If you’re on the hunt for a juicy, deeply flavorful turkey that’s ready in a flash, look no further than this Instant Pot Bone-In Turkey Breast with Spiced Brine Recipe. It’s an absolute game-changer for anyone craving tender turkey with a punch of aromatic spices perfectly balanced by a savory brine. This method locks in moisture, infuses robust flavors throughout, and shaves off hours from traditional cooking—making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and holiday feasts. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your new go-to for turkey that’s bursting with taste and irresistibly tender every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To nail this dish, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple but powerhouse ingredients that work in harmony. Each one brings a special touch— from the saltiness that forms the brine’s backbone to the smoky, earthy warmth of paprika and the fresh herbaceous notes from thyme and basil. Together, they create a symphony of flavors that elevate the turkey beyond your usual roast.
- Bone-in turkey breast (6 to 7 pounds): The star of the dish, its bone adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy during cooking.
- Salt (5 Tbsp for seasoning, ½ cup for brine): Essential for brining to tenderize and deeply season the turkey.
- Paprika (6 Tbsp): Adds a subtle smoky sweetness and vibrant color to the spice mix.
- Garlic powder (6 Tbsp): Brings rich savory depth without overpowering the turkey.
- Brown sugar (5 Tbsp): Balances the saltiness with a delicate caramelized sweetness.
- Dried thyme (3 Tbsp): Provides a fragrant herbal hint that pairs beautifully with poultry.
- Black pepper (2 Tbsp): Adds a gentle kick and complexity to the seasoning.
- Onion powder (3 Tbsp): Boosts umami and savory layers.
- Dried basil (3 Tbsp): Introduces a fresh, aromatic dimension.
- Cayenne (1½ tsp): Delivers just a touch of heat that wakes up the palate.
- Water (1 gallon): The base for the brine to soak the turkey thoroughly.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Creates flavorful steam inside the Instant Pot for moist turkey.
How to Make Instant Pot Bone-In Turkey Breast with Spiced Brine Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Blend
Start by mixing the salt, paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, thyme, black pepper, onion powder, basil, and cayenne in a bowl. This vibrant spice blend is going to be your secret weapon—each component layered to bring out the turkey’s best qualities. Set this mixture aside for now.
Step 2: Make and Chill the Brine
In a large pot, combine the water, 1 cup of the spice blend, and ½ cup salt. Heat it gently over medium until the salt and spices fully dissolve, but don’t let it boil—preserving delicate flavors is key. Take the mixture off the heat and let it cool to room temperature. This cool brine will infusion the turkey breast with incredible moisture and flavor in the next step.
Step 3: Brine the Turkey Breast
Remove any giblets from the turkey breast, then place the bird in a container big enough to allow the brine to surround it fully without crowding. Pour your chilled brine over the turkey, ensuring it’s fully submerged with at least two inches of space all around and above the bird. Cover and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours, but no more—soaking too long can make it overwhelming salty. This brining step is a total game changer in keeping the meat super tender and juicy.
Step 4: Prep the Turkey for Cooking
After the brining period, take the turkey out, rinse off excess brine under cold water, and pat the bird completely dry. Then, rub a few tablespoons of the leftover spice blend all over the turkey to enhance the crust and build layers of flavor. This prep step ensures the turkey’s flavors really shine through once cooked.
Step 5: Set Up Your Instant Pot
Place the Instant Pot trivet or rack in the pot’s bottom to keep the turkey elevated. Place the turkey breast on the rack, skin side up, then pour in 1 cup of chicken broth around the sides. This broth creates steam during pressure cooking, which helps keep the turkey moist and tender.
Step 6: Cook Under Pressure
Secure the Instant Pot lid, seal the vent, and set the machine to cook on manual high pressure for 40 minutes. When cooking completes, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes—this gentle finish ensures the juices settle in evenly throughout the meat.
Step 7: Crisp the Skin (Optional)
Carefully remove the turkey from the pot and transfer it to a baking sheet. For that irresistible crispy skin, place the turkey under your oven’s broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. This step adds the perfect golden, crunchy exterior.
How to Serve Instant Pot Bone-In Turkey Breast with Spiced Brine Recipe
Garnishes
Your beautifully cooked turkey deserves a little finishing flourish. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs add a lovely contrast and look elegant on the platter. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a scattering of bright pomegranate seeds can introduce a fresh, zesty note that wakes up the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic comfort sides or seasonal vegetables. Think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a crunchy green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Even a vibrant wild rice pilaf brings great texture and color to your plate alongside the smoky, spiced turkey.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, slice the turkey breast against the grain and fan the slices on a large platter layered with fresh greens or edible flowers. Serving it alongside homemade cranberry sauce or a drizzle of pan gravy creates a beautiful balance of savory and sweet. You could also carve and serve in warm pita pockets with tangy slaw for a fun twist on leftovers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap leftover turkey tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to four days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners after your initial feast.
