If you’ve been craving tender, juicy chicken with minimal effort, then these Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks are just the recipe you need! This dish is full of flavor, and the best part? It’s quick and easy! The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with perfectly cooked chicken that practically falls off the bone. Seriously, trust me—once you try this, you’ll be making it over and over again.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is not only quick but also a total crowd-pleaser. Here’s why you’ll be hooked:
Versatile: Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or serving it up for guests, these drumsticks work for any occasion. Pair them with your favorite sides and you’re all set!
Budget-Friendly: Chicken drumsticks are one of the most affordable cuts of chicken, and they absorb flavors like a dream. This recipe will leave you satisfied without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot cuts down the cooking time, so you get tender, flavorful drumsticks in about half the time it would take in the oven. No fuss, no waiting!
Customizable: Add your favorite spices, sauces, or marinades to make this recipe your own. From tangy barbecue to zesty lemon pepper, you can switch it up every time.
Crowd-Pleasing: Drumsticks are the perfect food to serve a family or a group of friends. They’re easy to eat, and there’s something about the juiciness and flavor that everyone loves.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make these drumsticks:
Chicken Drumsticks: These are the stars of the show! Tender and juicy, they’re perfect for the Instant Pot method.
Olive Oil: Adds a bit of richness to the chicken and helps get that golden, crispy skin.
Garlic Powder: The perfect savory addition to enhance the flavor.
Paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness and deep color to the drumsticks.
Salt & Pepper: The essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.
Chicken Broth: The Instant Pot uses liquid to create steam, and chicken broth brings extra flavor to the party.
Optional Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with any of your favorite herbs or spices, like thyme, rosemary, or cayenne pepper!
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get those drumsticks cooking! Here’s how you make this easy Instant Pot recipe:
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures a crisp skin.
Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken with olive oil, then sprinkle it with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—it’s what makes this chicken so flavorful!
Sauté the Chicken: Turn on your Instant Pot and select the ‘Sauté’ setting. Once hot, add a little oil and brown the chicken drumsticks for 2-3 minutes on each side. This adds a nice crispy texture.
Add the Liquid: After browning the chicken, pour in the chicken broth. The liquid is necessary for pressure cooking, and it also ensures the chicken stays juicy.
Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to ‘Sealing’. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ setting and cook the drumsticks on high pressure for 10 minutes.
Release the Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to ‘Venting’ to release any remaining pressure.
Crisp the Skin (Optional): If you prefer crispy skin, remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and place it on a baking sheet. Broil the chicken in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the drumsticks with your favorite sides and enjoy the tender, juicy goodness!
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
These drumsticks are great on their own, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Pair these juicy drumsticks with a side of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all the flavors.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a balanced, healthy meal.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, tender chicken.
Gravy: If you like, you can use the leftover broth in the Instant Pot to make a quick gravy. Just whisk in a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken it!
Additional Tips
A few extra tips to make this recipe even better:
Season Ahead: If you have the time, season the chicken and let it sit for 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge to let the flavors marinate.
Use Frozen Drumsticks: If you’re starting with frozen drumsticks, no worries! Just increase the cooking time to 12 minutes and allow a longer natural release.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Double the Recipe: Feel free to double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd. Just be sure to layer the drumsticks properly so they cook evenly.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
A1: Yes, chicken thighs work well with this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time to 12-15 minutes for bone-in thighs.
Q2: Can I cook frozen chicken drumsticks in the Instant Pot?
A2: Yes! Just increase the cooking time to 12 minutes and let the pressure release naturally.
Q3: Can I make these without browning the chicken?
A3: Browning adds extra flavor, but you can skip it if you’re in a hurry. The chicken will still turn out tender and juicy!
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A5: You can prep the chicken in advance, season it, and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight. Then, just cook it when you’re ready!
Q6: Can I make these crispy without broiling?
A6: While broiling gives a nice crispy finish, you can also air fry the drumsticks for a similar effect if you have an air fryer.
Q7: How do I make a sauce with the broth?
A7: Simply whisk a bit of flour or cornstarch into the broth and simmer until it thickens to make a delicious gravy.
Q8: Can I use a different liquid instead of chicken broth?
A8: Yes! You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water, though chicken broth will give the best flavor.
Q9: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
A9: Bone-in chicken drumsticks give the best results with pressure cooking, but you can use boneless chicken and reduce the cooking time to 6-7 minutes.
Q10: How do I make the skin extra crispy?
A10: After cooking, broil the drumsticks in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.
Conclusion
These Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks are a total win. They’re juicy, flavorful, and so easy to make—perfect for a quick dinner or feeding a crowd. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty Instant Pot, you’ve got a meal that everyone will love. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear!
Print
Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks are juicy, tender, and full of flavor—perfect for a quick and easy dinner. The Instant Pot makes cooking drumsticks a breeze, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Drumsticks:
- Rub the chicken drumsticks with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Sauté (Optional for Crispy Skin):
- Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat a bit of olive oil.
- Sear the drumsticks for 2-3 minutes per side until the skin is golden brown.
- Remove the drumsticks and set them aside.
- Add Chicken Broth:
- Pour chicken broth or water into the Instant Pot.
- Use a wooden spoon to scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the pot.
- Pressure Cook:
- Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot.
- Arrange the drumsticks on top of the trivet.
- Close the lid, set the vent to sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 12 minutes.
- Release the Pressure:
- Once the cooking time is up, do a Quick Release by turning the vent to venting.
- Carefully remove the drumsticks from the pot.
- Serve:
- Serve the chicken drumsticks hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, after pressure cooking, broil the drumsticks in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the skin is crispy.
- You can also use the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer after pressure cooking for a crispy finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg