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Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

Seasoned chicken drumsticks cooked in the Instant Pot until tender, with an optional pan sauce reduced by sautéing the cooking liquid.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • ?1 teaspoonpaprika
  • ?1 teaspoondried oregano
  • ?1 teaspoongarlic powder
  • ?1 1/2 teaspoonssalt
  • ?3/4 teaspoonground black pepper
  • ?2 1/2 pounds 1.2 kgchicken drumsticksabout 10 pieces
  • ?1 tablespoonolive oil
  • ?1 tablespoonbutter
  • ?1 cupchicken stock or water

Instructions

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine the paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper to make the dry rub.
  • Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels, then season all over with the dry rub.
  • Turn the Instant Pot to SAUTE. When the display reads “HOT,” add the olive oil and the butter and let the butter melt.
  • Brown the drumsticks in the pot skin-side down for 2–3 minutes, then flip and brown the other side for about 2 minutes. Work in 2 batches so the pot is not crowded. Remove browned drumsticks and set them aside on a plate.
  • Pour in 1 cup chicken stock or water. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot and deglaze, lifting any stuck brown bits.
  • Insert the trivet into the pot. Arrange the browned drumsticks on the trivet (they may overlap).
  • Secure the lid and set the vent to SEALING. Select PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL on High pressure and set the time to 10 minutes. (The Instant Pot will take about 6–7 minutes to come to pressure.)
  • When the cooking program ends, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the vent to VENTING to quick-release any remaining pressure. When the float valve drops, open the lid.
  • Transfer the drumsticks to a serving plate. If you want a thicker sauce, set the Instant Pot to SAUTE and simmer the liquid until reduced to your desired consistency, stirring and scraping the bottom. Taste and add more salt if needed.
  • Spoon the sauce over the drumsticks and serve.

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Notes

Cook chicken drumsticks from frozen.You’ll need to tack on a bit of cook time to 14 minutes and then allow it to naturally release for 5 minutes.
Storing.Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Transfer to a freezer-friendly Ziploc to keep frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.