Name: Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Herb Seasoning and Creamy Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pounds turkey breast (boneless, thawed); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon tarragon; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons pepper; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium or no sodium added); ½ cup half and half

If you’re looking for a juicy, flavorful, and easy way to make turkey breast, you’re going to love my Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Herb Seasoning and Creamy Gravy Recipe. This recipe is one of my favorites because it comes together quickly, locks in juicy flavors, and produces a golden-skinned turkey breast that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Plus, that creamy gravy made right in the Instant Pot? Total game-changer. Let me walk you through everything you need to know, with tips to nail it every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Effortless: Thanks to the Instant Pot, you’ll have a tender turkey breast ready in under an hour without babysitting the stove or oven.
Perfectly Seasoned Every Time: The herb seasoning blend creates a balanced, savory flavor that both my family and guests rave about.
Rich, Creamy Gravy from Scratch: Made right in the same pot, it’s unbelievably easy and makes the whole meal feel extra special.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight or holiday feast, this recipe fits perfectly.

The image shows a wooden board with several slices of cooked, white meat layered closely in a line, each slice featuring a light brown edge and tender, juicy texture inside. At the front, a single piece of golden-brown meat with a crispy, herb-covered skin rests, contrasting with the smooth, pale slices behind it. The wooden board has a warm tone that highlights the meat’s color and texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to highlight the turkey without overpowering it. A handful of pantry staples along with fresh garlic and butter make the herb seasoning and gravy sing. When you shop, aim for a fresh, thawed boneless turkey breast for tender results.

Turkey breast: I prefer boneless and thawed for even cooking and easy slicing.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning adhere and adds subtle richness when searing.
Smoked paprika: Adds a warm, smoky depth that amps up the flavor.
Italian seasoning: A balanced blend of herbs that complements the turkey beautifully.
Tarragon: A little goes a long way, lending a lovely anise-like aroma to the dish.
Salt & Pepper: Basics, but crucial for bringing all flavors together.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic really brightens and deepens the flavor profile.
Butter: Unsalted, used for searing and gravy for a luscious finish.
All-purpose flour: For thickening the creamy gravy.
Chicken broth: Low or no sodium is best so you can adjust seasoning later.
Half and half: Makes the gravy silky and creamy; you can swap this out if you prefer.

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 how easy this recipe is to tweak based on what herbs or dietary needs you have. Feel free to experiment — turkey is very forgiving, and the Instant Pot keeps it juicy even when you mix up the seasonings.

Herb swaps: Adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage creates a seasonal twist my family adores.
Dairy-free gravy: Skip the half and half and use coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer for a creamy texture with no dairy.
Bone-in turkey breast: I’ve done this successfully; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Slow cooker version: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, cook on low for 5-6 hours then crisp the skin under the broiler.

How to Make Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Herb Seasoning and Creamy Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Season and Prep the Turkey Breast

Start by drizzling olive oil all over your turkey breast — this helps the herbs and spices stick better. I rub in a blend of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, tarragon, salt, pepper, and fresh minced garlic. Don’t be shy about rubbing it in well; that’s where the flavor starts forming a beautiful crust later. I like to let it sit for 10 minutes if I have the time, but you can cook it right away too.

Step 2: Sear the Turkey for Gorgeous Color

Set your Instant Pot to the high sauté setting and add butter plus olive oil. When the pot is hot, carefully add the turkey breast and sear it on all sides until it’s golden brown, about 5 to 8 minutes total. I’ve learned that this extra step isn’t just for looks — it adds layers of flavor that take the dish from good to unforgettable.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Turkey Breast

Place the Instant Pot’s rack (or trivet) inside and set the seared turkey breast on top. Seal the lid according to your Instant Pot’s instructions. Cook on high pressure manually for 25 minutes. Once done, allow a natural pressure release for 10 to 15 minutes to keep the turkey tender and juicy. If you’re short on time, you can quick-release, but I’ve found natural release yields the best results. When the lid is off, transfer the turkey to a board and tent with foil — resting is key for juicy slices.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Herb Gravy

Switch your Instant Pot back to sauté and melt butter in the turkey drippings. Whisk in flour to make a roux and cook away the raw flour taste for a couple minutes. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and half and half, simmering until thickened — usually about 3 minutes. I love how using half and half makes this gravy silky and luscious. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re all set!

