Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a fantastic dish that combines convenience and flavor. This recipe shines for several reasons. First, using an Instant Pot means that cooking time is reduced significantly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick meals. Instead of waiting for hours to cook tender chicken, the Instant Pot can get it done in a fraction of the time.
Secondly, the flavors packed into these chicken drumsticks are absolutely delightful. The combination of spices creates a savory base that can be enhanced by your favorite BBQ sauce. This means you have flexibility and can easily tailor the dish to suit your taste preferences.
Additionally, this recipe is very easy to follow, making it accessible even for those who may not consider themselves skilled cooks. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll impress family and friends with a restaurant-worthy meal at home.
Lastly, chicken drumsticks are generally affordable, making this dish budget-friendly. It’s a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, preparing a weeknight dinner, or cooking for a special occasion, these Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks will turn heads and warm hearts.
HOW TO MAKE Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
To make your Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, you will need the following 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 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- BBQ sauce (optional – your favorite kind)
DIRECTIONS
Combine Seasonings: In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. This spice blend will coat the chicken drumsticks and give them a delicious flavor.
Season the Chicken: Take the chicken drumsticks and season them liberally with the spice mixture. Make sure to cover all sides of the drumsticks. The more flavorful the coating, the better the outcome!
Prepare the Instant Pot: Place the metal trivet inside the Instant Pot. The trivet will help keep the chicken elevated and allow the steam to circulate properly as the chicken cooks.
Add Chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken drumsticks on top of the trivet in the Instant Pot.
Pour in Chicken Broth: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth over the chicken drumsticks. This will help create moisture and flavor as they cook under pressure.
Seal and Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the steam valve is set to the sealing position. Set the cooker to HIGH pressure and cook for 15 minutes if your chicken is fresh, or 20 minutes if using frozen drumsticks.
Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully release the pressure by turning the valve to the venting position. Allow the pressure to completely release before opening the lid. Once pressure has released, let the chicken rest for an additional 5 minutes.
Optional BBQ Sauce: If you want to add BBQ sauce, toss the drumsticks in your favorite kind of BBQ sauce at this point for added flavor.
Optional Broil for Crispiness: To get a nice crispy texture on the skin, you can take the chicken out of the Instant Pot and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Preheat your oven broiler to 550°F. Broil the chicken for 2-4 minutes or until the skin is slightly browned. If you have added BBQ sauce, toss the chicken again before broiling.
HOW TO SERVE Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Serving Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks is simple and fun! These flavorful drumsticks can be served as the main protein in a meal. They pair perfectly with various side dishes like coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, or roasted vegetables.
You can also set up a barbecue-style plate with a few sides so that everyone can enjoy a feast. If you are having a gathering, serve the chicken drumsticks on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs or slices of lemon for a pop of color.
To make it even more casual, you can provide soft rolls or hamburger buns for making chicken sandwiches, allowing guests to dress them up with extra BBQ sauce and their favorite toppings.
HOW TO STORE Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
If you have leftovers, you can easily store them in a few simple steps. Place the cooled chicken drumsticks in an airtight container, and store them in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cooked drumsticks. To do this, wrap each drumstick in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven.
TIPS TO MAKE Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your spices are fresh, as this will greatly enhance the flavors of your dish. Fresh spices pack more punch than older ones.
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Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasoning quantities according to your taste preferences. If you love spice, add more chili powder. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the smoked paprika.
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Line Your Baking Sheet: If you decide to broil the drumsticks, lining your baking sheet with parchment paper will make for easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
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Experiment with BBQ Sauce: There are many different types of BBQ sauces available. Don’t hesitate to trying different kinds—sweet, spicy, or smoky barbecue sauce can all add a delightful twist.
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Make It a Meal: Add sides like rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad to make a complete meal. This will ensure you have a balanced plate with carbs and veggies to complement the chicken.
VARIATIONS
There are many variations that you could try with this recipe:
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Spicy BBQ: For those who love a kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your spice mixture for a spicier version.
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Honey Garlic: Swap out the BBQ sauce for a honey garlic sauce. Just mix honey with soy sauce and minced garlic for an Asian twist.
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Lemon Herb: Instead of BBQ sauce, you can use a mixture of lemon juice and herbs like thyme and rosemary for a lighter flavor profile.
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Teriyaki Glaze: For a sweet and tangy taste, toss the chicken in teriyaki sauce instead of BBQ for a different Asian-inspired meal.
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Vegetables: Add in some vegetables like potatoes or carrots into the Instant Pot along with the chicken drumsticks for a one-pot meal that’s both hearty and nutritious.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Yes, you can! Boneless chicken thighs will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time to about 10-12 minutes on high pressure.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
You can make BBQ chicken drumsticks in an oven or on the grill. Bake at 400°F for about 40-50 minutes or grill until cooked through, basting with BBQ sauce if you like.
Can I cook the drumsticks frozen?
Absolutely! The Instant Pot is great for cooking frozen drumsticks. Just remember to increase the cooking time to 20 minutes.
How do I know if the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the drumstick. It should read at least 165°F to be considered safe to eat.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but ensure you do not exceed the maximum capacity of your Instant Pot. You may need to cook it in batches.
This recipe for Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks is a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious, flavorful chicken. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, you can have a meal that everyone will love. Enjoy each bite!