Chicken drumsticks have never been quicker or easier to make than in the Instant Pot. Seasoned with spices and smothered in BBQ sauce (optional), they come out perfectly juicy and are ready to serve in 20 minutes.
Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
When I need to get dinner on the table in a hurry, more often than not I turn to my trusty Instant Pot!
These Instant Pot chicken drumsticks are a breeze to make and come out perfectly every single time. Exactly what you need after a busy day!
If you are new to cooking with an electric pressure, be sure head over to my instant pot chicken guide for lots of tips, tricks and cooking times!
For more Instant Pot chicken recipes, be sure to check out my Buffalo Chicken Wings and Shredded Chicken.
Why You’ll Love this Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks Recipe:
How to make Instant Pot chicken drumsticks
Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!
- Rub the drumsticks in the seasonings.
- Place the drumsticks on a trivet in the Instant Pot.
- Pour the broth over the top.
- Cook on high pressure. Release.
- Toss the drumsticks in BBQ sauce.
- Broil.
- Toss again is sauce and serve.
What do you serve them with?
These chicken drumsticks are super versatile. You can serve them as an appetizer with your favorite dips, or serve them as a main with a fresh salad, potato or veggie sides. Try them with:
Can you make them ahead of time?
If you want to get ahead of things, you can season the chicken drumsticks a day ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge. Leftovers will keep well for up to 4 days.
Can you reheat them?
You can certainly enjoy any leftover cooked drumsticks cold, they make for a great easy lunch, shredded over a salad. You can also reheat them in the oven at 325F, for about 25 minutes, until warmed through to serve.
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.
More Instant Pot Chicken Recipes
If you’ve made this recipe, please be sure to let us know by leaving a star rating or a comment below. Enjoy!
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.
Stephanie Rene' Dunbar says
I loved this recipe a lot! It was quick and easy that tasted good.
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for stopping by, Stephanie!
Robert McManus says
I’ve made the 3 times so far, and it’s fantastic. Thank You.
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for letting us know, Robert!
William OMalley III says
I’m going home after work and trying it.
Becky Hardin says
I hope you love it, William!
Joey says
So good I could have eaten all of them. Alas, I saved my wife some. Thanks
Becky Hardin says
You’re a true gentleman, Joey!!
Pam McKinnis says
This looks like a great recipe! Thanks for the nutrition facts but how many drumsticks are in one serving?
Becky Hardin says
2-3 drumsticks is the average serving!
Pamela P. Beck says
My Chicken was partially frozen so I cooked it 20 minutes as suggested. And I added the cup of chicken broth. My chicken was also on a trivet. But they turned out wet and slimy. They were clearly overcooked and there was too much liquid in the bottom of the instant pot. The skin on the chicken had shrunk and fallen into the liquid making a slimy mess. I removed them to the oven, broiled them 5 minutes on high broil then proceeded to peel the skin off and take pieces of chicken off into a bowl to make pulled bbq chicken, heating the bbq sauce and chicken in a pot on the stove. I may try it again, but only fully defrosted chicken, 1/2 a cup of broth if that much.
Becky Hardin says
I’m sorry this didn’t work out for you, Pamela! I agree that reducing the chicken broth may help, as frozen chicken usually gives off a bit of liquid as it defrosts.
Amy M says
Very tasty!
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for stopping by, Amy!
Diana Smith says
I am new to the Instant Pot, but I’ve been trying several recipes. My sister said that this chicken recipe was the best chicken I’ve ever made. I did take a suggestion to use 1/2 cup of broth. I’m going to make it again tonight for my
sister and grandson, but I’m using legs, thighs, and wings.
Becky Hardin says
I’m so happy to hear that, Diana!