How To Cook Chicken Drumsticks In Instant Pot

Mastering the Art of Cooking Tender and Juicy Chicken Drumsticks in an Instant Pot

There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked chicken drumstick. Tender, juicy, and full of flavor, it’s a comfort food classic that never fails to satisfy. If you’re a fan of this delectable dish, you’re in for a treat! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of cooking chicken drumsticks to perfection using the versatile Instant Pot.

Why Choose the Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot has quickly become a favorite kitchen gadget for many home cooks for its convenience and efficiency. With its multi-functionality and ability to cook dishes quickly, it’s a perfect tool for preparing mouthwatering chicken drumsticks. Here’s why:

• Speed: The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking feature allows you to cook chicken drumsticks in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. No more waiting for hours!
• Tenderness: The pressure from the Instant Pot helps to tenderize the meat and locks in the natural juices, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful chicken drumsticks.
• Versatility: The Instant Pot offers a variety of cooking functions, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and cooking styles to suit your preferences.

Preparing the Chicken Drumsticks

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to prepare the chicken drumsticks properly. Follow these simple steps:

1. Gather your ingredients: chicken drumsticks, seasonings of your choice, and a small amount of oil for searing.
2. Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel. This step helps to ensure a crispy exterior.
3. Season the drumsticks generously with your favorite herbs and spices. Don’t be afraid to get creative here!
4. Preheat your Instant Pot by selecting the Saute function and adding a small amount of oil.
5. Sear the drumsticks for a few minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. This step adds delicious flavor to the meat.

Cooking the Chicken Drumsticks in the Instant Pot

Now that your chicken drumsticks are perfectly prepped, it’s time to let your Instant Pot work its magic. Follow these steps:

1. Place a trivet at the bottom of the Instant Pot to elevate the chicken drumsticks and prevent them from sticking.
2. Add a cup of chicken broth, water, or your favorite cooking liquid to the Instant Pot for added moisture and flavor.
3. Arrange the seared chicken drumsticks on the trivet, making sure not to overcrowd them.
4. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the vent to the sealing position.
5. Select the Pressure Cook function and set the timer according to the size and thickness of your drumsticks. As a general guideline, cook smaller drumsticks for 8-10 minutes and larger ones for 12-15 minutes.
6. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release the pressure naturally for around 5-10 minutes.
7. Carefully remove the lid, and your perfectly cooked chicken drumsticks are ready to be enjoyed!

For an extra touch, you can choose to brush the drumsticks with your favorite glaze or sauce and broil them in the oven for a few minutes to achieve a crispy exterior.

Get Creative with Seasonings and Sauces

One of the best parts of cooking chicken drumsticks in an Instant Pot is the ability to experiment with an array of seasonings and sauces. Whether you prefer a tangy barbecue sauce, a spicy jerk marinade, or a fragrant herb rub, the options are endless. Here are a few flavor ideas to get you started:

• Classic BBQ: Smother the drumsticks in your go-to barbecue sauce before cooking for a sticky and finger-licking good treat.
• Lemon Herb: Combine lemon zest, garlic, rosemary, and thyme for a zesty and aromatic blend that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Sweet and Spicy: Mix honey, sriracha, and soy sauce for a balance of sweet and heat that’ll leave your taste buds wanting more.

Feel free to modify these suggestions according to your preferences and let your culinary creativity take flight!

Serve and Enjoy!

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of how to cook chicken drumsticks to perfection in an Instant Pot, it’s time to gather your friends and family and enjoy this delicious dish together. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these tender and juicy chicken drumsticks will surely be a crowd-pleaser. So, fire up your Instant Pot, embrace the flavorful possibilities, and get ready to impress with your culinary skills!