Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
User Reviews
4.7
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
15 mins
-
Total Time
20 mins
-
Servings
8
-
Calories
191 kcal
-
Course
Main Course, Appetizer
-
Cuisine
American
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
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.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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 the pressure to release, then let the chicken rest for another 5 minutes.
- Optional: Toss in your favorite BBQ sauce (if using).
- 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 DetailsNutrition 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.