Unlock the secret to an incredibly juicy, flavorful, and effortlessly prepared turkey breast with this Lemon Garlic Butter Instant Pot recipe. Whether you’re planning a festive holiday meal, adhering to a low-carb diet, or simply looking for efficient meal prep solutions, this recipe is designed to exceed your expectations. Forget dry, bland turkey; our method guarantees a tender, succulent result every time, making it a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Revolutionize Your Turkey with the Instant Pot
The thought of cooking a whole turkey can be daunting, often conjuring images of hours spent basting and fretting over doneness. But what if there was a way to achieve perfection in under an hour? Enter the Instant Pot, your new best friend for cooking turkey breast. This pressure cooker transforms a typically lengthy process into a quick, convenient, and foolproof experience. The high-pressure environment locks in moisture, ensuring that every slice of turkey is infused with flavor and delightfully juicy, a stark contrast to the often-dry results of traditional oven roasting.
Our unique blend of lemon, garlic, and butter creates an aromatic and tantalizing flavor profile that elevates simple turkey breast into a gourmet dish. The zesty brightness of lemon juice cuts through the richness of butter, while fresh garlic adds a warm, savory depth. This combination not only tastes incredible but also creates a beautiful golden crust, making your turkey a showstopper on any table.

Why the Instant Pot is Your Best Bet for Turkey Breast
The Instant Pot isn’t just a trend; it’s a game-changer for home cooks seeking efficiency without sacrificing quality. For turkey breast, its advantages are particularly pronounced:
- Unmatched Speed: A whole turkey breast can be cooked to perfection in as little as 45 minutes, a fraction of the time required by conventional ovens. This means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your guests or tackling other tasks.
- Guaranteed Juiciness: The pressure cooking method inherently prevents drying out. The sealed environment traps steam, creating a moist cooking chamber that keeps the turkey breast tender from edge to center.
- Consistent Results: With precise temperature and pressure control, the Instant Pot delivers consistent, reliable results every time. No more guessing games or opening the oven repeatedly.
- Effortless Cleanup: Cooking in a single pot often means less mess and easier cleanup, a welcome bonus after any meal preparation.
- Feeds a Crowd: A single whole turkey breast can comfortably feed 6-8 people, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or simply ensuring plenty of leftovers.

Crafting the Perfect Low-Carb Gravy
No turkey dinner is complete without a rich, savory gravy. However, traditional gravies often rely heavily on flour, making them unsuitable for low-carb or keto diets. But don’t despair! You can easily create a luscious, thick, and incredibly flavorful low-carb gravy to complement your Instant Pot turkey breast. The secret lies in using a clever thickening agent and focusing on robust, natural flavors.
While the gravy packet that might come with your turkey breast is convenient, it’s typically high in carbs. Instead, embrace our simple low-carb alternative. For a seamless flavor pairing, remember to use chicken broth as the base for your gravy. This ensures the savory notes harmonize beautifully with the turkey, creating a cohesive and delicious meal. Our recipe below specifically includes instructions for a fantastic keto-friendly gravy that you won’t want to miss.

Your Go-To Keto Turkey Recipe for All Occasions
For those mindful of their carbohydrate intake, finding delicious and easy recipes can be a challenge. Thankfully, turkey is a naturally lean and gluten-free protein, making it an excellent foundation for keto and low-carb meals. This Lemon Garlic Butter Turkey Breast recipe is not only sugar-free but also allergy-friendly, relying on wholesome, simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s a testament to how flavorful and satisfying healthy eating can be.
Whether you’re planning a special holiday feast like Thanksgiving or simply seeking a healthy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers. It’s incredibly versatile and can be adapted to various dietary needs without compromising on taste or texture. Prepare to impress your family and friends with a meal that feels indulgent yet aligns perfectly with a health-conscious lifestyle.

Effortless Turkey Meal Prep Ideas
One of the unsung heroes of this Lemon Garlic Butter Turkey Breast recipe is its incredible potential for meal prepping. Cooking a whole turkey breast in the Instant Pot yields a substantial amount of tender, flavorful meat, perfect for stocking your refrigerator with healthy options for the week ahead. Once cooked, allow the turkey to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. This ensures maximum freshness and prevents spoilage.
The versatility of this turkey makes it ideal for countless meal prep ideas:
- Quick Lunches: Enjoy slices of cold turkey as is, perhaps alongside a vibrant side salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced and satisfying lunch.
- Shredded Delights: Shred the cooked turkey and incorporate it into your favorite salads, low-carb wraps, or lettuce cups for a light yet filling meal.
- Creative Substitutions: Replace chicken with this delicious turkey breast in other recipes. For instance, try it in a keto fried rice recipe, adding a new dimension of flavor.
- Hearty Soups & Stews: Dice the turkey and add it to a simmering pot of low-carb soup or stew for extra protein and flavor, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Turkey & Avocado Toast (Low-Carb Style): Serve sliced turkey on keto-friendly bread or crisp lettuce leaves with avocado for a delightful and healthy open-faced sandwich.

