Instant Pot Turkey Thighs with Tomato and Herbs Recipe

If you’re craving something comforting, full of flavor, and ridiculously easy, this Instant Pot Turkey Thighs with Tomato and Herbs Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how tender and juicy the turkey thighs turn out with that rich tomato-herb sauce—it’s like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family or just want a make-ahead meal that tastes gourmet with minimal effort, you’ll find this recipe is a total game changer. Stick around—I’ll share all my insider tips so you nail it every time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All of the ingredients in this Instant Pot Turkey Thighs with Tomato and Herbs Recipe come together wonderfully to create a balanced, hearty dish. The combination of fresh herbs with a splash of wine and savory tomato sauce really elevates those turkey thighs—and you don’t need a long list of fancy items to pull it off.

• Turkey thighs: Opt for bone-in, skin-on if you can—they stay juicier and add more flavor.
• Italian seasoning: This blend is an easy shortcut to infuse classic Mediterranean herbs without extra chopping.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple, essential, and crucial to balance all those flavors.
• Vegetable oil: Good for searing without burning—olive oil works too but watch the heat.
• Onion: Thinly sliced for sweetness and a tender bite after pressure cooking.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is a must for that punch of flavor.
• Bay leaves & fresh rosemary: These subtle aromatics are what make your kitchen smell like a dream.
• Red or white wine: Even a little splash adds depth—don’t skip it if possible!
• Chicken broth: Adds savory moisture to keep those thighs juicy.
• Tomato sauce: Use a good quality canned sauce—it’s the heart of that rich, tangy base.
• Fresh parsley: Stirred in at the end to brighten the flavors with a fresh pop.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Instant Pot Turkey Thighs with Tomato and Herbs Recipe, and you can too. This dish is super forgiving and makes a great canvas for customization—whether you want spice it up, make it cozy for winter, or keep it light and fresh for warmer months.

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper when sautéing the onions—totally transforms the flavor profile.
• Herb Swap: If rosemary isn’t your thing, try thyme or oregano for a different herbal twist that still pairs beautifully with tomato.
• Wine-Free Version: I’ve made this without wine by adding a splash of apple cider vinegar and a bit more broth, and it still turns out just as delicious.
• Make it Low-Sodium: Reduce the salt and use low-sodium broth, then season at the end to taste—great for those watching their sodium intake.

How to Make Instant Pot Turkey Thighs with Tomato and Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Season and Rest Your Turkey Thighs

The first thing I do is pat those turkey thighs totally dry with paper towels—that step is crucial for a nice sear. Then, I rub a blend of Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper all over each thigh. Letting them rest for at least 10 minutes at room temp not only allows the seasoning to soak in but also helps the turkey cook more evenly. Trust me, this little wait elevates the flavor big time.

Step 2: Sear the Thighs for Golden Goodness

Turn on your Instant Pot’s sauté function and heat the vegetable oil until it sizzles. Carefully add the turkey thighs and sear them for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop that gorgeous golden-brown color. Don’t worry about cooking them through here—you’re just locking in flavor. I like to keep my kitchen well-ventilated during this step, as it can get a bit smoky.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

After searing, toss in the thinly sliced onions, minced garlic, bay leaves, and rosemary twigs. Sauté everything together for about 2 minutes until the onions soften and the herbs release their aroma. Then, pour in that lovely red wine (or white), chicken broth, and tomato sauce. Give it all a good stir so everything is nicely mixed—this is where the magic happens.

Step 4: Pressure Cook to Perfect Tenderness

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to manual high pressure for 30 minutes. Once the timer’s up, you have options: either let it naturally release pressure for around 20 minutes for the most tender results or do a quick release if you’re pressed for time. I usually go for natural release; that extra time resting in the pot lets the flavors soak in even more.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Open the pot, discard the bay leaves and rosemary stems, then stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed—I usually add about a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper at this point. Serve this saucy, succulent turkey over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even buttered noodles for a real crowd-pleaser.

How to Serve Instant Pot Turkey Thighs with Tomato and Herbs Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is my go-to garnish because it adds a fresh, bright element that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Sometimes I sprinkle a little freshly grated Parmesan on top for a bit of savory fun. If you like a tangy contrast, a small squeeze of lemon juice just before serving wakes up all the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

I often serve this Instant Pot Turkey Thighs with Tomato and Herbs Recipe alongside creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up all that delicious tomato-herb sauce. Fluffy white rice or buttery egg noodles are also perfect companions. For a lighter touch, roasted or steamed green beans or a simple mixed salad round things out nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special family dinners, I like to plate the turkey thighs over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes and drizzle the tomato-herb sauce artistically around the plate, finishing with a sprig of fresh rosemary on top. Serving this in a rustic casserole dish straight from the Instant Pot also makes for a cozy, homey presentation that guests love. You can even turn leftovers into a hearty turkey ragu for pasta night!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate them right after dinner. The turkey stays super moist, and the sauce thickens into an even more flavorful gravy overnight. These leftovers taste amazing the next day and make weekday dinners so easy.

Freezing

This Instant Pot Turkey Thighs with Tomato and Herbs Recipe freezes wonderfully. I separate the turkey and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, label them, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then reheat gently.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers either in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave on a lower power setting to keep the turkey from drying out. Adding a splash of broth or water while reheating helps loosen the sauce and keeps everything moist and tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Turkey Thighs with Tomato and Herbs Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it feels like all the comfort of a classic Sunday dinner with none of the fuss. It’s reliable, flavorful, and yields tender turkey every time—even on my busiest nights. Seriously, if you haven’t tried turkey thighs in the Instant Pot before, you’re in for a delicious surprise. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a family favorite—you’ll thank me later!

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