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

Don’t Skip Searing: I’ve learned that searing before pressure cooking creates so much more depth in flavor and a beautiful color that makes this turkey truly special.
Use Natural Pressure Release: Waiting for the natural release helps keep the meat tender and juicy — rushing it with a quick release can dry it out.
Rest Before Slicing: Letting the turkey rest tented in foil lets the juices redistribute so every bite is juicy.
Avoid Burn Notice: Make sure your Instant Pot’s bottom is deglazed and you can add ¼ to ½ cup broth or water if needed to prevent burn errors.

How to Serve Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Herb Seasoning and Creamy Gravy Recipe

A white plate holds a serving of creamy mashed potatoes as the bottom layer, smooth and pale in color with some green herb sprinkles on top. On this sits two slices of cooked turkey, light brown with a slight sear on the edges, arranged neatly side by side. A thick brown gravy sauce is poured over the turkey slices, slightly dripping onto the mashed potatoes. On top of the turkey and gravy is a bright red cranberry sauce, chunky with whole cranberries and a few orange zest strips adding color. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred white bowl of extra cranberry sauce in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves on top just before serving — it adds a pop of color and fresh aroma that brightens the dish. A little cracked black pepper over the gravy finishes the presentation beautifully too.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides here are creamy mashed potatoes (because who doesn’t love them with gravy?) and a vibrant cranberry sauce to cut through the richness. Roasted green beans or a crisp salad also pair wonderfully for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to carve the turkey breast into even slices and fan them decoratively on a platter surrounded by fresh herbs and whole garlic cloves roasted alongside. Drizzling extra gravy over the turkey right before serving adds a restaurant-quality touch to any celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your turkey breast has cooled, I recommend slicing and storing it in airtight containers to keep it juicy. It stays great refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Keeping the gravy separate ensures it doesn’t soak the meat and keeps everything fresh.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen sliced turkey breast and gravy separately in freezer-safe containers. When you thaw in the fridge overnight, it reheats nicely without sacrificing moisture — perfect for meal prep or saving leftovers.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the turkey slices gently in the microwave or a skillet with a splash of broth to keep them moist. Give the gravy a good stir on the stove over low heat, adding a splash more broth if it thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use a bone-in turkey breast for this Instant Pot recipe?

Absolutely! You just might need to add an extra 5 to 10 minutes of cooking time depending on the size and bone thickness. Bone-in breasts can be even juicier, but be sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Is searing the turkey breast in the Instant Pot necessary?

While it’s optional, I highly recommend it. Searing adds beautiful browning and layers of flavor that elevate the overall dish. It also helps create a better texture and makes your turkey look restaurant-quality.
What can I substitute for half and half in the creamy gravy?

You can substitute heavy cream for a richer gravy or use milk for a lighter version. For dairy-free options, coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk work well, though the flavor and consistency will differ slightly.
How do I avoid the Instant Pot burn notice when making turkey breast?

Make sure to deglaze your pot thoroughly after searing and before pressure cooking, scraping up any browned bits. If your Instant Pot is prone to burn errors, add ¼ to ½ cup of chicken broth or water to help create enough steam for pressure to build.
Can I double this recipe for a larger turkey breast?

You can increase the seasoning proportionally, but keep in mind the Instant Pot size and cooking time. Very large turkey breasts may not fit, and cooking time might need to increase a bit. It’s best to check your Instant Pot’s capacity and adjust accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Herb Seasoning and Creamy Gravy Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for how reliably delicious and easy it is. When I first tried it, I was amazed how juicy and flavorful the turkey turned out without needing hours in the oven. It makes a perfect centerpiece for casual dinners or holidays, and the homemade gravy really ties everything together. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making this just as much as eating it—so grab your Instant Pot, dust off that turkey breast, and give this recipe a go. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!