Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal that will impress the whole family, look no further than these succulent Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks. With their juicy meat and flavorful spices, these drumsticks are perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The Instant Pot makes cooking them a breeze, allowing you to enjoy tender, perfectly cooked chicken in a fraction of the time it would normally take. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Top Reasons to Make Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
- Quick Cooking Time: The Instant Pot dramatically reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods, making dinner a snap.
- Flavorful and Juicy: Pressure cooking locks in moisture and flavor, resulting in tender and delicious chicken.
- Versatile: Serve these drumsticks with your favorite sides, or toss them in BBQ sauce for a classic flavor.
- Minimal Cleanup: With just one pot to clean, you can enjoy your meal without worrying about a pile of dishes.
The Ingredient Lineup
To create these mouthwatering Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 5 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- BBQ sauce (optional) – your favorite kind for a delicious glaze.
Essential Tools for Success
To make this recipe, you will need the following tools:
- Instant Pot: The star of the show, this electric pressure cooker makes cooking quick and easy.
- Measuring spoons: For accurate measurements of spices and liquids.
- Cooking tongs: To easily handle the chicken drumsticks.
- Instant-read thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature.
- Mixing bowl: For combining the spices before applying them to the chicken.
Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks — Do This Next
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This will help the spice mixture adhere better and ensure a nice texture.
Step 2: Mix the Spices
In a mixing bowl, combine the smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful spice blend.
Step 3: Season the Drumsticks
Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken drumsticks, making sure they are well coated. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it really enhances the flavor!
Step 4: Add Chicken Broth to the Instant Pot
Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the bottom of the Instant Pot. This will create steam and prevent the chicken from burning.
Step 5: Arrange the Drumsticks
Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks in the Instant Pot, stacking them as needed. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow even cooking.
Step 6: Seal and Cook
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to the sealing position. Select the manual or pressure cook setting and set the timer for 10 minutes if using fresh drumsticks (12-15 minutes for frozen).
Step 7: Natural Release
Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for 5 minutes before switching the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
Step 8: Optional BBQ Sauce Glaze
If you’d like to add a BBQ glaze, carefully remove the drumsticks and place them on a baking sheet. Brush your favorite BBQ sauce over the chicken. Broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
Nutrition-Minded Tweaks
If you want to make your Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks a bit healthier, consider the following tweaks:
- Skinless Drumsticks: Use skinless chicken drumsticks to reduce fat content.
- Reduce Sodium: Use homemade chicken broth or a no-salt-added version to control sodium intake.
- Spice Variations: Experiment with different spices such as cumin or Italian seasoning for a unique twist.
- Serve with Vegetables: Pair with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
What Not to Do
Here are some tips on what to avoid when making Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks:
- Don’t Skip Drying the Chicken: Not drying the chicken can prevent the spices from sticking properly and result in less flavor.
- Avoid Overcrowding: If your Instant Pot is too full, the chicken may not cook evenly. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Don’t Use High-Sodium Broth: This can make the dish overly salty; opt for low-sodium or homemade broth instead.
- Skip the Natural Release: Allowing for a natural release helps the chicken stay juicy and tender. Avoid quick release for best results.
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
To ensure your Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks remain delicious even after cooking, follow these guidelines:
- Cooling: Allow the drumsticks to cool to room temperature before storing them.
- Storing: Place the cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked drumsticks for up to 3 months. Store in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Rewarming: To reheat, place them in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks Q&A
Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks?
Absolutely! Just increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes for frozen drumsticks. Ensure you follow the natural release guidelines for the best results.
What can I serve with chicken drumsticks?
These drumsticks pair wonderfully with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with a side of corn on the cob for a classic meal.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the drumstick.
Can I make these drumsticks in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the drumsticks and season them a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them in the Instant Pot.
More from the Kitchen
If you enjoyed this recipe, check out these delightful dishes:
- Sally’s Baking Addiction: Delicious Desserts
- Pinch of Yum: Tasty Recipes
- Minimalist Baker: Simple and Delicious Recipes
- Food Network: A Variety of Recipes
Before You Go
We hope you’re excited to try these Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks! They not only deliver on flavor but also on convenience, making them a fantastic addition to your weeknight rotation. Whether you choose to enjoy them plain or toss them in your favorite BBQ sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!
Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by patting the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to help the spices adhere better.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken drumsticks, ensuring they are well coated.
- Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the bottom of the Instant Pot.
- Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks in the Instant Pot, stacking them as needed.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to sealing. Select the manual or pressure cook setting and cook for 10 minutes for fresh drumsticks (12-15 minutes for frozen).
- Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes before switching the valve to venting.
- If desired, remove the drumsticks, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes to caramelize.
Notes
- Allow drumsticks to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze cooked drumsticks for up to 3 months.
