The Best Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

This Instant Pot chicken drumsticks recipe is perfect for any occasion. With a combination of savory spices, tender meat, and a mouthwatering BBQ sauce finish, these chicken legs are bound to become a family favorite.

Looking for another effortless chicken dinner recipe? check my Instant Pot Chicken Tenders, and Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas, Louisiana Voodoo Fries, or you can try my ultimate Quick & Easy Gouda Mac and Cheese for a perfect weeknight!

When it comes to cooking delicious meals with minimal effort, the Instant Pot has revolutionized the way we prepare food. Its versatility and time-saving capabilities make it a must-have kitchen appliance. Today, we'll be sharing an incredible Instant Pot chicken drumstick recipe that will tantalize your taste buds and have you coming back for seconds. Get ready to enjoy tender, juicy chicken drumsticks infused with mouthwatering flavors in record time!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: With the help of your Instant Pot, you can have tender and flavorful chicken drumsticks ready in just a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast.
2. Juicy and Tender: The pressure cooking process ensures that the chicken drumsticks come out juicy and tender every time. The meat practically falls off the bone, making it a satisfying dish for the whole family.
3. Crispy Skin Option: If you love crispy chicken skin, this recipe gives you the option to finish the drumsticks in an air fryer or under the broiler for that perfect golden-brown, crispy texture. It’s the best of both worlds!
4. Versatile and Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out the BBQ sauce for other flavors, or adjust the spice blend to suit your taste. It’s a great base recipe that you can make your own.
5. Minimal Cleanup: With everything cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze. The Instant Pot makes it easy to sauté, pressure cook, and even simmer all in one appliance, saving you time on washing dishes.

Kitchen tools and equipment

1. Instant Pot: The main appliance used for pressure cooking the chicken drumsticks, making them tender and juicy in a short amount of time.
2. Broiler (Optional): Used to crisp up the chicken skin after pressure cooking, giving the drumsticks a golden-brown finish.
3. Tongs: Helpful for turning the drumsticks while sautéing and for handling them after cooking.
4. Mixing Bowl: To mix the spice rub and coat the drumsticks evenly.
5. Silicone Brush: Used to apply the BBQ sauce to the drumsticks.
6. Trivet (Optional): A metal rack that can be placed in the Instant Pot to elevate the drumsticks above the liquid, ensuring even cooking.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken Drumsticks: The star of the dish, these are the main protein source. The drumsticks become tender and juicy through pressure cooking, and their skin can be made crispy with a finishing step in the air fryer.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a savory, slightly sweet flavor that permeates the chicken. It’s a key ingredient in the spice rub, giving the drumsticks a well-rounded taste.
• Onion Powder: Adds a subtle, sweet onion flavor that enhances the savory profile of the dish. It works well with garlic powder to create a balanced seasoning blend.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a smoky, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy flavor. It gives the drumsticks a beautiful color and a hint of smokiness that pairs well with BBQ sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the drumsticks in the Instant Pot. It helps to brown the chicken, locking in the flavor and adding a rich, slightly fruity taste.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture during the pressure cooking process and adds depth to the overall flavor of the chicken. The broth helps create a flavorful base for the drumsticks to cook in.
• BBQ Sauce: Adds a sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor to the chicken. It’s brushed on after cooking for that classic BBQ taste and helps caramelize the skin when finished in the air fryer or broiler.

How to Make This Recipe

1. Season the Drumsticks: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry, then rub them with a mix of ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
2. Sauté in the Instant Pot: Turn on the Instant Pot’s sauté function, add olive oil, and brown the drumsticks on all sides for 2-3 minutes.
3. Pressure Cook: Pour chicken broth into the pot, scrape up any browned bits, then add the drumsticks. Seal the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
4. Natural Pressure Release: Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release.
5. BBQ Finish: Brush the drumsticks with BBQ sauce. For crispy skin, place them in an air fryer or under a broiler for 5 minutes until the sauce caramelizes.
6. Serve: Enjoy your tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked Instant Pot chicken drumsticks!

Tips & Tricks

• Pat dry the chicken drumsticks: Before seasoning the drumsticks, make sure to pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps remove excess moisture, allowing for better browning during the sautéing process.
• Sauté for optimal flavor: Take the time to properly brown the chicken drumsticks during the sautéing step. This enhances the flavor and adds a nice caramelized crust to the drumsticks, resulting in a more delicious result.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: While the provided measurements for seasonings are a good starting point, feel free to adjust them to suit your personal preferences. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce: If you're watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce. This helps control the overall saltiness of the dish, especially when combined with other seasonings.
• Choose quality chicken broth: Using high-quality chicken broth can significantly enhance the flavor of the dish. If possible, use homemade chicken broth or opt for a low-sodium, organic store-bought version.

