The Best Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

I think these Instant Pot chicken drumsticks are the best! A mouthwatering sauce envelops these chicken drumsticks, making them irresistible. The end product is moist, crumbly chicken drumsticks with layers of flavor and a gorgeously crisp surface. It takes only thirty-five minutes to prepare, making it a simple and quick weekday recipe. For a filling supper, serve over mashed potatoes!

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!

Bone-in-chicken cooked in an instant pot consistently produces a juicy, delicate texture. On numerous occasions, this Instant Pot recipe for chicken drumsticks has saved my life.

This recipe is ideal for hectic weeknights when you don't have much time to plan, ponder, or cook. I adore how soft and juicy the pressure-cooked drumsticks are. Additionally, I believe you will adore it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients. All you need are a few basic items that you can get at your neighborhood supermarket. The majority of the ingredients are most likely already in your possession!
• leftovers. They make a fantastic quick lunch or dinner the following day because they keep well in the refrigerator for a few days!
• Minimal effort. After seasoning the chicken and throwing everything into the pressure cooker, I only need to return in ten minutes.
• Kid-Friendly. Kids will appreciate this tasty meal, which is perfect for the whole family!
• Cost-effective. Making chicken legs is simple and economical.

Ingredients Needed

This basic recipe calls for only a few ingredients. Here are the major items you'll need:

• Bone-in chicken drumsticks: The main component is chicken drumsticks that are bone-in and skin on. Two and a half to three and a half pounds of skin-on chicken drumsticks is what you want.
• Garlic Powder: Since I always have garlic powder on hand, I also use it, but you can use just as much chopped fresh garlic.
• Onion Powder: gives a subtle taste of onions without requiring any effort.
• Smoked Paprika: Because of its mild, slightly sweet, and peppery flavor, I adore using paprika in my cuisine.
• Olive Oil: Make use of extra virgin olive oil.
• Chicken Broth: Use store-bought or homemade stock. To get the moist heat pressure cooking, you can substitute a cup of water for the chicken broth; the important thing is to have moisture in the pressure cooker.
• BBQ Sauce: Make use of your preferred barbecue sauce.
• Salt & pepper: to taste. to enhance the Instant Pot chicken drumsticks' inherent flavor!

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
• The BEST Homemade Anchovy Pizza Recipe
• Crispy Honey Chicken
• Steak Egg and Cheese Bagel Recipe

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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