This is probably The BEST Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks recipe ever! The result is juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken that is moist and flavorful, thanks in large part to the Instant Pot's magic. Seasoned with a dry rub and smothered with a nice bbq sauce on top! This is just pure heaven.

Looking for another effortless chicken dinner recipe? check my Instant Pot Chicken Tenders, and Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas 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 drumsticks 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 Making These Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

There are several reasons why you'll love this Instant Pot chicken drumsticks recipe:

1. Time-saving convenience: The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods. In just a few minutes of preparation and 10 minutes of pressure cooking, you'll have juicy and flavorful chicken drumsticks on your plate.
2. Tender and juicy results: The pressure cooking technique of the Instant Pot ensures that the chicken drumsticks come out incredibly tender and moist. You'll enjoy every bite without worrying about dry or overcooked chicken.
3. Bursting with flavor: The combination of garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, and other seasonings infuses the chicken drumsticks with a delightful blend of flavors. The sauce, made with chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, and tomato paste, adds a rich and savory element to the dish.
4. Versatility: This recipe serves as a great base that you can customize to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices, or even add a kick of heat with some chili flakes or hot sauce. The versatility of the recipe allows you to adapt it to your preferences.
5. Easy preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is beginner-friendly and requires minimal effort. Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting your culinary journey, you'll find this recipe easy to follow and achieve fantastic results.
6. Family-friendly: Chicken drumsticks are a popular choice among both children and adults. The flavors in this recipe are well-balanced and appeal to a wide range of palates, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or gatherings.
7. Options for customization: This recipe can be easily adapted to accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions. If you're following a gluten-free diet, you can use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Additionally, you can adjust the seasoning or sweetness levels to suit your taste.

Life. Saver.

What You'll Need

This is just an overview of the ingredients needed to make the recipe, the full detailed list and steps are down below in the recipe card.

• Paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper 
• Chicken drumsticks - For this Instant Pot chicken meal, you'll need roughly 10 pieces. I usually allow about two pieces for each adult.
• Olive oil and butter - These two fats work together to brown the outside of the chicken legs. The butter adds a lot of flavor and the oil has less saturated fat. It also provides for an excellent sear while avoiding burning.
• Chicken stock or water - This will generate steam during the pressure cooking process. Although it never directly touches the chicken, it contributes moisture and taste. This liquid can be strained and thickened later to make a lovely gravy.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

1. Season the drumsticks: Begin by patting dry the chicken drumsticks with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the drumsticks, ensuring they are coated thoroughly.
2. Sauté the drumsticks: Select the "Sauté" function on your Instant Pot and add the olive oil. Once the oil is heated, place the seasoned drumsticks into the pot and brown them on all sides for about 4-5 minutes. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the chicken.
3. Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, and tomato paste until well combined. This sauce will infuse the drumsticks with a delightful blend of flavors.
4. Pressure cook: Pour the sauce over the browned drumsticks in the Instant Pot. Close the lid and ensure the pressure valve is set to the "Sealing" position. Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" function and set the timer for 10 minutes at high pressure.
5. Natural release and serving: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully turn the valve to "Venting" to release any remaining pressure. Once the pressure has fully released, open the lid.
6. Finishing touches: At this stage, you can choose to serve the drumsticks as is, or for an extra touch of flavor, transfer them to a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for a few minutes until they achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
7. Serve and enjoy: Arrange the Instant Pot chicken drumsticks on a platter, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve alongside your favorite side dishes such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

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 end 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.
• Natural pressure release for tenderness: After the pressure cooking is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure. This helps retain the juices and ensures the chicken remains tender and succulent.
• Optional broiling for crispiness: For an extra crispy exterior, transfer the cooked drumsticks to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and broil them in the oven for a few minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning, as broiling times may vary.
• Garnish for presentation: Sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, over the chicken drumsticks before serving. This adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal to the dish.
• Serve with complementary sides: Pair the Instant Pot chicken drumsticks with your favorite side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Consider options like steamed rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
• Make it ahead of time: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping or making ahead of time. Cook a batch of chicken drumsticks and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can easily reheat them later for quick and convenient meals throughout the week.

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.

Seasoning Variations

Here are some additional seasoning variations you can try to add different flavors to your Instant Pot chicken drumsticks:

• Lemon Herb: Add a bright and refreshing twist to your chicken drumsticks by using a combination of lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley. This seasoning blend provides a vibrant and citrusy flavor profile.
• Cajun Spice: For a spicy kick, create a Cajun spice blend using ingredients like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. This seasoning adds a bold and flavorful Cajun flair to the drumsticks.
• Teriyaki Glaze: Replace the soy sauce in the recipe with a teriyaki sauce or glaze. You can use store-bought teriyaki sauce or make your own by combining soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil. This imparts a sweet and savory Asian-inspired flavor to the chicken drumsticks.
• Mediterranean Blend: Create a Mediterranean-inspired seasoning by combining dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of dried red pepper flakes. This seasoning mix adds a fragrant and herbaceous taste to the drumsticks.
• Smoky Barbecue: For a smoky and tangy flavor, rub the drumsticks with a homemade barbecue spice blend. Mix together ingredients like smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, and a touch of cayenne pepper. This seasoning creates a delicious barbecue-style drumstick.
• Honey Mustard: Create a sweet and tangy glaze by combining honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Brush the glaze over the drumsticks before cooking for a flavorful honey mustard twist.
• Asian Sesame: Combine soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired flavor profile. This seasoning adds depth and richness to the drumsticks with a hint of nuttiness from the sesame seeds.

Ways to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Drumstick

Absolutely! While the Instant Pot chicken drumsticks are delicious on their own, there are several different ways you can serve them to add variety and create a complete meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Classic with Side Dishes: Serve the chicken drumsticks alongside your favorite side dishes. Consider pairing them with steamed rice, roasted potatoes, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh green salad. This option provides a well-balanced meal with a variety of flavors and textures.
• Tacos or Wraps: Shred the cooked chicken drumstick meat and use it as a filling for tacos or wraps. Load them up with your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and a drizzle of sauce or salsa. This transforms the drumsticks into a flavorful and portable meal.
• Sandwiches: Remove the chicken meat from the drumsticks and create delicious sandwiches. Spread some mayo or your favorite sauce on bread or buns, layer the chicken, and add toppings like lettuce, tomato, and cheese. You can also add some pickles or coleslaw for added crunch and tanginess.
• Chicken Drumstick Salad: Chop the cooked drumsticks into bite-sized pieces and use them as a protein-rich topping for salads. Combine them with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your choice of dressings. This option is perfect for a light and refreshing meal.
• Chicken Drumstick Stir-Fry: Slice the cooked drumstick meat into strips and stir-fry it with your favorite vegetables. Add some soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for extra flavor. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a quick and tasty stir-fry dish.
• Chicken Drumstick Sliders: Serve the chicken drumsticks on mini burger buns or slider rolls. Add some toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles, and serve them as bite-sized sliders for parties or gatherings.

FAQs

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