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Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with caramelized BBQ glaze on a white serving plate
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Juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken drumsticks seasoned with a bold smoky spice rub and pressure cooked in the Instant Pot in just 15 minutes. Works with fresh or frozen drumsticks and finishes beautifully with an optional BBQ glaze and broil.

Ingredients

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  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 5 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • BBQ sauce to taste (optional, for finishing)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels, then season all sides generously with the spice mixture.
  2. Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot insert. Do not skip this step – chicken placed directly on the pot bottom will scorch during pressure cooking.
  3. Arrange seasoned drumsticks on the trivet, layering as needed. Pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the pot around the chicken.
  4. Lock the lid and set the pressure valve to SEALING. Cook on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes for fresh chicken or 20 minutes for frozen. The pot will take approximately 10 minutes to build pressure before the timer begins.
  5. When cooking is complete, carefully quick release the pressure valve. Keep hands and face clear of steam. Wait for the float valve to drop fully before opening the lid.
  6. Remove drumsticks with tongs and let rest for 5 full minutes before saucing or serving.
  7. Toss drumsticks in BBQ sauce to coat evenly (optional but highly recommended).
  8. Preheat broiler to 550 degrees F. Place sauced drumsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Broil for 2 to 4 minutes until caramelized. Watch closely – they can burn quickly. Toss in additional BBQ sauce after broiling for a lacquered finish.
  9. Verify internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F at the thickest part away from the bone. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Always use the trivet – chicken placed directly on the Instant Pot insert will burn during pressure cooking.
  • For frozen drumsticks, increase cook time to 20 minutes on HIGH pressure with no thawing required.
  • The pot takes approximately 10 minutes to build pressure before the cook timer begins – factor this into your total time.
  • Always rest drumsticks for 5 full minutes after pressure release before saucing – this is the key to maximum juiciness.
  • Nutrition does not include optional BBQ sauce. Adding sauce increases carbs, sugar, and calorie counts.
  • For crispiest leftovers, reheat in an air fryer at 375 degrees F for 5 to 8 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/instant-pot-bbq-chicken-drumsticks/