Instant Pot Turkey Breast - the most tender and juicy turkey ever!!! Brine the turkey in a mixture of salt, paprika, garlic, brown sugar, thyme, pepper, onion powder, basil and a little cayenne then cook in the Instant Pot. Ready to eat in about an hour! SO easy and SOOO delicious!!! Stress-free Thanksgiving and Christmas meal!! #turkey #instantpot #thanksgiving #christmas
Combine 5 Tbsp salt, paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, thyme, black pepper, onion powder, basil and cayenne. Set aside.
In a large pot, combine water, 1 cup of seasoning mixture and 1/2 cup salt. Heat over medium heat until salt and spices are dissolved without boiling. Remove from heat and chill to room temperature.
Remove any giblets from turkey breast and save for gravy or discard. Place the turkey in a container large enough to leave 2 inches of space on all sides and over the top of the bird.
Stir the brine and pour over the turkey. Cover and chill for 8 to 12 hours. Don't brine more than 12 hours or the turkey will be too salty.
Remove turkey from brine. Rinse and pat dry. Season turkey with a few tablespoons of remaining spice mixture.
Place Instant Pot trivet/rack in the bottom of the pot. Place turkey breast side up in Instant Pot. Pour chicken broth into Instant Pot.
Set the Instant Pot lid in place and seal/lock the lid. Close the vent.
Cook on manual HIGH for 40 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally, approximately 10 minutes.
Remove turkey from Instant Pot and place on baking sheet. Place under oven broiler for a few minutes to crisp up skin, if desired.
Notes:
You can use the recipe for the brine on any turkey and any cooking method.
I used a 6 to 7-pound turkey breast and it was ready in about 40 minutes.
If you use a larger turkey breast, just add about 5 minutes per pound to the cooking time.
I removed the turkey breast from the Instant Pot and popped it under the oven broiler to crisp up the skin a little. This is optional, but I highly recommend it.
Do I have to make the brine? No. You can season the turkey any way you like and use the same cooking times to cook the turkey.