Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

These Instant Pot drumsticks are moist, flavorful and so easy to make with a simple dry rub, 5 minutes of prep time, and just 15 minutes of hands-off cook time!

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 ½ pounds chicken drumsticks

    1.2kg

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup chicken stock or water

Directions

  1. 1

    In a small bowl, combine paprika with oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper. That’s your dry rub.

  2. 2

    Season the drumsticks with the seasoning from all sides.

  3. 3

    On the Instant Pot, press on SAUTE, add the oil, and melt the butter. Brown the chicken skin side down (2-3 minutes), flip and brown it from the other side (2 minutes). When the chicken is golden brown, remove from the pot and set aside. Work in 2 batches.

  4. 4

    Add the chicken stock or water, and deglaze scraping off any stuck brown bits to the bottom of the pot.

  5. 5

    Insert a trivet, and put the chicken drumsticks on the trivet. Overlapping is ok.

  6. 6

    Secure the lid and set the vent to SEALING. Select the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL setting and set the cooking time for 10 minutes at high pressure. The Instant Pot will take around 6-7 minutes to come to pressure and start cooking. When the cooking program ends, allow to naturally release the steam for fall of the bone chicken, or quickly release the steam.

  7. 7

    Transfer chicken drumsticks to a serving plate, and to thicken the sauce to make gravy (optional), set the Instant Pot to SAUTE mode, and add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water. Add that to the sauce, and whisk until the sauce thickens. Have a taste and add more salt if needed.

  8. 8

    Pour the sauce over the chicken, and garnish with chopped parsley leaves.

Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

4.9(71)

Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 71 ratings

littlesunnykitchen.com
4.9(71 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving perfectly moist, flavorful chicken drumsticks without the fuss? These Instant Pot drumsticks deliver tender, seasoned perfection with minimal effort, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

The Instant Pot truly shines here, ensuring every drumstick stays incredibly tender and juicy, a common challenge with other cooking methods. The simple yet potent dry rub of paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper infuses each piece with savory depth, setting the stage for a truly satisfying meal.

What you'll experience are fall-off-the-bone chicken drumsticks that are remarkably moist inside, thanks to the pressure cooking environment. The exterior, seasoned with a classic blend, offers a delightful savory aroma that fills your kitchen. This is comfort food at its best—simple, wholesome, and incredibly flavorful, making it a perfect addition to your regular dinner rotation.

For a touch of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added to the dry rub for an extra kick. If you prefer a smokier flavor, try swapping some of the paprika for smoked paprika. You can also experiment with different dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to customize the aromatic profile to your liking.

These versatile drumsticks are perfect for a fuss-free weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or ideal for meal prep. Serve them alongside your favorite roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete and delicious meal.

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