Southern Turkey Breast Recipe In The Instant Pot
This post may contain affiliate partner links. View our privacy statement HERE.
A juicy, tender, and flavorful turkey breast is a timeless holiday tradition, made even easier with the Instant Pot! With just a handful of ingredients, this Southern-style turkey breast comes together fast, no flipping or basting required. In less than half the time of oven roasting, you’ll have a beautifully seasoned, soulfully moist turkey that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked with love.
Juicy Instant Pot turkey breast
This Southern-style turkey breast is pure comfort and flavor in every bite with notes of sweet brown sugar, tangy apple cider brine, and aromatic spices that come together to create the juiciest, most soulful turkey you’ve ever tasted. Coated in a savory herb and spice rub, each slice is tender, flavorful, and beautifully seasoned from the inside out. It’s a true taste of Southern holiday tradition.
What makes this recipe extra special is the Instant Pot. It locks in all that brine-soaked flavor and moisture, turning what used to take hours into a fast, foolproof feast! No basting, no flipping. Just perfectly juicy turkey with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and soulful seasoning.
Ingredients
Get ready to taste the soulful South in every bite! My turkey breast recipe is seasoned to perfection with Famous Dave’s Chicken Rub and Weber Roasted Garlic & Herb for that savory, mouthwatering depth. The magic happens with my apple cider brine, which infuses the meat with sweet, tangy notes that keep every slice juicy and tender.
Finished with fresh herb sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or parsley, this dish looks as beautiful as it tastes. Rich, aromatic, and pure Southern comfort on a plate. Because it’s the seasoning that makes every bite of turkey sing with flavor!
How many pounds of turkey breast do you need per person?
Plan for about ½ pound of boneless turkey breast per person, or ¾ pound per person if you’re using bone-in turkey breasts. That way, everyone gets a hearty serving, with a little extra for seconds (or leftover sandwiches!)
What Instant Pot add-ons are needed to make a turkey breast?
All you need are two simple tools: an Instant Pot electric pressure cooker and the trivet rack that comes with it. The Instant Pot does the heavy lifting, locking in flavor, sealing in moisture, and cooking the turkey breast to juicy perfection in a fraction of the time.
The trivet rack is key because it keeps the turkey lifted above the liquid, allowing the steam to circulate evenly for tender meat and perfectly seasoned drippings below.
How to make turkey breast in the Instant Pot
Here’s what to expect when making this Instant Pot Southern turkey breast:
- Mix your Southern spice rub and coat the turkey breast on all sides.
- Pour apple cider into the Instant Pot, place the trivet and seasoned turkey inside, and spoon cider over the top.
- Seal and pressure-cook, allow a natural pressure release, then garnish with fresh herbs, serve, and enjoy!
How long does it take to cook turkey breasts in the Instant Pot?
While roasting a turkey breast in the oven can take 1 to 2 hours, the Instant Pot gets the job done in just 25 minutes! Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The center of the breast should reach 165° F for perfectly cooked, juicy turkey every time.
How to keep turkey breast from drying out
I keep my turkey breast juicy by pressure-cooking it right in the apple cider brine, which locks in moisture and infuses deep flavor. Once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, it’s perfectly done. Then, I baste it one last time for that extra touch of tenderness and shine.
Southern sides for turkey breasts
No Southern turkey dinner is complete without a few soulful sides! Serve your tender turkey breast with classics like cornbread dressing, tangy cranberry sauce, and slow-simmered collard greens. Together, they create the kind of comforting, flavor-packed plate that feels like a warm Southern hug!
🤖 Ask AI to summarize this recipe & save it!
Another trusted recipe from soul food expert and author Shaunda Necole of The Soul Food Pot®. *These AI tools are independent third-party services. Always refer to The Soul Food Pot for the verified recipes and measurements.
Equipment
- Instant Pot electric pressure cooker
- Instant Pot trivet rack (comes with the Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 2 ½-3 pound turkey breast boneless, thawed
- 1 tablespoon seasoning Famous Dave’s Chicken Rub, or similar
- 1 tablespoon seasoning Weber Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning, or similar
- 2 cups apple cider Store-bought, or see the notes below to get my homemade apple cider brine recipe
- 4 sprigs herbs i.e.,fresh rosemary, parsley, or thyme
Instructions
- Mix the chicken rub and garlic & herb seasonings in a small bowl to create a Southern spice rub for the turkey.
- Rub and coat the turkey breast with the Southern spice rub on the top and bottom.
- Remove the Instant Pot lid and pour the apple cider into the stainless steel inner pot.
- Place the seasoned turkey onto the trivet rack.
- Using the trivet rack’s handles, place the seasoned turkey inside the inner pot with the apple cider brine.
- Baste the turkey breast by spooning the apple cider over it.
- Close the Instant Pot lid (ensure the valve is up – in the position for sealing) and pressure cook on high for 25 minutes.
- When cooking is finished, allow a natural pressure release for at least 15 minutes.
- To open the Instant Pot lid, move the valve to ‘venting’ and manually release any remaining pressure, if applicable.
- Baste the bird using a large spoon to scoop the brine from the inner pot over the turkey breast.
- Then, remove it from the inner pot using the trivet rack handles.
- Place the turkey breast on a serving platter to slice. Add fresh rosemary sprigs (as I used), thyme, or parsley to garnish, serve, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Like this post? Pin the below image to your Pinterest “Soul Food Recipes” board!
