Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks – These chicken drumsticks not only saves time but ensures that you get perfectly juicy, flavorful chicken every time for a family dinner, a weeknight meal, or a backyard BBQ.
Why Make Chicken Drumsticks in the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is a game-changer when it comes to preparing meals fast without sacrificing flavor. Here’s why using it for chicken drumsticks is a winning choice:
- Quick Cooking Time: Instead of spending 45 minutes in the oven, your chicken drumsticks will be ready in under 20 minutes in the Instant Pot.
- Juicy and Tender Results: The high-pressure environment of the Instant Pot locks in moisture, making sure your drumsticks remain juicy and succulent.
- Hands-Off Cooking: No need to hover over the stove or oven. Once you set the Instant Pot, it takes care of everything!
- Versatile Flavors: This basic recipe can easily be tweaked with different seasonings and marinades to fit your tastes.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
Add Sauces at the End: Sauces like BBQ or honey mustard should be added after pressure cooking to avoid burning inside the pot.
Sauté for Extra Flavor: If you want added flavor and texture, always sauté the chicken drumsticks before pressure cooking.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Make sure the internal temperature of the drumsticks reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
Broil for Crispy Skin: While the Instant Pot makes the chicken super tender, you may want to broil them for a few minutes to get crispy, golden skin.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about Instant Pot chicken drumsticks is their versatility. Here are a few flavor variations to consider:
Garlic Parmesan: After cooking, toss the drumsticks in melted butter, garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese for an indulgent option.
BBQ Drumsticks: After cooking, coat the drumsticks with BBQ sauce and broil them for a caramelized finish.
Buffalo Drumsticks: Toss the cooked drumsticks in a mixture of melted butter and buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.
Asian-Inspired: Marinate the chicken in soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a little honey before cooking for a deliciously sweet and savory flavor.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
Instant Pot chicken drumsticks are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- With Mashed Potatoes: The rich, tender chicken pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes.
- Over Rice: Serve the drumsticks over white or brown rice with the broth from the Instant Pot drizzled on top.
- With a Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad is a great, healthy option to balance out the richness of the chicken.
- As Finger Food: These drumsticks are great for casual gatherings or game day, served with a selection of dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Drumsticks
If you’ve made a batch of chicken drumsticks and have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
- In the Refrigerator: Place any leftover drumsticks in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- In the Freezer: To freeze, let the drumsticks cool completely, then wrap each one in foil or plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: For the best results, reheat leftover drumsticks in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they won’t be as crispy.
Recipe FAQs
Can I cook frozen chicken drumsticks in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can! Simply skip the sautéing step and add an extra 5 minutes to the pressure cooking time. Be sure the internal temperature of the drumsticks reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
How many drumsticks can I cook at once?
Depending on the size of your Instant Pot, you can cook anywhere from 8-12 drumsticks at once. Just make sure the drumsticks aren’t stacked too high, as this may affect even cooking.
Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Absolutely! You can use the same method for chicken thighs or wings, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Thighs will take around 12 minutes, while wings may only need 8 minutes.
What’s the best way to get crispy skin?
For crispy skin, either sauté the drumsticks before pressure cooking or broil them for a few minutes after they’re done. This will give you that perfect golden finish.
Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks - These chicken drumsticks not only saves time but ensures that you get perfectly juicy, flavorful chicken every time for a family dinner, a weeknight meal, or a backyard BBQ.
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 5 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- BBQ Sauce (optional – your favorite kind)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Generously coat your chicken drumsticks with the seasoning mix, making sure they’re well-covered for maximum flavor.
- Place the trivet inside your Instant Pot, and arrange the seasoned drumsticks on top. Pour the chicken broth over the drumsticks for added moisture.
- Seal the Instant Pot and set it to HIGH pressure for 15 minutes (or 20 minutes if you're using frozen drumsticks). Once the cooking time is up, release the pressure valve, and let the pressure fully escape. Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes to lock in those juices.
- If you’re a BBQ lover, toss the drumsticks in your favorite sauce for an extra burst of flavor. For a crispy finish, set your oven to broil at 550°F, place the drumsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and broil for 2-4 minutes until slightly browned. If using BBQ sauce, give them one final toss before serving!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 536Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 360mgSodium: 493mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 69g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making Instant Pot chicken drumsticks is a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With the right seasonings and cooking method, you can create a versatile dish that the whole family will love. Try out different variations, serve them with your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these drumsticks are sure to be a hit!
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