Can I use a bone-in turkey breast instead?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. For a 3-pound bone-in breast, increase the cooking time to 7-8 minutes per pound (about 25 minutes for a 3-pound breast). Always verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What if my turkey isn't frozen?

If your turkey roast is thawed, reduce the cooking time to 6 minutes per pound (about 18 minutes for a 3-pound roast). The results will be equally delicious, just faster!

Can I make this with turkey thighs?

Absolutely! Turkey thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. For bone-in thighs, use the same cooking time as the recipe suggests. For boneless thighs, reduce cooking time by about 5 minutes.

My gravy is too thin. How can I fix it?

If your gravy isn't thick enough after adding the packets, create a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water. Add this to the simmering gravy and cook for 1-2 more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

Instant Pot Turkey and Gravy Recipe

Name: Instant Pot Turkey and Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (3 lb) frozen boneless turkey roast (Butterball savory herb all white meat recommended); 1 ¼ cups chicken broth; 4 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 tablespoons turkey herb rub (or herb chicken rub); 1 large onion, quartered; 4 stalks celery, cut into large pieces; 5 cloves garlic, crushed; A few sprigs of fresh herbs: rosemary, sage, and thyme; 2 (0.87 oz) packets turkey gravy mix

This incredibly juicy Instant Pot Turkey and Gravy is a game-changer for anyone who loves a good turkey dinner without the fuss. The pressure cooker transforms a frozen turkey roast into tender, flavorful meat in just over an hour, complete with rich homemade gravy. It’s the perfect solution for smaller holiday gatherings, Sunday family dinners, or anytime you’re craving comfort food without spending all day in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Thawing Required: Start with a completely frozen turkey roast and still have dinner on the table in under 90 minutes.
Set It and Forget It: The Instant Pot does all the work while you attend to other things – no basting, no checking, no fuss.
Built-In Gravy: The cooking process creates the most flavorful base for gravy you’ve ever tasted, and it’s ready in minutes after the turkey is done.
Perfect for Any Day: Sized right for a regular family dinner, not just for holidays. Enjoy turkey and gravy without waiting for Thanksgiving!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Frozen Turkey Roast: The star of the show! The Butterball savory herb white meat roast works wonderfully, but any 3-pound boneless frozen turkey roast will do. Using it frozen is what makes this recipe so convenient.
Chicken Broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base for cooking the turkey and creating the gravy. It infuses moisture and flavor into the meat.
Butter: Adds richness and helps the herbs and spices adhere to the turkey while creating a more luxurious gravy.
Turkey Herb Rub: Provides concentrated flavor that infuses throughout the meat during pressure cooking. A chicken herb rub works equally well if that’s what you have on hand.
Aromatics: Onion, celery, and garlic create a fragrant foundation that enriches both the turkey and the gravy.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, sage, and thyme are the classic turkey companions that elevate this dish from good to spectacular.
Gravy Packets: These are the secret to quick, foolproof gravy. They thicken the already flavorful cooking liquid into something truly special.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Herb Variations

Try different herb combinations like oregano and basil for an Italian twist, or tarragon and parsley for a French-inspired flavor.

Add Root Vegetables

Place baby potatoes and carrot chunks around the turkey for a complete one-pot meal.

Wine-Enhanced Gravy

Replace 1/4 cup of the broth with white wine for a more sophisticated flavor profile.

Make It Creamy

Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream to the finished gravy for a richer, more indulgent sauce.

How to Make Instant Pot Turkey and Gravy

Step 1: Set Up the Instant Pot

Place the trivet in the bottom of your Instant Pot insert. This elevates the turkey so it roasts rather than boils. Position your frozen turkey roast right on top of the trivet.

Step 2: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Pour the chicken broth into the pot around (not over) the turkey. Drizzle the melted butter all over the frozen roast, then sprinkle the herb rub evenly across the top. The butter helps the seasonings stick and adds richness.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Arrange the quartered onion, celery pieces, and crushed garlic around the turkey roast. Place the fresh herb sprigs directly on top of the turkey. These ingredients will infuse the meat and cooking liquid with incredible flavor.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid and ensure the pressure valve is set to “sealing.” Select Manual/Pressure Cook and set to high pressure for 55 minutes. Let the magic happen!

Step 5: Natural Release

When the cooking cycle finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the turkey stay juicy as the pressure gradually decreases.

Step 6: Prepare the Turkey

Carefully open the lid. Using tongs or two spoons, transfer the turkey to a platter and cover with foil to keep warm while you make the gravy.

Step 7: Make the Gravy

Strain the cooking liquid to remove the vegetables and herbs. Return the strained liquid to the Instant Pot and set to sauté mode. Whisk in the gravy packets until smooth, then cook for about 5 minutes until thickened to your liking.

Step 8: Serve

Slice the turkey and serve it with the hot gravy poured over the top. Prepare for compliments!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Natural Release: This crucial step allows the meat fibers to relax, resulting in juicier turkey.
Measure Your Pot: Make sure your frozen turkey roast fits in your Instant Pot before starting. The 6-quart model works perfectly for a 3-pound roast.
Check Temperature: For food safety, verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If not, pressure cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Thicken to Preference: If you like thicker gravy, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and add to the simmering gravy.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this turkey and gravy with mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and your favorite vegetable sides for a mini Thanksgiving any day of the year.

Sandwich Station

Set up a leftover station with rolls, cranberry sauce, and mayo for incredible next-day sandwiches.

Turkey Bowls

Create comfort food bowls with mashed potatoes as the base, topped with sliced turkey, gravy, and roasted vegetables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the turkey and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping them separate prevents the turkey from becoming soggy.

Freezing

The cooked turkey freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Slice before freezing for easier portioning. Gravy can also be frozen in small containers or ice cube trays for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat sliced turkey gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or in the microwave at 50% power. Heat gravy separately in a small saucepan, adding a little water or broth if it’s too thick.

FAQs

Can I use a bone-in turkey breast instead?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. For a 3-pound bone-in breast, increase the cooking time to 7-8 minutes per pound (about 25 minutes for a 3-pound breast). Always verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What if my turkey isn’t frozen?

If your turkey roast is thawed, reduce the cooking time to 6 minutes per pound (about 18 minutes for a 3-pound roast). The results will be equally delicious, just faster!
Can I make this with turkey thighs?

Absolutely! Turkey thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. For bone-in thighs, use the same cooking time as the recipe suggests. For boneless thighs, reduce cooking time by about 5 minutes.
My gravy is too thin. How can I fix it?

If your gravy isn’t thick enough after adding the packets, create a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water. Add this to the simmering gravy and cook for 1-2 more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Turkey and Gravy recipe proves that delicious, home-cooked comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. The convenience of starting with a frozen turkey roast, combined with the magic of pressure cooking, creates a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for an easier holiday option or just craving turkey on a random Tuesday, this recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort. Give it a try – your taste buds (and schedule) will thank you!