Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy dinner? Look no further! This recipe for Instant Pot chicken legs will become your new go-to for quick weeknight meals. Forget spending hours in the kitchen – this method delivers juicy, flavorful chicken legs in a fraction of the time, leaving you with more time to enjoy your delicious, homemade cooking. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is a fantastic example of easy recipes that don't compromise on taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
For extra flavor, start by searing the chicken legs. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken legs for about 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your final dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Instant Pot
Transfer the seared chicken legs (or unseared, if skipping the previous step) to your Instant Pot. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaf (if using).
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "sealing." Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the pressure is released, carefully remove the chicken legs from the Instant Pot. Shred the chicken, if desired, and serve with your favorite sides. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad all pair perfectly with these flavorful chicken legs. This quick dinner idea is a winner for the whole family!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of white wine to the broth.
- Spice it up: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like oregano, parsley, or sage.
- Add vegetables: Toss in some carrots, potatoes, or celery during the cooking process for a complete one-pot meal.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
- Leftovers: Store leftover chicken legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They're also great for meal prepping throughout the week!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This recipe is a testament to the power of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a fantastic example of how delicious dishes can also be quick and simple to prepare. Enjoy the ease and incredible flavor of your Instant Pot chicken legs! This is one of the best recipes for a satisfying and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a perfect example of how homemade cooking can be both delicious and convenient.