Instant Pot Chicken

Elevate Your Instant Pot Game: Mouthwatering Chicken Drumsticks

Are you searching for a simple yet scrumptious meal that’s guaranteed to please the whole family? Look no further than these Instant Pot chicken drumsticks! With just a handful of ingredients and your trusty pressure cooker, you can whip up tender, juicy chicken drumsticks infused with your favorite sauce in no time. Whether you’re a fan of classic buffalo wings or crave the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki, this recipe has got you covered. Let’s dive into how to make these finger-licking drumsticks that are sure to become a new family favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use other chicken cuts instead of drumsticks? A: Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs, breasts, or wings in place of drumsticks. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time accordingly, as different cuts may require different cooking times.

Q: Can I make this recipe keto-friendly? A: Yes, you can! Simply choose a keto-friendly sauce option and ensure it doesn’t contain added sugars. You can also opt for a homemade sauce using low-carb ingredients like sugar-free BBQ sauce or a blend of spices and herbs.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks? A: Yes, you can use frozen drumsticks for this recipe. Keep in mind that you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure the chicken cooks through.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • 14-16 chicken drumsticks
  • Your favorite sauce (e.g., buffalo, teriyaki, BBQ)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Instant Pot: Pour the water into the inner pot of your Instant Pot.
  2. Season the Drumsticks: Season the chicken drumsticks with salt and pepper or any additional spices of your choice.
  3. Arrange in the Instant Pot: Place the seasoned drumsticks in the Instant Pot, ensuring they are in a single layer and not stacked on top of each other.
  4. Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer for 8 minutes on high pressure.
  5. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5-10 minutes before carefully switching the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
  6. Add Sauce: Using tongs, carefully remove the cooked drumsticks from the Instant Pot and transfer them to a bowl. Pour your favorite sauce over the drumsticks and toss until they are evenly coated.
  7. Broil (Optional): For an extra crispy finish, you can transfer the sauced drumsticks to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and broil them in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and the chicken gets crispy.
  8. Serve: Once the drumsticks are coated in sauce and cooked to perfection, serve them hot with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

Cook Notes and Variations:

  • Homemade Sauce: Get creative with your sauces by making your own marinades and glazes using a variety of ingredients like honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.
  • Spice it Up: Add some heat to your drumsticks by incorporating hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chili powder into your sauce mixture.
  • BBQ Bliss: Swap out traditional sauces for your favorite BBQ sauce for a finger-licking barbecue twist.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

  • Sugar-Free Sauces: Look for sugar-free versions of your favorite sauces or make your own using keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol or stevia.
  • Low-Carb Marinades: Experiment with low-carb marinades using ingredients like balsamic vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs.

These Instant Pot chicken drumsticks are the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal. With minimal prep and cook time, you can have flavorful, tender chicken on the table in no time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a delicious dinner, fire up your Instant Pot and enjoy these mouthwatering drumsticks any day of the week!