I might be biased, but these Instant Pot chicken drumsticks are the BEST! The pressure cooker makes the process nice and quick (ready in just 20 minutes!), while a mixture of bold seasonings gives these drumsticks the most delicious flavor. I like mine tossed in a generous helping of BBQ sauce, but they’re just as tasty fresh out of the pot.
On the days when I need a simple, speedy, kid-friendly dinner, I always reach for my Instant Pot. It’s one of my most used kitchen appliances, and this Instant Pot chicken drumsticks recipe is one of my family’s favorites. I toss juicy chicken drumsticks in a simple seasoning blend, top with chicken broth, and then cook them under high pressure for just 15 minutes. The result is always perfectly cooked and tender chicken that falls right off the bone!
What’s in this Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks Recipe?
A few basic ingredients (that you may already have on hand) come together to make the most delicious and stress-free chicken drumstick dinner.
- Chicken: Use fresh or frozen skin-on, bone-in chicken drumsticks for this recipe. Frozen chicken will need 5 minutes extra cooking time.
- Seasonings: A mix of smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper give these chicken drumsticks plenty of flavor.
- Chicken Broth: This helps cook the chicken and keeps it juicy! You can use homemade low-sodium chicken broth or store-bought; the choice is yours.
- BBQ Sauce: This is optional but highly recommended. Use your favorite BBQ sauce (mine is honey BBQ sauce), or make your own from scratch.
Variations to Try
You can use whatever seasonings you have to hand for this recipe. Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or lemon pepper would all be delicious! Also, I love coating these chicken drumsticks in BBQ sauce, but you could also use buffalo sauce, teriyaki sauce, or honey mustard – whatever you’re in the mood for! We also love Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks!
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How to Store and Reheat
You can keep any leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best results, reheat in the oven at 400°F or an air fryer at 375°F until warmed through.
How to Freeze
Let your Instant Pot chicken drumsticks fully cool to room temperature before freezing in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Notes and Tips
- I always let my chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving/coating it in BBQ sauce. It helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken extra juicy.
- You must use a trivet in your Instant Pot; otherwise, the chicken will burn.
- Tossing in BBQ sauce and broiling are both optional. You can toss in the BBQ sauce without broiling, the same way you can serve them straight from the Instant Pot without any BBQ sauce. It’s up to you!
- Chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Top Reader Reviews
“Great recipe- love easy ones when preparing after work” – Sharon Cooper
“Excellent & easy!” – Deborah Green
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
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 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- BBQ Sauce (optional – your favorite kind)
Instructions
- Combine seasonings in bowl and season the chicken drumsticks liberally to taste.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 chicken drumsticks
- 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).1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 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 the pressure to release, then let the chicken rest for another 5 minutes.
- Optional: Toss in your favorite BBQ sauce (if using).BBQ Sauce
- Optional: Set your oven broiler to 550°F. Place the BBQ chicken drumsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and broil for 2-4 minutes or until browned slightly. If using BBQ sauce, toss once more.
Notes
- 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.
- We like the texture better when broiled, but the drumsticks are fine to eat right out of the instant pot.
- Nutritional information does not include the optional BBQ sauce.
How to Make Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Step by Step
Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. Add 5 pounds of chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss to coat with the seasoning mixture.
Cook the Chicken: Add a trivet to your Instant Pot and place the chicken on top. Pour 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth over the chicken, seal the cooker, and set to HIGH pressure for 15 minutes (or 20 minutes if the chicken is frozen). Once the time is done, release the valve and let the pressure release. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before moving on to the next step or serving.
Add BBQ Sauce (optional): You can serve your Instant Pot chicken drumsticks as is, but I like to add some BBQ sauce. Add the cooked chicken drumsticks to a bowl and coat with your favorite BBQ sauce. Use as much or as little sauce as you’d like!
Broil the Chicken (optional): This is another optional step. Broiling caramelizes the BBQ sauce on the chicken and adds a delicious charred flavor – so while optional, I highly recommend it. Set your broiler to 550°F and place the chicken drumsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Broil for 2-4 minutes or until browned. If using, toss in a little more BBQ sauce before serving.
Great recipe- love easy ones when preparing after work
Excellent & easy!