Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

Imagine tender and juicy chicken drumsticks, enveloped in mouthwatering flavors, effortlessly prepared within the space of your kitchen. No, this isn’t a dream; it’s entirely achievable with this magical kitchen tool, Instant Pot. Truly, the Instant Pot has become a game-changer in the world of home cooking, making difficult recipes like our featured Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks feel like a breeze. This recipe isn’t just about speed and convenience; it’s about experiencing a delightful culinary journey right in the comfort of your home. 

You might be wondering, ‘Why Chicken Drumsticks?’ 

Drumsticks are both easy to cook and packed full of flavor. A favorite amongst adults and kids alike, they can be made into a succulent main dish or served as a lip-smacking appetizer. With our comprehensive guide to Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks, you’ll discover a meal and an experience.

Get ready to get your hands, or rather your Instant Pot, wet as we dive into this tantalizing recipe. Don’t be surprised if this becomes the new staple in your family dinners. Let’s get started, and we guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

Instant pots can reduce cooking time by up to 70%

Over 70% of American households own a slow cooker or instant pot

Ingredients Used in instant pot chicken drumsticks 

• Chicken Drumsticks: The star ingredient of this recipe, packed with essential proteins.
• Olive Oil: Gives the drumsticks a crisp, golden texture while imparting a subtle, earthy flavor.
• Garlic: Provides a punch of flavor that perfectly complements the chicken.
• Spices: Cumin, Paprika, Onion powder, Black Pepper, and Salt – each adding distinctive notes to the overall flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of freshness and acidity that enhances the flavors of the dish.
• Chicken stock: Boosts the chicken’s flavor and helps in cooking the drumsticks perfectly.
• Barbeque Sauce: Adds a smoky, tangy flavor to the dish, making it irresistibly delicious.
• Honey: Adds a perfect touch of sweetness to balance the tangy barbecue flavor.

How To Cook Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

We’ve got ‘Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks‘, starting with a simple and mouthwatering recipe. Turn on your favorite music, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive right in! 

Step 1: Gather your ingredients. You’ll need about 10-12 chicken drumsticks, 1 cup of chicken broth, and your favorite seasoning mix. It is recommended to use Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for basic seasoning. Trust us, it’s going to taste heavenly! 

Step 2: Prepare the chicken. Rinse the drumsticks under cold water, dry them with a paper towel, and rub them generously with the seasoning mix. Don’t be shy – the more seasoning, the better! 

Step 3: Pour a cup of chicken broth into your instant pot. The broth prevents the pot from getting too hot and adds a delightful flavor to the chicken. It’s a win-win situation! 

Step 4: Add in the chicken drumsticks. Arrange them in a single layer. If you can’t fit them all, don’t worry – you can pile them up but expect a slightly longer cook time. 

Step 5: Secure the lid of your instant pot and then turn the valve to the ‘Sealing’ position. Set the pot to high pressure and cook for about 15 minutes. You might need to add a few extra minutes if your drumsticks are larger. 

Step 6: Let the pressure naturally release for about 7 minutes. Then, do a quick release by cautiously turning the valve to the ‘Venting’ position. 

Step 7: Once the pin drops, open the lid carefully. Your kitchen will likely be filled with an intoxicating aroma by now. The drumsticks should be perfectly cooked, tender and juicy. 

Step 8: If you like your drumsticks with a crispy skin, take an extra step. Lay your drumsticks on a baking tray and broil them in a preheated oven for 2-3 minutes or until the skin is crispy to your liking. 

And there you have it, my friend, Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks in 8 simple steps! Enjoy your meal with a side of roasted vegetables or potato salad, and bask in the flavors of home-cooked goodness.

Cooking Tips for Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks: 

• Use Fresh Drumsticks: Choose fresh chicken drumsticks over frozen ones for enhanced flavor and texture, if possible.
• Thoroughly Season: Enhance your drumsticks’ flavor with generous seasoning – garlic, paprika, rosemary, and Salt.
• High-Pressure Cooking: The high-pressure setting on your Instant Pot makes perfectly tender drumsticks in just 7 minutes.
• Natural Pressure Release: Post-cooking, let the Instant Pot naturally depressurize for five minutes for tender, juicy chicken.
• Broil for Crunchy Skin: For irresistible crunch, briefly broil your Instant Pot drumsticks in the oven for a crisp finish.
• Sauce and Sides: Accompany your Instant Pot drumsticks with a homemade sauce and preferred sides like salad or mashed potatoes.

Cooking Techniques

Who doesn’t love a hearty meal of juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken drumsticks? And if you’re a fan of quick, hassle-free cooking, then your Instant Pot is about to become your new best friend. Here, we will share a few simple yet effective techniques to help you make mouthwatering chicken drumsticks in an Instant Pot. 

• Sautéing: Use the sauté function in Instant Pot for moist, golden, crispy-skinned chicken drumsticks.
• Pressure Cooking: Efficiently cook tender, drool-worthy Instant Pot chicken drumsticks in 7 minutes.
• Using Broths: Use chicken broth instead of water in your pressure cooking for extra flavorful chicken.
• Layering Flavors: Garlic, onion and herbs as added aromatics enhance flavor under pressure to enrich your drumsticks.
• Using a Trivet: Steam your drumsticks in the Instant Pot on a trivet for a unique texture.

Note: Always remember that cooking times can vary greatly depending on the drumsticks’ size and the instant pot’s model.

What To Serve with Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks?

Who doesn’t love a plateful of tender, juicy chicken drumsticks right out of the instant pot? These drumsticks are delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right side dishes can transform your meal into a gastronomic delight. If you’re wondering what to serve with your pressure-cooked gems, here are a few suggestions to take your chicken drumstick feast to the next level. 

• Roasted Vegetables: A vibrant medley of oven-roasted veggies like bell peppers, zucchinis, carrots, and onions works wonders with savory chicken drumsticks.
• Mashed Potatoes: Soft, creamy, and comforting, mashed potatoes make for a classic pairing with chicken.
• Coleslaw: Add a refreshing touch to your chicken with a side of tangy, crisp coleslaw.
• Corn on the cob: This summer staple accompaniments chicken perfectly; add a dash of butter for that mouthwatering finish.
• Risotto: A creamy mushroom risotto would up the sophistication of your chicken dinner.
• Quinoa Salad: Quinoa salad packs in a mixture of textures and flavors for a healthy alternative.

Remember, the best sides for your instant pot chicken drumsticks are ones that complement its flavors while adding some variety to your plate. 

Storing Tips

Chicken drumsticks made in an Instant Pot are succulent and incredibly convenient. However, proper storage methods are essential to maintaining their freshness. These handy tips are all you need to keep your batch of Instant Pot chicken drumsticks juicy and ready for later consumption. 

Upon cooking instant pot chicken drumsticks, you should: 

1. Allow them to cool: Always wait for your drumsticks to cool down before packaging them for storage. This prevents condensation build-up, which can make your chicken go soggy or grow mold.
2. Use airtight containers or bags: After your drumsticks are cool, place them in airtight containers or sealable plastic bags. Removing as much air as possible denies bacteria oxygen, which they need to grow, thus increasing the shelf life of your food.

Remember to: 

Always label and date your containers before placing them in the fridge or freezer. This practice will help you keep track of its consumption date, reducing the risk of food safety issues.

While storing cooked chicken drumsticks: 

1. Keep in the refrigerator: For short-term storage, your refrigerator is best. The cooked chicken drumsticks can hold for up to four days.
2. Store in the freezer for more prolonged durations: If you want to hold on to those drumsticks for a while, seal them tight and tuck them into your freezer, which will last for about 4 months.

In summary: 

Proper storage of your Instant Pot chicken drumsticks not only preserves their freshness but also their mouthwatering taste. So, it’s essential to cool, seal, label, refrigerate, or freeze as needed. With proper storage, you can savor the taste of your Instant Pot chicken drumsticks any day without compromising on their taste and quality. Enjoy!

Conclusion

There you have it: an easy and delectable recipe for Instant Pot chicken drumsticks! Try this recipe whether you’re prepping for a quick weeknight dinner or planning a big film night. As you’ve learned, this dish is not just about convenience but also brings a rich and bold flavor that will surely enthrall your taste buds. And remember, no matter how you choose to customize the spices and sauces, the secret to cooking perfectly juicy and tender chicken drumsticks lies in the Instant Pot!

FAQs:

Print