Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. But cooking a whole turkey can be intimidating, especially if you’re short on time or kitchen space. Enter the Instant Pot, a versatile kitchen appliance that makes cooking a juicy and flavorful turkey breast a breeze. With its pressure-cooking capabilities, the Instant Pot locks in moisture, resulting in a tender and succulent turkey that’s perfect for your Thanksgiving feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (4-5 pound) bone-in turkey breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped carrots
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Turkey Breast
Rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry with paper towels. Remove any excess fat or skin. Season the turkey generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Turkey (Optional)
Heat the olive oil in the Instant Pot on the “Sauté” setting. Sear the turkey breast for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. This step is optional but adds extra flavor to the turkey.
3. Add the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the Instant Pot. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until softened.
4. Deglaze the Pot
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This helps to prevent burning and adds flavor to the broth.
5. Place the Turkey Breast on the Trivet
Place the turkey breast on the trivet that came with your Instant Pot.
6. Pressure Cook
Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to the “Manual” setting. Set the cooking time to 25 minutes per pound of turkey breast. For a 4-pound turkey breast, cook for 100 minutes.
7. Natural Release
Once the cooking time is complete, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. Then, carefully quick-release the remaining pressure.
8. Remove the Turkey Breast
Remove the turkey breast from the Instant Pot and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
Carving the Turkey Breast
Use a sharp knife to carve the turkey breast into thin slices. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Tips for a Perfect Instant Pot Turkey Breast
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey breast is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If you don’t have a trivet, you can use a steamer basket or a metal rack.
- If you want a more flavorful turkey, brine it in a salt solution for several hours before cooking.
- Add your favorite herbs and spices to the broth for extra flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the Instant Pot. The turkey breast should have enough space to cook evenly.
The Benefits of Instant Pot Turkey Breast
- Faster cooking time: The Instant Pot cooks the turkey breast up to 70% faster than traditional methods.
- Juicy and flavorful: The pressure-cooking process locks in moisture, resulting in a tender and juicy turkey breast.
- Space-saving: The Instant Pot is a compact appliance that takes up less space than a traditional oven.
- Versatile: The Instant Pot can also be used to cook other Thanksgiving dishes, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy.
Thanksgiving Grace
As you gather around the table this Thanksgiving, take a moment to express your gratitude for the abundance of food, family, and friends in your life. May this Instant Pot turkey breast bring joy and nourishment to your celebration.
Popular Questions
1. Can I use a frozen turkey breast?
Yes, you can use a frozen turkey breast. However, you will need to increase the cooking time by 50%.
2. What sides go well with Instant Pot turkey breast?
Mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce are all classic Thanksgiving sides that pair well with turkey breast.
3. How do I make gravy from the Instant Pot turkey breast?
To make gravy, strain the cooking liquid from the Instant Pot into a saucepan. Add flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy and season to taste.
