These delicious BBQ chicken drumsticks are so quick to cook in the Instant Pot! Great to serve as an appetizer or main, they are deliciously tangy and so easy to make. Ready to enjoy in 20 minutes!
BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
You are in for a real treat with this Instant Pot BBQ chicken recipe! Trust me when I tell you, this is finger licking good!
Loaded with flavor, these instant pot bbq chicken drumsticks are an American classic that the whole family will love! Simple, quick and most importantly delicious!
For more chicken drumstick recipes, be sure to check out my Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks and Baked BBQ Chicken (Apple Cider BBQ Sauce).
Why you will love this Instant Pot BBQ chicken drumsticks recipe!
- Quick: Ready to serve in 20 minutes, these BBQ chicken drumsticks are perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
- One pot: Everything in this recipe is all prepared in your pressure cooker, so clean up is a breeze!
- Kid-friendly: This is a great dish that the whole family can enjoy, even your picky eaters will love these!
How to make Instant Pot BBQ chicken drumsticks
Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!
- Combine the seasonings and rub over the drumsticks.
- Place the drumsticks on a trivet in the Instant Pot.
- Pour over the broth.
- Cook on high and release pressure.
Optional
- Toss in your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Broil until browned.
Can you make this with other cuts of chicken?
These instant pot bbq chicken drumsticks work so well, but this recipe is easy to adapt to make with chicken breasts, wings and thighs. The cooking times will vary, so be sure to check out my instant pot chicken guide to make sure your timings are correct.
Can you use frozen drumsticks?
Yes, you can make this Instant Pot BBQ chicken with raw or frozen drumsticks. Prepare them in the same way, you will just need to adjust the cooking time slightly. If cooking from frozen, they will require 20 minutes cooking time rather than 15.
What do you serve them with?
These BBQ chicken drumsticks are great to serve as an appetizer for a crowd, but they make for a great main when served up with veggie, rice and potato sides. Try them with:
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Sauce and broiling are both optional. I like the texture better when broiled, but the drumsticks are fine to eat right out of the instant pot.
- Let the chicken rest before serving or tossing in the sauce. This will help the juices redistribute.
- Use a trivet in your Instant Pot so that the chicken doesn’t burn.
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 5 lbs. chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup chicken broth
- BBQ Sauce (optional – your favorite kind)
Instructions
- Combine seasonings in bowl and season the chicken drumsticks liberally to taste.
- Place trivet inside the Instant Pot.
- Place the chicken drumsticks on top of the trivet.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot (directly over the chicken).
- Seal cooker and set to HIGH pressure for 15 minutes (20 minutes for frozen).
- When it’s done, release the pressure valve and wait for pressure to release, then let the chicken rest another 5 minutes.
- Toss in your favorite BBQ sauce (if using, its optional)
- Set your oven broiler to 550. Place the bbq chicken drumsticks on a parchment lined baking sheet and broil for 2-4 minutes or until browned slightly. SEE NOTE
- If using BBQ sauce, toss once more.
Notes
- Sauce and broiling are both optional. I like the texture better when broiled, but the drumsticks are fine to eat right out of the instant pot.
- Let the chicken rest before serving or tossing in the sauce. This will help the juices redistribute.
- Use a trivet in your Instant Pot so that the chicken doesn’t burn.
Mesha says
I want to see the reviews people write.
Jana Hendrix says
I will definitely be adding this recipe to my “use often” list! I do admit to ad-libbing the seasoning a bit due to not having exact items on hand. And I also turned the chicken in the broiler a couple of times so it would be even all the way around.
Becky Hardin says
Definitely modify to your liking and needs!
Joanne says
I suggest using foil when placing in the oven. I followed the recipe and the parchment paper was in flames
Morgan Farris says
I made this for my family last week and my husband has not stopped talking about how amazing it was, so making again tonight!
Becky Hardin says
I love it!
Carol Haynes says
This is the first recipe cooked in my Instant pot that I thought was worthy of 5 stars. Thank you!
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for sharing!!
The Raygors says
This was the first recipe I made with my new InstaPot. I was scared to death to use it! But the well written directions eleveated apprehension in using it. The taste is OUTSTANDING! The broth left was delicious and I’ve frozen it for future use. My husband just loved this recipe, and since it’s just the two of us, I removed the chicken from the rest of the drumbsticks, made chicken soup and froze the rest for future use. You can feed a full house with this delicious meal and not spend your life in the kitchen.
Becky Hardin says
I love making the leftovers into something new!
Pat says
Thank you for posting this recipe. It was easy and above all very tasty. I will definitely save this recipe.
Becky Hardin says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Shela Lane says
Well I must say I was very disappointed. The seasoning for the drums was not nearly enough. I had to triple the amount to cover 5 Lbs of chicken legs.
Becky Hardin says
I’m sorry this recipe didn’t work out as expected, Shela!
Nikki Maye says
Was a fast and easy way to cook chicken legs I am a person who loves my instant pot
Becky Hardin says
I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Nikki!
Andrea says
How long for frozen drumsticks? I plan on adding all ingredients except broth and bbq sauce to a ziplock for a “dump and go” freezer meal for busy days. Plus I always buy frozen chicken because it’s cheaper.
Becky Hardin says
An extra 5 mintes!