Name: Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Creamy Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium turkey breast (about 3-4 pounds); 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup water; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 104 reviews

If you’re craving a simple yet indulgent dinner that’ll impress without hours in the kitchen, this Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Creamy Gravy Recipe is just the ticket. I absolutely love how tender the turkey turns out, and the luscious, silky gravy will have you going back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight or a special occasion, you’ll find this recipe fuss-free, comforting, and totally satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy and Tender Turkey: Pressure cooking locks in moisture so the turkey breast stays perfectly juicy every time.
Quick and Convenient: Everything cooks in the Instant Pot, cutting down prep and cook time drastically.
Delicious, Homemade Gravy: You’ll use the flavorful drippings to whip up a creamy gravy that ties the whole meal together.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday treat, this recipe fits right in.

The dish shows a white plate with several slices of light brown cooked meat arranged in a row across the plate, each slice revealing a tender, white inside with a slightly charred, darker outer edge. A smooth, golden-brown sauce is poured over the middle of the meat slices, partially covering them. Beneath the meat, there is a creamy white layer of mashed potatoes that looks soft and smooth. In the background, a small sprig of fresh green herbs is placed on the plate near the meat, all set on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Creamy Gravy, turkey breast recipe, pressure cooker turkey, easy turkey dinner, creamy gravy recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe happens thanks to a thoughtful combination of seasoning, butter, and broth, all working together to flavor the turkey breast and create a dreamy gravy. A quick tip—I always buy a fresh turkey breast around 3 to 4 pounds for the best results, as it fits nicely in the Instant Pot and cooks evenly.

Flat lay of a raw medium turkey breast, fresh minced garlic cloves, a small pile of bright paprika powder, dried Italian seasoning herbs, soft golden butter cubes, a small glass of chicken broth, a splash of heavy cream in a clear container, and scattered whole black peppercorns, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Creamy Gravy, turkey breast recipe, pressure cooker turkey, easy turkey dinner, creamy gravy recipe

Turkey breast: Choose a fresh, bone-in or boneless breast around 3-4 pounds for even cooking.
Vegetable oil: Helps seasonings stick and aids in searing the meat for a golden crust.
Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the turkey.
Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overwhelming the dish.
Paprika: Gives a lovely color and mild smokiness that’s just delightful.
Italian seasoning: A blend of fragrant herbs that enriches the turkey’s flavor profile.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is a game changer—adds freshness and aroma.
Butter: Used to sear the turkey, imparting richness and depth.
Water: Added to the pot to prevent burning and build steam for pressure cooking.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy into a silky sauce.
Chicken broth: A flavorful base for your creamy gravy.
Heavy cream: Makes the gravy luxuriously creamy and smooth.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tailoring this recipe for different tastes and occasions. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—you can easily swap herbs or switch up the gravy based on what you have on hand.

Herb Variations: I sometimes add fresh rosemary or thyme instead of Italian seasoning for a more aromatic twist, and my family always notices the difference!
Dairy-Free Gravy: For dairy-free options, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream—I’ve done this and loved the outcome.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked chipotle powder to the seasoning mix gives the turkey a subtle heat my husband enjoys.
Extra Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover like me, bump up the minced garlic for a punchier profile.

How to Make Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Creamy Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Season and Marinate the Turkey

Start by patting your turkey breast completely dry with paper towels—this helps get a nice sear. I rub the turkey evenly with vegetable oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and plenty of minced garlic. Then, I let it sit on a plate for about 15 minutes at room temperature. This little rest not only helps the flavors settle but also makes the turkey cook more evenly and stay juicy—trust me, it’s a small step that makes a big difference.

Step 2: Sear the Turkey Breast in the Instant Pot

Turn on your Instant Pot’s sauté function on high and melt the butter until it’s bubbly—this usually takes about a minute. Then place the turkey breast in the pot and sear it for about 5 minutes on each side until beautifully golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking it through here; we’re just building flavor and texture with the sear.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Turkey

Place a wire rack inside the Instant Pot and pour in the water to catch those savory drippings while preventing burning. Set the turkey on the rack. Seal the lid and set your Instant Pot to manual pressure cook for 30 minutes. After it’s done, I usually let the pressure release naturally for about 20 minutes—this makes the turkey even more tender—but if you’re in a hurry, a quick release works too.

