Name: Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken drumsticks (about 8 drumsticks); 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt, to taste; 1 cup chicken broth; ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me all the flavor and tenderness of slow-cooked chicken without the wait. The Instant Pot locks in moisture, while a quick broil or air fryer finish gives the skin a crispy, caramelized touch that takes it over the top. Plus, it’s simple, budget-friendly, and customizable with any BBQ sauce I have on hand.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 pounds chicken drumsticks (about 8 drumsticks)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
Salt to taste

Directions

Prep the Chicken:
I start by patting the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels—this helps them brown better. Then I mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper, and rub the spice blend all over the drumsticks.
Sauté in the Instant Pot:
I set the Instant Pot to the sauté function and add the olive oil. Once hot, I brown the drumsticks in batches, about 2–3 minutes per side. This step adds great flavor and color.
Pressure Cook:
After browning, I remove the drumsticks and deglaze the pot with chicken broth, scraping up the brown bits. Then I place the drumsticks back into the pot, seal the lid, and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
Natural Release:
I let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then switch the valve to quick release for the rest. This keeps the meat juicy and tender.
BBQ Finish (Optional but Recommended):
I brush the drumsticks generously with BBQ sauce and either broil them in the oven or pop them into the air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes. This caramelizes the sauce and gives the skin a crispy, sticky texture I love.
Serve and Enjoy:
I serve them hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side and maybe a sprinkle of extra black pepper for good measure.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 6.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Broil/Air Fry Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap the BBQ sauce for buffalo, honey mustard, or teriyaki for a different flavor.
For more spice, I add cayenne or chipotle powder to the seasoning rub.
I’ve made this with bone-in chicken thighs using the same method, just adjusting the broil time for thicker pieces.
For a smoky twist, I add a dash of liquid smoke to the broth before pressure cooking.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To reheat, I use the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through, which helps re-crisp the skin.
They also freeze well—once cooled, I place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 1 month. I thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks?

Yes, I do it often. I just increase the cooking time by 10 minutes to ensure they’re cooked through.

Do I have to broil or air fry after pressure cooking?

Not at all—but I highly recommend it. It adds amazing texture and helps the sauce caramelize beautifully.

Can I stack the drumsticks in the Instant Pot?

Yes, but I try to keep them in a single layer if possible for even cooking. If I stack them, I make sure to rotate the top ones during the broil step.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

Any brand or flavor I love will work! I often use a smoky, sweet variety but spicy versions are great too.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes—if I use a mild BBQ sauce, it’s perfect for kids. I adjust the seasoning to taste and skip anything too spicy.

Conclusion

These Instant Pot chicken drumsticks are juicy, flavorful, and so easy to make. Whether I serve them for dinner, meal prep, or a party, they always hit the mark. I love how the Instant Pot does most of the work, and the broiled BBQ finish takes them to the next level. It’s a simple recipe with seriously delicious results.