Lemon Garlic Butter Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
Ready to make the most succulent turkey breast you’ve ever tasted? Here’s everything you need, followed by step-by-step instructions. Exact measurements can be found in the detailed recipe breakdown below.
Ingredients:
For the Turkey:
- 1 whole turkey breast (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (from 1 fresh lemon)
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
For the Low-Carb Gravy (Yields 8 servings):
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp xanthan gum
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
If your turkey breast comes with a gravy packet, ensure you remove and discard it before beginning the preparation.

Prepare the butter: Take 2 tablespoons of softened butter and carefully spread it under the skin of the turkey breast. This helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave and drizzle it generously over the entire turkey surface.

Season the turkey: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Generously rub this spice mixture all over the buttered turkey breast, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.


Set up the Instant Pot: Place the trivet (the metal rack that comes with your Instant Pot) at the bottom of the inner pot. Pour 1 cup of chicken stock into the pot, then carefully place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the trivet.

Pressure cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure the sealing valve is in the “Sealing” position. Set the Instant Pot to Manual (or Pressure Cook) and cook on High Pressure for 45 minutes. (Cooking time may vary slightly based on the size and thickness of your turkey breast).

Natural pressure release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 15-20 minutes. Do not force a quick release, as this can result in tougher meat. After natural release, manually release any remaining pressure and carefully open the lid.

Rest and serve: Carefully remove the turkey breast from the Instant Pot. Transfer it to a cutting board, tent with foil, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and flavorful result.
Low-Carb Gravy Instructions:
Begin by melting the 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Once the butter is melted, whisk in the garlic powder, salt, pepper, and crucially, the xanthan gum. Whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a smooth paste and prevent lumps.

Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to incorporate it smoothly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and continue to whisk occasionally until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Serve warm alongside your delicious turkey.

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Lemon Garlic Butter Turkey Breast Recipe Card
Make this lemon garlic butter turkey breast in just minutes in your Instant Pot! It’s perfect for a quick dinner or holiday feast.
Quick Details:
- Course: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
- Keyword: Instant pot turkey, lemon garlic butter turkey breast
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6 people
- Calories: 242 kcal (Turkey only, approximate)
Ingredients:
For the Turkey:
- 1 whole turkey breast
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Low Carb Gravy:
- 4 tbsp dairy butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp xanthan gum
- Salt, pepper to taste
Instructions:
Turkey:
- If your turkey breast comes with a gravy packet, remove and discard it.
- Take 2 Tbsp of butter, and spread under the skin of the turkey. Melt the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter and pour over the turkey.
- Rub the turkey with paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
- Place the Instant Pot trivet in the pot. Pour 1 cup of chicken stock at the bottom and add the turkey.
- Close the Instant Pot and set to Manual. Cook on High Pressure for 45 minutes.
- Let the pressure release naturally.
- Carefully remove the turkey from the pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Gravy:
- Heat butter in a small pot over medium heat.
- Whisk in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and xanthan gum.
- Stir in chicken broth and simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Recipe Notes:
Turkey (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 242 kcal
- Net Carbs: 0 g
Gravy (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 54 kcal
- Net Carbs: 1 g
The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is an approximation only. We cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipes on this site.
More Delicious Keto Recipes for the Holidays
Planning a holiday feast that caters to low-carb preferences doesn’t have to be challenging. Here are some fantastic keto-friendly recipes that pair beautifully with your Lemon Garlic Butter Turkey Breast, ensuring everyone at your table enjoys a delicious and healthy meal:
- Low Carb Mushroom and Spinach Cauliflower Rice: A flavorful and satisfying alternative to traditional carb-heavy sides, packed with vegetables and savory notes.
- Easy Keto Garlic Knots: Enjoy the classic taste of garlic bread without the carbs. These soft, garlicky knots are perfect for soaking up any leftover gravy.
- Keto Almondine Asparagus: A vibrant and elegant side dish featuring crisp asparagus and crunchy almonds, adding both texture and healthy fats to your meal.
With these recipes, your holiday spread will be both festive and accommodating to various dietary needs, proving that healthy eating can be incredibly enjoyable and rich in flavor.










