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    Home | Main Dishes

    Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

    Published: Apr 7, 2022 · Modified: Aug 9, 2022 by Andrea Updyke · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    These delicious Instant Pot chicken legs are tender and juicy and packed with flavor from simple spices and a quick crisp under the broiler.
    Delicious chicken legs are tender and juicy straight out of the instant pot! Savory seasonings and a quick crisp under the broiler make this a weeknight dinner win!
    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
    Coooked chicken drumsticks with thyme in a serving bowl

    Delicious chicken drumsticks are tender and juicy straight out of the Instant pot. Savory seasonings and a quick crisp under the broiler make this a weeknight dinner win.

    The best part is the pressure cooker does all the work so you can spend that time making a side dish or sipping on a glass of wine.

    chicken drum sticks in a gray dish with thyme in front of an Instant Pot

    ✨ Here is why this recipe is amazing:

    These chicken legs are a great weeknight meal and kids love them. Summertime is always a great time to enjoy chicken but you can make these year round.

    When you are looking for an easy alternative to chicken breasts, treat yourself to this quick and healthy recipe.

    Enjoy air fryer potatoes on the side as an alternative to french fries and add a side salad for a healthy simple dinner. Or add skillet potatoes to your dinner for a heartier side.

    🥫 Ingredients needed:

    I love that this kid-friendly meal can be dressed up just a little with a few simple ingredients. The results are delicious and everyone is happy.

    chicken in a white dish with a plate of spices and broth

    Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the recipe at the bottom for quantities.

    📝 What to Buy:

    • Chicken drumsticks
    • Garlic powder
    • Onion powder
    • Fresh thyme
    • Salt
    • Black pepper
    • Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor mixed with water (or chicken broth)
    • Butter (or olive oil)

    See recipe card for quantities.

    🍗 How to make Instant Pot Chicken Legs

    Making these delicious instant pot chicken drumsticks couldn't be easier. If you love instant pot chicken recipes, add this one to your favorites so you can make it again and again.

    Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels and place them in a shallow dish.

    spices for chicken in a small plate with uncooked chicken in a dish

    Mix together all of your spices in a small bowl and rub onto each chicken leg, coating both sides.

    Uncooked and seasoned chicken drumsticks in a white dish

    Then, stir water and chicken seasoning together and pour into the bottom of the Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker.

    Place trivet inside the Instant pot and arrange chicken pieces (it's ok if they overlap/stack) on top of the trivet.

    uncooked chicken drumsticks in an Instant Pot

    Close the Instant Pot lid and turn the valve to the sealed position. Then use the pressure cook button on high pressure and set the cooking time for 11 minutes.

    When done, allow 5 minutes for a natural pressure release. Then, switch the valve to quick release.

    Once the pin drops and the remaining pressure has been released, open the lid and check the temperature.

    cooked chicken drumsticks in an Instant Pot

    Note: Chicken should be cooked to at least 170°F before eating.

    🔥 Broil Chicken Legs

    While the chicken is cooking, move the oven rack to the top position and preheat the broiler.

    Tip: You can skip this part if browning the chicken isn't important to you. That said, I love a little crispy skin so the extra step is worth it.

    Arrange chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and brush tops with melted butter or olive oil.

    chicken drumsticks on a sheet pan

    With the top rack in the highest setting, broil chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.

    When done, serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

    cooked chicken drummies in a gray dish

    🍴 What to Serve with Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

    These tender chicken drumsticks make such a versatile main dish.

    You can enjoy with casual sides like baked beans and potato salad or dress them up with some brown rice and roasted broccoli.

    They would also make a great addition to a game day table just the way they are or served with various dipping sauces.

    📝 Variations

    The good news is you can enjoy instant pot chicken legs in many different ways. I've added a few easy swaps below to give you even more options.

    • Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to your dry spice rub for an extra kick
    • Before broiling, cover each chicken leg with barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, or buffalo sauce
    • After cooking, remove meat from the bone and use the chicken in other dishes like this chicken tortellini soup
    • Create a chicken bar with your favorite dipping sauces, french fries and veggies for dipping
    a hand holding a chicken drumstick with a bite missing

    ❄️ Storage Tips

    Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for 1-2 days.

    If you would like to freeze leftover chicken legs, add them to freezer bags or vacuum sealed bags and remove the air.

    Cooked chicken legs can be frozen for up to two months for best results.

    Print the Recipe - Instant Pot Drumsticks

    Pressure cooking is my favorite cooking method for easy chicken drumsticks.

    The results speak for themselves with tasty drumsticks that are full of juicy meat and packed with flavor.

    I hope you love them!

    Coooked chicken drumsticks with thyme in a serving bowl

    Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

    Andrea Updyke
    Delicious chicken legs are tender and juicy straight out of the instant pot! Savory seasonings and a quick crisp under the broiler make this a weeknight dinner win!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 11 mins
    Additional time 24 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 drumsticks
    Calories 136 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 Pressure Cooker
    • 1 Trivet insert
    • 1 Baking sheet

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 chicken drumsticks
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • 1 teaspoon Better Than Boullion chicken flavor
    • 1 cup water
    • 1 tablespoon butter

    Instructions
     

    • Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel
    • Mix together all dry ingredients and rub onto each chicken leg
    • Stir water and chicken seasoning together and pour into Instant Pot
    • Place trivet inside the Instant pot and arrange chicken pieces (it's ok if they overlap/stack)
    • Close the Instant Pot lid and turn the valve to the sealed position
    • Use the "pressure cook" setting on high and set time for 11 minutes
    • When done, allow 5 minutes of natural release time. Then, switch the valve to manual release. Once the pin drops and the pressure has been released, open the lid.
    • Transfer chicken to a parchment paper lined pan and brush tops with melted butterr
    • With the top rack in the highest setting, broil chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
    • Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

    Notes

    It will take approximately 13 minutes to come to pressure. This time is included in the total time to cook. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1drumstickCalories: 136kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 13gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 240mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 91IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword chicken, Instant Pot
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Andrea Updyke - Just is a Four Letter Word

    Andrea Updyke

    Founder and Family Food Blogger

    Andrea believes that most of life’s problems can be solved with a good meal and a lot of love. She thinks cooking doesn't have to be complicated and loves a good shortcut!

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      1. Easy Cranberry Apple Coleslaw - Fun Recipe Ideas says:
        August 31, 2022 at 10:40 pm

        […] or parties, but it is so easy that you can whip it up with any weeknight meal. Pair it with our Instant Pot Chicken Drum Sticks or Air Fryer Almond Crusted Chicken to create an easy and delicious […]

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