This is the best Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks recipe and you’ll be munching on moist, perfectly seasoned, fall-off-the-bone chicken in less than 30 minutes. This kid-friendly BBQ instant pot drumsticks recipe is a must for busy families.
Suitable for Gluten Free diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.
Instant Pot drumsticks are perfectly seasoned then pressure cooked until they are moist and juicy. Everything is topped with sticky-sweet BBQ sauce and broiled to crispy perfection before serving.
Even kids who are picky eaters love chicken and these pressure cooker chicken drumsticks are sure to be a big hit. So don’t be surprised when the kids are licking their fingers and asking for seconds!
Not only is this chicken drumsticks instant pot recipe incredibly easy to throw together, but it’s also budget-friendly too! Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks are fast, flavorful, and affordable. You’ll be patting yourself on the back when this meal is done.
If you like this recipe you’ll like these coca cola Instant Pot Chicken Wings, easy Instant Pot Whole Chicken and easy peasy Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Breast.
Why Make This Recipe
- It’s A Winner (winner, chicken dinner) – Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks are fast, flavorful and affordable and the whole family will love them.
- They Cook Fast – You’ll have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes. This recipe is great for families that are on the go.
- Gluten Free – Pressure Cooker Chicken Drumsticks are a great source of protein and this recipe is naturally gluten free. Skip the BBQ sauce for a main dish that’s also low carb, Keto, Paleo, and Whole30 friendly.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Legs – Use skin-on or skinless chicken drumsticks (also called chicken legs). You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Seasoning – A combination of thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika gives these lots of flavor.
- Chicken Broth – The chicken broth is needed so the Instant Pot can come up to pressure. You can use water instead.
- BBQ Sauce – Use your favorite BBQ sauce.
How To Make Chicken Drumsticks in Instant Pot
Get full ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.
- Combine the chicken drumsticks with garlic salt, onion powder, paprika and thyme until well coated.
- Pour chicken broth into the insert of the Instant Pot.
- Place a trivet in the bottom of the insert and set the chicken drumsticks on top.
- Put the lid on, turn the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Allow for a natural release of pressure for 5 minutes and then manually release any remaining pressure.
- While the chicken cooks preheat the broiler in the oven.
- Remove the cooked check from the Instant pot t a sheet pan and brush with bbq sauce.
- Broil for a few minutes until crispy. Alternately, you can air fry for 7 minutes at 350 degrees F / 176 degrees C.
Note: Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
Tips For Success
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before seasoning.
- Want more color and flavor? Set the Instant Pot on sauté and brown the chicken drumsticks in olive oil for a few minutes on each side before proceeding with the recipe.
- You can use water instead of chicken broth.
- For crispy skin, be sure to broil for a few minutes on each side. If you don’t want crispy skin or use skinless drumsticks, skip the broiling process.
- Want to double the recipe? The cooking time remains the same!
- Recipe times listed do not include the amount of time it takes for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure or for the pressure to release.
Variations
- Leave Them Plain – Skip the BBQ sauce and crisp the skin under the broiler for simple yet flavorful chicken drumsticks in instant pot.
- Use Buffalo Sauce – Swap out the BBQ sauce for spicy buffalo sauce.
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Buy Chicken In Bulk – Chicken drumsticks are one of the most affordable cuts of chicken. Buy them in bulk and freeze them for later use. Chicken drumsticks can be frozen for up to 6 months.
- Make It A Meal – Add a few simple sides and serve these drumsticks as a complete meal.
Prep Ahead And Storage
- Store – Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze – Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Meal Prep
- Eat for dinner, then enjoy the leftovers for 4 more days.
- Make it early in the week and enjoy pressure cooker chicken for a delicious snack or easy meal all week long.
FAQs
It takes 6 minutes to pressure cook plus a 10 minute natural release. The instant pot will take an additional 10 minutes or so to come to pressure.
There are few things worse than forgetting to set out meat for dinner. You can cook frozen chicken drumsticks in instant pot with a few modifications.
First, make sure the chicken legs are not stuck together. Then, increase the time at pressure to 10 minutes followed by a 10 minutes natural release. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
To give pressure cooker chicken drumsticks crispy skin you will need to place them under the broiler for a few minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can also use your air fryer.
More Recipes You May Like
- Instant Pot Chicken Paprikash.
- Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup.
- Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice.
- Instant Pot Fajita Rice.
- Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos.
- Instant Pot Chicken Enchilada Rice.
- Instant Pot Chicken Biryani.
- Easy Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas.
- Instant Pot Chicken Breast.
- Instant Pot Shredded Chicken.
- Instant Pot Stuffed Chicken Breast.
- Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tenders.
- Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Breast.
Serving Suggestions
Weight Watchers Points
There are 9 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.
Get The Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks Recipe:
Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the chicken drumsticks with garlic salt, onion powder, paprika and thyme until well coated.
- Pour chicken broth into the insert of the instant pot.
- Place a trivet into the instant pot and place the chicken drumsticks on top.
- Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Allow for a natural release of pressure for 5 minutes and then manually release any remaining pressure.
- While the chicken cooks, preheat the broiler in the oven.
- Place the chicken on a sheet pan and brush with bbq sauce.
- Broil for a few minutes until crispy. Alternately, air fry for 7 minutes at 350 degrees F / 176 degrees C.
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before seasoning.
- Want more color and flavor? Set the Instant Pot on saute and brown the chicken in olive oil for a few minutes on each side before proceeding with the recipe.
- You can use water instead of chicken broth.
- For crispy skin, be sure to broil for a few minutes on each side.
- If you don’t want crispy skin or use skinless drumsticks, you can skip the broiling process.
- Want to double the recipe? The cooking time remains the same!
- Recipe times do not include the amount of time it takes for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure.
- Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The temperature should be 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
- Storage: keep in an airtight container inside the fridge for up to 4 days.
- There are 9 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving.
Della
Love doing these in the Instant Pot – so tasty!