Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

User Reviews

4.7

279 reviews
Excellent

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are seasoned with smoked paprika, chili powder, onion, and garlic powders, then pressure cooked in chicken broth for tender, juicy meat. Optional finishing with BBQ sauce and broiling adds caramelized exterior flavor, delivering drumsticks suitable for a casual meal or barbecue.

Description

This recipe starts by seasoning chicken drumsticks with a blend of smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper, creating bold and smoky flavors. The drumsticks are placed on a trivet inside the Instant Pot with chicken broth, preventing burning and ensuring moist cooking. Pressure cooking on high for 15 minutes (20 minutes if frozen) softens the meat while locking in juices.

After natural release and resting, the drumsticks can be tossed with your choice of BBQ sauce and optionally broiled briefly in a very hot oven to develop a slightly charred, caramelized crust. This adds a textural contrast and intensifies the BBQ flavor experience. The cooking method yields tender meat that falls off the bone when properly cooked.

The chicken drumsticks can be served as a main dish alongside classic sides, and the method accommodates both fresh and frozen chicken. Using the trivet inside the Instant Pot is advised to avoid direct contact with liquid and burning.

Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Letting the drumsticks rest before serving helps redistribute juices for moistness.

I Made This!

26 people made this

Save this

133 people saved this

Ingredients

Servings
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper ground
  • 5 pounds chicken drumstick
  • 1 cup chicken broth low-sodium
  • BBQ sauce (optional - your favorite kind)

Instructions

  1. Combine seasonings in bowl and season the chicken drumsticks liberally to taste.
  2. Place trivet inside the Instant Pot.
  3. Place the chicken drumsticks on top of the trivet.
  4. Pour chicken broth into the pot (directly over the chicken).
  5. Seal cooker and set to HIGH pressure for 15 minutes (20 minutes for frozen).
  6. When it’s done, release the pressure valve and wait for the pressure to release, then let the chicken rest for another 5 minutes.
  7. Optional: Toss in your favorite BBQ sauce (if using).
  8. 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

  • Use a trivet inside the Instant Pot to prevent the chicken from burning during cooking.
  • Let the cooked drumsticks rest before serving or adding BBQ sauce to allow juices to redistribute.
  • Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Broiling after cooking is optional but adds a browned, slightly crispy exterior that enhances texture.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 191kcal (10%) Carbohydrates 0.4g (0%) Protein 31g (62%) Fat 6g (9%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 2g (10%) Trans Fat 0.03g (2%) Cholesterol 148mg (49%) Sodium 477mg (20%) Potassium 404mg (9%) Fiber 0.1g (0%) Sugar 0.03g (0%) Vitamin A 135IU (3%) Vitamin C 0.03mg (0%) Calcium 18mg (2%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 191 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 191kcal 10%
Carbohydrates 0.4g 0%
Protein 31g 62%
Fat 6g 9%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 0.03g 2%
Cholesterol 148mg 49%
Sodium 477mg 20%
Potassium 404mg 9%
Fiber 0.1g 0%
Sugar 0.03g 0%
Vitamin A 135IU 3%
Vitamin C 0.03mg 0%
Calcium 18mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.7

279 reviews
Excellent

Write a Review

Drag & drop files here or click to upload
Other Recipes

You'll Also Love

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

American
5.0 (33 reviews)

Crispy Slow Cooker Corned Beef

Irish
5.0 (639 reviews)

Easy Baked Sweet Potatoes

American
5.0 (15 reviews)

Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

American
5.0 (12 reviews)

Candied Yams

American
5.0 (21 reviews)

Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Italian
5.0 (108 reviews)

Buffalo Wings

American
5.0 (63 reviews)

Broccoli Casserole

American
5.0 (36 reviews)

Filipino Adobo Chicken

Filipino
5.0 (84 reviews)

Crab Cake Sandwich

American
5.0 (15 reviews)

S'mores Bars

American
5.0 (21 reviews)

Vegetable Beef Stew

American
5.0 (30 reviews)