Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Carrots and Homemade Gravy Recipe
Katie Jasiewicz | Katie's CucinaCelebrate the holidays with ease with my delicious and easy recipe for Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Carrots and Homemade Gravy. Or make it any day you’re craving a turkey dinner!
Here we are again, about to approach another holiday season. Since I've fully embraced my Instant Pot over the past year I decided to finally start testing recipes for a turkey breast in the Instant Pot.
Once again, I've got another game-changing recipe. This recipe for Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Carrots and Homemade Gravy not only has your turkey breast done within an hour’s time.
It gives you a side of fork-tender carrots and the most delicious from-scratch gravy.
I've tested this recipe two times now and feel very confident with it. Especially since my husband proclaimed this recipe to be better then my oven-roasted recipe.
Your cooking times will vary a little bit depending on the size of your turkey breast. You can cook a 5.5-pound turkey breast for 20 minutes with a 10-minute rest time. Now, remember, you need to count on an additional 20-30 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure before the count down on the 20 minute timer begins.
I like to start this recipe 1.5 hours before. I also like to let the turkey rest while the gravy is being made before I carve the turkey.
I also want to note that I'm using a 6-quart Instant Pot. Before you go to cook your turkey breast I like to put it inside my Instant Pot to ensure it will fit inside.
If you have an 8-quart you can definitely cook a little bit larger of a turkey breast. The largest I've been able to cook to date is a 6.5-pound bone-in turkey breast.
To brine or not to brine? I tested this recipe both ways, and by far the winner of the two was the brined turkey breast. It was not only moist but much more flavorful.
I recommend you let the turkey sit in brine for 12-24 hours. Brining not only gives the meat additional flavors, but it helps keep the white meat moist.
I'll gladly trade slaving over the oven for 2.5-3.5 hours for only an hour of cook time. This means no basting, turning, and all that jazz that comes with roasting a turkey in the oven.
My family doesn't eat the skin — so crispy skin isn't something I need to worry about. However, if you like crispy skin all you need to do is throw the cooked turkey breast under the broiler in your oven for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
Do not step away from your oven — watch that skin like a hawk watching its prey.

So if you’re like me, and always trying to find ways to simplify your meals you will definitely want to try this recipe for Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Carrots and Homemade Gravy.
Looking to add to your feast? Try this recipe for buttermilk mashed potatoes, gluten free green bean casserole, slow cooker honey glazed carrots, and whole wheat pumpkin dinner rolls.
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Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Carrots and Homemade Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 large Carrots
- 5 1/2 pounds Turkey Breast, (bone-in)
- 1 tablespoon Salted Butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Ground Sage
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1 cup Water
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Directions
- Peel and cut carrots in half. Place half in the Instant Pot and leave the other half out.
- Rinse and pat dry turkey breast (remove interior packaging if your bird has that). Place the turkey breast into the Instant Pot. Drizzle on the melted butter. Then in a small dish combine the black pepper, salt, dried ground sage, dried thyme leaves, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix together.
- Then massage the rub onto the exterior of the bird. Tear open the skin and massage in the inside as well. Position the bird so it fits inside the Instant Pot. Then place the remaining carrots around the turkey. Pour 1/2 cup water in the Instant Pot and add the fresh thyme around the turkey breast.
- Close the lid and seal the pressure valve. Select "manual" and then press the up arrow button to 25 minutes. It will take 25-30 minutes just to get to pressure. Once the Instant Pot is done and beeps let it sit for 10-15 minutes before releasing pressure. Carefully remove the turkey and the carrots and let rest on a serving platter for an additional 10 minutes (while you’re making the gravy, tent the turkey breast with aluminum foil).
- To make the gravy: Place the Instant Pot on “sauté” mode. Let the turkey drippings begin to come to a boil. Make the slurry of cornstarch and water. Mix well and then begin to add the slurry to the Instant Pot whisking in until thickened to your desire. Taste the gravy and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Cut the turkey with a carving knife and serve with carrots and homemade gravy on the side.
Notes
- If you have a 5.5 lb boneless turkey breast you can reduce the cooking time by 5 minutes.
Recommended
- Published:
- Modified:
- Author:
- Katie Jasiewicz
- Cooking Method:
- Instant Pot
- Category:
- Thanksgiving
- Tags:
- One Pot Meals, Instant Pot, Easy Dinners, Thanksgiving, Dinners, Turkey, Carrots, Sauces, Pressure Cooking, Gravy
- Related Recipes:
- One Pot Meal Recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Easy Dinner Recipes, Thanksgiving Recipes, Dinner Recipes, Turkey Recipes, Carrot Recipes, Sauce Recipes, Pressure Cooking Recipes, Gravy Recipes
- Recipe Yields:
- 6-8 servings
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Resting Time:
- Total Time:
- Related Post:
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Published:
Author: Katie Jasiewicz
Recipe Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving