The holidays are a time for gathering, laughter, and of course, the smell of a perfectly roasted turkey wafting through the house. Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy Instant Pot Christmas Turkey Breast with Gravy, where every bite is a delightful harmony of savory flavors that dance on your palate. This dish is not just food; it’s nostalgia served on a plate, bringing back memories of family feasts and festive cheer.
Now picture this: you’re surrounded by loved ones, each one eagerly awaiting the first slice. The excitement is palpable as the tender turkey breast glistens under the soft glow of twinkling lights. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of an Instant Pot, you can create this holiday masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds). So grab your apron and let’s dive into this culinary adventure!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Instant Pot Christmas Turkey Breast with Gravy requires minimal prep time while delivering maximum flavor.
- You can adjust spices to suit your family’s taste preferences effortlessly.
- The golden-brown crust combined with rich gravy makes it visually irresistible on any festive table.
- Ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners, it’s versatile enough for any occasion!
Ingredients for Instant Pot Christmas Turkey Breast with Gravy
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless Turkey Breast: Aim for a 3 to 4-pound turkey breast for optimal tenderness and flavor.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil to add richness and help achieve that beautiful golden color.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth works best to keep control over saltiness while adding depth to your gravy.
- Onion Powder: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the turkey beautifully.
- Garlic Powder: A must-have for that aromatic punch we all crave during holidays!
- Dried Thyme: This herb brings an earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with turkey.
For the Gravy:
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken your gravy to perfection—no one likes runny gravy!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Instant Pot Christmas Turkey Breast with Gravy
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather your ingredients and set them out on your kitchen counter. This will make the cooking process smoother than Santa sliding down chimneys!
Step 2: Sear the Turkey
Turn on your Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Add olive oil and allow it to heat up. Once hot, place the turkey breast skin-side down in the pot. Sear for about 5 minutes until it’s golden brown before flipping it over.
Step 3: Add Flavor
Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper generously over both sides of the turkey breast. Pour in the chicken broth around the turkey—this will infuse moisture during cooking and create delicious gravy.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Seal the lid of your Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for about 30 minutes. This is where the magic happens—the pressure locks in all those mouthwatering juices.
Step 5: Release Pressure
Once cooking time is up, allow natural pressure release for about 10 minutes before switching to quick release to let out any remaining steam. Carefully remove the turkey from the pot; let it rest for at least five minutes before slicing.
Step 6: Make Gravy
While resting, take out about one cup of liquid from your pot. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with some water until smooth. Stir this mixture back into the pot over sauté mode until thickened—voilà! Delicious gravy ready to serve!
Transfer slices of turkey onto plates and drizzle generously with your homemade gravy for that perfect finishing touch!
And there you have it—the ultimate showstopper for your holiday feast! Enjoy every bite while sharing stories and making new memories around the table!
You Must Know
- This Instant Pot Christmas Turkey Breast with Gravy is a game changer for holiday meals.
- It saves time and delivers juicy, tender turkey every time.
- Plus, the rich gravy takes it to another level, making your dinner table shine like Rudolph’s nose!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by seasoning the turkey breast with your favorite spices. Sear it in the Instant Pot for that golden crust. While it cooks under pressure, whip up your gravy using those flavorful drippings. It’s a smooth process that ensures everything comes together seamlessly!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out herbs based on your family’s preferences. Try adding garlic powder or smoked paprika for an extra kick. You can also toss in some citrus zest to brighten up the flavors and make this turkey breast uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. For reheating, place slices in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth. This keeps the meat moist and flavorful!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always allow your turkey breast to rest after cooking; this helps retain moisture for juicier slices.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
- Lastly, don’t forget to deglaze the pot for maximum flavor in your gravy!
The first time I made this dish, my family couldn’t believe how tender and flavorful the turkey was. They asked for seconds and started planning next year’s holiday menu right then and there!
FAQs :
What is the best way to prepare Instant Pot Christmas Turkey Breast with Gravy?
To prepare Instant Pot Christmas Turkey Breast with Gravy, begin by seasoning the turkey breast with your favorite herbs and spices. Sear it in the Instant Pot using the sauté function to lock in flavor. Add broth and aromatics, then cook under high pressure for about 30 minutes. Once done, allow natural release for tender meat. For gravy, use the drippings combined with cornstarch or flour to thicken. This method ensures a succulent holiday centerpiece that’s easy and quick.
How long does it take to cook Instant Pot Christmas Turkey Breast with Gravy?
Cooking an Instant Pot Christmas Turkey Breast typically takes around 30 minutes under high pressure, but you should account for additional time for natural pressure release. In total, including preparation and cooking time, expect to spend about an hour on this dish. This efficient cooking method saves time while delivering moist and flavorful turkey breast along with delicious gravy.
Can I use frozen turkey breast for Instant Pot Christmas Turkey Breast with Gravy?
Yes, you can use frozen turkey breast for your Instant Pot Christmas Turkey Breast with Gravy. However, you will need to increase the cooking time to approximately 50 minutes under high pressure. Ensure that you add extra liquid to help bring the pot to pressure effectively. Cooking from frozen still yields a juicy result, making it a convenient option during busy holiday seasons.
What sides pair well with Instant Pot Christmas Turkey Breast with Gravy?
Instant Pot Christmas Turkey Breast with Gravy pairs beautifully with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce. You could also serve it alongside stuffing or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. These sides complement the rich flavors of the turkey and gravy, creating a festive dining experience that your guests will love.
Conclusion for Instant Pot Christmas Turkey Breast with Gravy :
In summary, preparing an Instant Pot Christmas Turkey Breast with Gravy is both simple and rewarding. With just about an hour of your time, you can create a flavorful main dish that impresses family and friends alike. The use of the Instant Pot ensures moist meat and delicious gravy while keeping your holiday stress-free. Enjoy this delightful recipe as part of your festive celebrations!
Instant Pot Christmas Turkey Breast with Gravy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Instant Pot Christmas Turkey Breast with Gravy is a succulent, flavor-packed dish that brings festive cheer to your holiday table. Perfectly tender turkey smothered in rich gravy, it’s a must-try for any celebration.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pounds boneless turkey breast
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients on your kitchen counter.
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and heat. Place the turkey breast skin-side down and sear for about 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Season both sides of the turkey with onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour chicken broth around the turkey.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
- After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then switch to quick release. Carefully remove the turkey and let it rest for at least five minutes before slicing.
- Reserve about one cup of liquid from the pot. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Stir this mixture back into the pot over sauté mode until thickened.
- Slice turkey and drizzle generously with homemade gravy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize herbs based on family preferences or add citrus zest for extra flavor. For leftover storage, keep turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
Leave a Comment