Freezing
If you want to save turkey for longer, slice or portion it before freezing. Use freezer-safe bags or containers to avoid freezer burn and label with the date. Frozen cooked turkey will hold its best quality for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm slices in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel or in a low oven wrapped in foil to maintain moisture. Avoid overcooking to keep the meat juicy and tender just like the day it was cooked.
FAQs
Can I brine the turkey breast for less than 8 hours?
While 8 to 12 hours is ideal for maximum flavor and juiciness, you can brine your turkey for as little as 4 hours in a pinch. Longer brining helps penetrate the meat better, but don’t go beyond 12 hours to prevent excessive saltiness.
Does the turkey need to be thawed before brining?
Yes, the turkey should be completely thawed before you begin the brining process to ensure even absorption of flavors and proper cooking inside the Instant Pot.
Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for bone-in turkey breast because the bone adds flavor and moisture, but you can use boneless if needed—just reduce the cooking time since boneless meat cooks faster.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
You can adapt this recipe to a slow cooker or oven, but the Instant Pot speeds up the cooking while keeping the meat exceptionally tender. For oven cooking, roast at 350°F and adjust time based on weight, typically about 20 minutes per pound.
How important is broiling the turkey at the end?
Broiling is optional but recommended if you love crispy, crackling skin, which contrasts wonderfully with juicy meat. If you prefer softer skin, you can skip this step without compromising flavor or tenderness.
Final Thoughts
Making this Instant Pot Bone-In Turkey Breast with Spiced Brine Recipe is like unlocking a shortcut to delicious, restaurant-quality turkey that’s succulent, flavorful, and impressive enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weeknight meals. You’ll love how the spices, brine, and Instant Pot magic come together to deliver a tender bird every time. Give it a try—you may just find your new favorite way to enjoy turkey all year round!
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Instant Pot Bone-In Turkey Breast with Spiced Brine Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 8-12 hours for brining)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes pressure cooking plus 10 minutes natural release plus 5 minutes broiling
- Total Time: 9 hours (including brining and cooking)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Turkey Breast recipe delivers a tender, juicy, and flavorful turkey breast perfect for any occasion. Brined with a savory blend of spices, then pressure cooked to perfection, this method significantly reduces cooking time while maintaining moistness. A final quick broil crisps the skin for a beautiful golden finish.
Ingredients
Brine Ingredients
- 1 gallon water
- 5 Tbsp salt
- 6 Tbsp paprika
- 6 Tbsp garlic powder
- 5 Tbsp brown sugar
- 3 Tbsp dried thyme
- 2 Tbsp black pepper
- 3 Tbsp onion powder
- 3 Tbsp dried basil
- 1½ tsp cayenne
- ½ cup salt (additional for brine)
Turkey and Seasoning
- 1 (6 to 7) pound bone-in turkey breast
- Remaining seasoning mixture from brine (a few tablespoons for seasoning turkey after brining)
Cooking Liquid
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning mixture: In a bowl, combine 5 tablespoons of salt, paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, dried thyme, black pepper, onion powder, dried basil, and cayenne pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Make the brine: In a large pot, combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of the seasoning mixture, and ½ cup salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the salt and spices are fully dissolved. Do not allow the mixture to boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Brine the turkey: Remove any giblets from the turkey breast and set them aside for gravy or discard. Place the turkey breast in a container that leaves at least 2 inches of space on all sides and over the top. Pour the cooled brine over the turkey, ensuring it is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours. Avoid brining beyond 12 hours to prevent oversalting.
- Prepare the turkey: Remove the turkey from the brine, rinse thoroughly under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels. Season the turkey with a few tablespoons of the remaining seasoning mixture to enhance flavor.
- Set up the Instant Pot: Place the Instant Pot trivet or rack at the bottom of the pot. Position the turkey breast, skin side up, on the trivet. Pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the Instant Pot surrounding the turkey.
- Pressure cook the turkey: Securely place the Instant Pot lid and lock it. Close the steam vent. Set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook mode on high pressure and cook for 40 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before opening the lid.
- Crisp the skin: Carefully remove the turkey from the Instant Pot and transfer it to a baking sheet. Place the turkey under the oven broiler for a few minutes to crisp and brown the skin, watching closely to avoid burning.
Notes
- Do not brine the turkey for longer than 12 hours, as it can become too salty.
- Using the Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods.
- Broiling is optional but recommended to achieve crispy skin.
- Save giblets for making rich turkey gravy if desired.
- Ensure the brine is fully cooled before adding the turkey to prevent bacterial growth.
