Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Quick & Juicy Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Succulent instant pot chicken drumsticks can turn an ordinary dinner into a delightful culinary adventure.

Hearty protein meets effortless cooking with this simple method.

Tender meat falls right off the bone, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

Zero complicated techniques mean you can whip up a satisfying dish faster than ordering takeout.

Juicy, seasoned drumsticks emerge perfectly cooked, promising a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe that makes cooking feel like a breeze.

Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks That Save You Time

  • Speedy Weeknight Savior: Whip up delicious chicken drumsticks in just 20 minutes total, making it perfect for busy families rushing between work and dinner.
  • Quick-Cleanup Convenience: Instant Pot cooking means minimal dishes and fast preparation, with everything happening in one single pot for effortless meal prep.
  • Foolproof Flavor Explosion: Even novice cooks can achieve perfectly seasoned, tender chicken drumsticks without complicated techniques or professional cooking skills.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable recipe works great for casual family dinners, meal prep, or quick protein addition to salads and side dishes.

Pressure-Cooked Chicken Drumstick Seasonings

Meat Protein:
  • Chicken Drumsticks: Juicy protein source, preferably fresh and skin-on for better flavor and texture.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasoning for balanced taste and depth.
  • Paprika: Adds warm, slightly sweet flavor and beautiful color.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic and savory undertones without fresh garlic chunks.
  • Olive Oil: Helps herbs stick to meat and promotes even browning.
Cooking Liquid and Support:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and prevents burning, enhances overall meat flavor.
  • Wooden Spoon: Helps scrape flavor bits from pot bottom.
  • Trivet: Elevates meat from direct liquid contact, ensures even cooking.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish for color and fresh herb accent.

Instructions for Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

Step 1: Prepare Drumsticks

Grab your chicken drumsticks and give them a delicious flavor boost.

Massage the drumsticks with olive oil, then sprinkle on a magical blend of seasonings:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder

Coat each drumstick thoroughly, ensuring every inch gets some love.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Exterior

Fire up your Instant Pot’s Sauté mode and add a splash of olive oil.

When the pot is hot and sizzling, gently place the drumsticks inside.

Brown each side for 2-3 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden crust.

Transfer the drumsticks to a nearby plate.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom – this is where the extra flavor magic happens!

Step 4: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Set up your Instant Pot for success:
  • Insert the trivet
  • Carefully arrange drumsticks on top of the trivet
  • Secure the lid
  • Ensure the valve points to sealing
  • Cook on High Pressure for 12 minutes

Step 5: Release and Rest

When the timer sounds, quickly release the pressure by turning the valve to venting.

Open the lid and gently remove the drumsticks using tongs.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Transfer the juicy drumsticks to a serving platter.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Enjoy your tender, flavorful chicken straight from the Instant Pot!

Drumstick Cooking Tips For Instant Pot Wins

  • Marinate drumsticks in seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking to intensify taste and tenderness.
  • Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, beautifully browned exterior during searing.
  • Always use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing juicy, perfectly cooked chicken.
  • Experiment with different spice blends like Italian herbs, Cajun mix, or Mexican spices to create unique flavor profiles.
  • Drumsticks can be prepared ahead and stored in refrigerator for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinners super convenient.

Storing Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks Without Drying Out

  • Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual drumsticks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags, where they'll stay good for up to 4 months without losing flavor.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place drumsticks on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Arrange drumsticks on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed, preventing dryness.

What To Eat With Chicken Drumsticks

  • Pair Spicy Drumsticks with Cooling Tzatziki: Create a refreshing Greek yogurt sauce with cucumber, garlic, dill, and lemon juice to balance the drumsticks' savory heat.
  • Complement with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the chicken's richness and enhance the meal's bright flavors.
  • Match with Zesty Citrus Slaw: Prepare a tangy coleslaw using shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light vinaigrette to provide a crunchy, acidic side that perfectly contrasts the tender drumsticks.
  • Serve Alongside Herbed Quinoa: Cook quinoa with chicken broth and mix in fresh herbs like parsley and chives for a protein-packed, nutritious grain that absorbs the drumsticks' delicious juices.

Chicken Drumstick Pressure Cooker Versions

  • Spicy Drumstick Delight: Replace paprika with cayenne pepper and add hot sauce to the seasoning for a fiery kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Blend: Substitute garlic powder with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Low-Sodium Option: Use coconut aminos instead of salt and swap chicken broth for low-sodium vegetable broth to reduce sodium content.
  • Keto-Friendly Version: Remove paprika, use avocado oil instead of olive oil, and add extra black pepper and herb seasoning to maintain low-carb requirements.

FAQs

  • Why use a trivet when cooking drumsticks in the Instant Pot?

The trivet prevents the chicken from sitting directly in the liquid, allowing it to steam and cook evenly without becoming soggy, which helps maintain the meat’s texture and prevents it from becoming waterlogged.

  • Can I skip the searing step?

While searing is optional, it adds a delicious golden-brown color and enhances the flavor by creating a beautiful caramelized exterior on the drumsticks, making the final dish more appetizing and flavorful.

  • How can I tell if the chicken drumsticks are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the drumstick. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked through.

  • What's the benefit of using an Instant Pot for chicken drumsticks?

The Instant Pot cooks drumsticks quickly and keeps them incredibly tender and juicy, reducing cooking time compared to traditional oven methods while locking in maximum flavor and moisture.

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Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks bring tender, juicy meat infused with bold spices in mere minutes. Crispy-skinned drumsticks emerge perfectly seasoned, offering a delightful meal you can’t resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 8 chicken drumsticks (skin-on or skinless)

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) garlic powder

Liquid:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth or water

Garnish:

  • Optional: fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Infuse the drumsticks with a harmonious blend of seasonings by massaging olive oil into the meat, then generously coating with a sophisticated mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  2. Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté function, creating a sizzling surface with a touch of olive oil, and strategically brown the drumsticks for 2-3 minutes on each side to develop a golden, crisp exterior.
  3. Deglaze the pot with chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to liberate the caramelized flavor fragments clinging to the bottom.
  4. Position the metal trivet inside the Instant Pot, carefully arranging the seasoned drumsticks atop the elevated platform to ensure even cooking.
  5. Secure the lid, align the steam release valve to sealing position, and initiate a high-pressure cooking cycle for precisely 12 minutes, allowing the intense heat to transform the chicken into tender, succulent morsels.
  6. Upon completion, swiftly release the pressure by shifting the valve to venting, creating an immediate steam escape.
  7. Extract the drumsticks with culinary precision, transferring them to a serving platter and optionally adorning with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Seasoning Boost: Marinate drumsticks overnight in buttermilk or yogurt for extra tenderness and deeper flavor penetration.
  • Crispy Skin Hack: Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum browning and crispiness during searing.
  • Dietary Flexibility: Swap regular spices with low-sodium alternatives or use herb blends like Italian or Cajun seasoning for varied taste profiles.
  • Temperature Safety: Always verify internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer to guarantee safe consumption.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Pressure Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 275
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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