Step 4: Rest and Slice the Turkey

Carefully transfer the turkey to a plate and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute—this keeps every bite moist and flavorful. After resting, slice the turkey breast against the grain for the best texture.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Gravy

Using the drippings left in the Instant Pot, turn the sauté function back on high. Whisk in the flour, chicken broth, and heavy cream until smooth and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until the gravy thickens to your liking. Season it with salt and pepper to taste—this gravy has that perfect balance of richness and savory goodness that makes the turkey shine.

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Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Creamy Gravy Recipe

Dry Thoroughly Before Searing: Removing excess moisture helps achieve that golden crust that packs big flavor.
Room Temperature Marinated Turkey: Letting the turkey sit out for 15 minutes before cooking helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
Natural Pressure Release for Tenderness: Waiting 20 minutes before quick releasing pressure gives the turkey ultra-tender results.
Whisk Gravy Continuously: To avoid lumps, stir the gravy constantly while adding flour and liquids for a perfectly smooth sauce.

How to Serve Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Creamy Gravy Recipe

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a piece of roasted chicken with golden brown crispy skin, sliced into five uneven layers showing white cooked meat inside. The chicken rests on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, spread in a smooth curved shape covering half the plate. A small sprig of green herbs is placed next to the chicken for garnish. In the top left corner, a partial view of an orange creamy soup in a glass bowl can be seen, and a small white pumpkin is in the top right on the white marbled texture. A gray cloth with white stripes lies folded beneath the plate on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Creamy Gravy, turkey breast recipe, pressure cooker turkey, easy turkey dinner, creamy gravy recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top—it adds a fresh color pop and a slight herbal brightness that lifts the dish. Sometimes a little lemon zest goes a long way too, especially if I’m craving a bit of zing.

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for mashed potatoes alongside this turkey, of course, so the creamy gravy can really shine. Roasted green beans or garlic butter carrots add great texture and color, and sometimes I throw in a warm crusty bread to soak up every last drop of gravy.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I like arranging the sliced turkey breast on a beautiful platter with sprigs of rosemary and cranberries scattered around. It looks festive and inviting. You could even serve it over creamy polenta or alongside a wild rice pilaf for a fancy twist that guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover turkey and gravy separately in airtight containers in the fridge. That way, the turkey stays firm and reheats without drying out, and the gravy stays rich and creamy. It usually keeps well for up to 3 days.

Freezing

When I have extra, I freeze sliced turkey dropped flat in freezer bags with the gravy in separate containers. It’s super convenient for pulling out a quick meal later. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

I reheat the turkey gently in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep moisture locked in. The gravy warms up best on the stovetop over low heat, whisking occasionally to prevent separation. Doing this keeps your leftovers tasting fresh and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use frozen turkey breast in this Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Creamy Gravy Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen turkey breast, but you’ll need to increase the pressure cooking time to about 40 minutes. Always make sure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. Also, be aware that the texture can be slightly different than fresh, but it still cooks up tender and tasty.
What if I don’t have a wire rack for the Instant Pot?

If you don’t have a wire rack, you can use a steamer basket or an inverted heat-safe dish to lift the turkey off the bottom of the pot. The idea is to keep the turkey above the water so it steams properly and you don’t get burnt drippings at the bottom.
Can I make the creamy gravy without flour?

Absolutely! For a gluten-free version, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Mix either with a bit of cold chicken broth before whisking into the drippings to avoid lumps. It thickens quickly and tastes just as delicious.
How do I ensure the turkey breast stays moist?

The key is not skipping the searing step—this locks in juices—and using natural pressure release. Also, letting the turkey rest loosely covered after cooking allows the fibers to relax and absorb the juices, keeping every bite tender.
Can I double this recipe for a larger turkey breast?

You can try a larger breast, but adjust the cooking time accordingly—typically about 8 minutes per pound in the Instant Pot. Make sure your turkey fits comfortably inside the pot with the lid sealed properly to avoid pressure issues.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Creamy Gravy Recipe quickly became one of my go-to’s on busy nights and for feeding family. The juicy turkey paired with that silky, homemade gravy is just unbeatable comfort food. I’m confident you’ll enjoy how easy it is to make and how impressive it tastes—like a special meal with barely any fuss. Give it a try and let me know if it becomes a favorite in your kitchen, too!