wire rack inside the pot. Set the turkey breast on top of the rack. Close the lid securely and set your Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 25 minutes. Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally—this usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and is key to keeping the meat tender.

Step 4: Rest and Optional Broil

When the cook cycle is done, carefully remove the turkey. Cover it tightly with foil and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes—this helps the juices redistribute, making every bite juicy. If you want a crispy skin, pop the turkey under the broiler for 5-10 minutes after resting. I discovered that this simple broil step adds a restaurant-quality finish.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Gravy

Switch your Instant Pot back to sauté mode, and add butter to the turkey drippings. Once melted, whisk in the flour and keep stirring for a couple of minutes until it smells toasty (no raw flour smell). Gradually pour in the chicken broth and half and half, whisking constantly until the gravy thickens, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. The first time I made this gravy, I was surprised by how easy it was to get that rich, silky texture without cream.

How to Serve Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Creamy Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the sliced turkey just before serving. It adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens up the rich gravy. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice also cuts through the richness nicely if you want a little zing.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this recipe are creamy mashed potatoes (the crockpot cheesy mashed potatoes pairs beautifully), roasted green beans, and classic homemade cranberry sauce. These sides complement the turkey and gravy without overpowering their delicious flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the sliced turkey breast on a platter with gravy in a beautiful gravy boat on the side. Adding roasted rosemary sprigs and colorful cranberries around the edges makes it look festive and inviting. It’s like entertaining without the stress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftover turkey and gravy separately in airtight containers. In my experience, keeping them separate keeps the turkey from getting soggy and the gravy maintains its silky texture. Pop them in the fridge and enjoy within 3-4 days.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked turkey breast and gravy successfully. Just be sure to cool everything completely before freezing in freezer-safe bags or containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep that tender texture intact.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat turkey slices covered in the oven or microwave with a splash of broth added to keep moisture. Warm the gravy separately on the stovetop or microwave and pour over just before serving. This way, the turkey stays juicy and the gravy stays creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Creamy Gravy Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s fast, flavorful, and just downright comforting. I love how the rich gravy compliments the tender turkey, making it feel like a meal you’d serve when you want to impress but without the fuss. If you try this recipe, I’m pretty sure it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen too—one that’ll get your family asking for seconds every time!

Print