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–+ servings
bbq chicken drumsticks
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4.67 from 167 votes

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks have never been quicker or easier to make than in the Instant Pot. Seasoned with spices and smothered in BBQ sauce (optional), these chicken legs come out perfectly juicy and are ready to serve in 20 minutes.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Calories: 309kcal
Author: Becky Hardin

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

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

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 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
    Raw drumsticks in a mixing bowl, covered with dry seasoning mix.
  • Place trivet inside the Instant Pot.
    Trivet set inside of an 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
    Raw chicken drumsticks in an Instant Pot.
  • 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.
    Cooked chicken legs in an Instant Pot.
  • Optional: Toss drumsticks in your favorite BBQ sauce (if using).
    BBQ Sauce
    Cooked drumsticks in a bowl, covered with 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.
    BBQ drumsticks lined up on a baking tray.

Video

Notes

*Frozen chicken will need 5 minutes extra cooking time.
Tips:
  • You must use a trivet in your Instant Pot. If the chicken sits on the bottom of the pot, it will likely burn.
  • 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.
  • I like the texture better when broiled, but the drumsticks are fine to eat right out of the instant pot.
  • Chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
  • Nutritional information does not include the optional BBQ sauce.
Storage: Store Instant Pot chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 309kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 175mg | Sodium: 357mg | Potassium: 459mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 187IU | Vitamin C: 0.03mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg