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turkey with cranberries in background

Easy Instant Pot Turkey (Whole or Breasts)

Amy Lawrence
This Instant Pot turkey recipe is super easy to make and you won't believe how moist and juicy it is! The Instant Pot does the majority of the work!
Weight Watchers Points: 1 Smart Point ; Green: 6 Smart Points; Purple: 1 Smart Point (for 1/8 of the turkey breast-without skin and 4 T. of gravy)
Prep Time 19 hours 42 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 day 30 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 513 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6-7 pound turkey or turkey breast bone in If you have a 6 qt Instant Pot, use 6 pounds, if you have an 8 qt. Instant Pot 7 pounds is fine (thawed)
  • 1/2 c. kosher salt
  • water-enough to cover turkey in container
  • 1 t. oil
  • olive oil from oil sprayer
  • 1 large onion
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 c. baby carrots chopped
  • 1 stalk celery chopped
  • 1 c. Parmesan chicken broth or use regular chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Pecking Order Spice from Casa M Spice Co® (optional) See note at bottom
  • 1-2 bay leaves
  • 2 T. fresh rosemary
  • 1/2 T. fresh thyme
  • 1 T. fresh sage
  • 1/2 c. white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc
  • 2 T. cornstarch
  • 1 T. butter
  • kosher salt to taste
  • freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • To brine the turkey, place water, kosher salt in large container. Stir well, add turkey, cover with water and allow to brine at least 5 hours or overnight.
  • Press Saute on Instant Pot. Add oil.
  • When hot, add chopped onions cook for about 3 minutes.
  • Add garlic, celery, carrots and herbs, cook for another 3 minutes. If things are getting too dry use the olive oil sprayer and add some more oil.
  • Add wine, Pecking Order Spice and Parmesan chicken broth and cook for about 2 minutes. 
  • Add rack to Instant Pot over broth and place turkey on rack.
  • Set to manual pressure on high for 25-30 minutes. (For 6 lbs, do 25, 7 lbs do 30). Set knob to sealing. Allow to natural release for 10-15 minutes. Then release pressure. Check the temperature with a cooking thermometer -  it should be at least 162 or 163°. (After resting it will go up to 165°).If it's not, set the pressure cook again for another few minutes.
  • If you like your turkey brown and crispy, place turkey on a baking sheet. Pat the turkey down with paper towels. Use an olive oil sprayer, spray the top, then put in the broiler for a few minutes.
  • To make gravy: Place a sieve over a bowl and strain off vegetables and any turkey parts.  Place 2 c. broth back into Instant Pot liner. Add 1 T. butter. 
  • Press, "Sauté".  
  • In a small cup, add about 3 T. broth.  Add cornstarch. Stir well.
  • Pour cornstarch mixture into broth.  Cook until thickened. (If you want more gravy, then use all of the broth and add another tablespoon of cornstarch to the cup if needed). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Video

Notes

If you want to make turkey for more people but still want to do it in the Instant Pot, do 2 turkeys or turkey breasts. Make the batches separately and store them in the refrigerator until ready to reheat.
Try the Casa M Spice Co® Pecking Order. It's delicious! Here's a coupon code: 10CMPS53 if you order it on Amazon for 10% off. Code expires: 11/18/21

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 513kcalCarbohydrates: 6.3gProtein: 96.1gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2.9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.9gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 234.4mgSodium: 810.1mgPotassium: 1049.1mgFiber: 0.8gSugar: 1.6gVitamin A: 68.9IUVitamin C: 3.9mgCalcium: 61.9mgIron: 3.3mg
Keyword Instant Pot Turkey
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