How to use the leftovers

Leftovers from the Instant Pot chicken drumsticks can be repurposed into delicious meals and snacks. Here are some ideas for using the leftovers:

• Chicken Salad: Shred the leftover chicken meat and use it as the base for a tasty chicken salad. Mix it with mayonnaise, diced celery, chopped green onions, and your choice of seasonings. Enjoy the chicken salad on sandwiches, wraps, or as a topping for crackers or salad greens.
• Chicken Wraps or Tacos: Wrap the leftover chicken in tortillas with your favorite toppings to create quick and easy chicken wraps or tacos. Add fresh veggies, salsa, guacamole, and cheese for a flavorful meal.
• Stir-Fries or Fried Rice: Chop the leftover chicken into bite-sized pieces and incorporate it into stir-fries or fried rice. Sauté it with vegetables, rice, or noodles, and your choice of sauces or seasonings for a delicious and satisfying meal.
• Chicken Quesadillas: Use the leftover chicken to make mouthwatering chicken quesadillas. Layer the shredded chicken with cheese and any additional fillings you desire, such as sautéed onions, peppers, or sliced jalapeños. Grill the quesadillas until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.

Serving Ideas

• Classic BBQ Plate: Serve the chicken drumsticks alongside creamy coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread for a traditional BBQ meal.
• Rice and Veggies: Pair the drumsticks with steamed white or brown rice and a side of roasted or steamed vegetables, like broccoli, green beans, or carrots.
• Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: For a comforting, homestyle meal, serve the drumsticks with creamy mashed potatoes and a drizzle of gravy or extra BBQ sauce.
• Salad Bowl: Create a hearty salad bowl with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, topped with sliced chicken drumsticks.
• Wraps or Tacos: Shred the chicken from the drumsticks and use it to fill tortillas, then top with lettuce, shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream for delicious wraps or tacos.

FAQs

More Delicious Easy Recipes :

• Air Fryer Roasted Baby Potatoes
• Air Fryer Artichokes
• Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup
• Easy 3-ingredient Potato Soup
• Instant Pot Fried Rice
• Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
• Classic Meatloaf Glaze With Brown Sugar

Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

This Instant Pot chicken drumsticks recipe is perfect for any occasion. With a combination of savory spices, tender meat, and a mouthwatering BBQ sauce finish, these chicken legs are bound to become a family favorite.

4.93 from 14 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Appetizer, dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Broiling: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 230kcal

Author: Imsen

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INGREDIENTS

• ▢ 2 pounds chicken drumsticks about 8 drumsticks
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ▢ 1 cup chicken broth
• ▢ ½ cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand
• ▢ Salt to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

• Prep the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy skin later on. In a small bowl, combine the teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and teaspoon black pepper. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the drumsticks.
• Sauté in the Instant Pot: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat up. Once hot, add the drumsticks in batches, cooking each side for about 2-3 minutes until they get a nice golden-brown sear. This step locks in the flavor and gives the chicken a beautiful color.
• Pressure Cook the Drumsticks: After all the drumsticks are browned, remove them and set them aside. Pour the chicken broth into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Place the drumsticks back into the Instant Pot, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Close the lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and select the pressure cook (manual) setting. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
• Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to do a natural pressure release for 5 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to the venting position. This step helps the chicken retain its juices and prevents it from drying out.
• BBQ Finish: After the pressure release, open the lid and remove the drumsticks. Brush each one generously with your favorite BBQ sauce. If you prefer crispy skin, place the drumsticks in an air fryer set to 400°F for 5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the sauce is caramelized. This step is optional but highly recommended for the best texture.
• Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the drumsticks to a serving platter and sprinkle with a little more ground black pepper if desired. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side, and enjoy your delicious Instant Pot chicken drumsticks!

NOTES

• Broiling and sauce are both optional. The texture is nicer when grilled, but the drumsticks are acceptable straight from the instant pot.
• Storing. Refrigerate them in an airtight jar for up to 2 days when they have totally cooled. Transfer to a freezer-safe Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• If you're using frozen drumsticks, increase the cooking time by 10 minutes.
• The chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Refrigerate overnight before reheating as usual.

NUTRITION

Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.05g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 497mg | Potassium: 310mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 267IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

Keyword bbq sauce, chicken drumsticks, instant pot, instant pot chicken drumsticks

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