Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen preparing dinner? Craving a delicious, healthy meal that's ready in a flash? Then look no further! This Instant Pot drumstick recipe is your answer. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy cooking times – this recipe delivers juicy, flavorful drumsticks with minimal effort. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights, and it's so easy, even beginner cooks can master it! Prepare for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken drumsticks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely.
Sear the Drumsticks (Optional but Recommended):
- Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add olive oil and let it heat up.
- Once hot, add the drumsticks in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches) and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step adds incredible depth of flavor.
Pressure Cook:
- Sprinkle the seared drumsticks with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the Instant Pot.
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing."
- Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
Natural Pressure Release:
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
Finishing Touches:
- Remove the drumsticks from the Instant Pot and set aside.
- If you like a thicker sauce, you can use the "Sauté" function again and simmer the remaining liquid in the pot for a few minutes until it reduces slightly.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the drumsticks hot, drizzled with the pan sauce (if you made it). They're perfect on their own, with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite sides.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Drumsticks:
- Don't overcrowd the pot: If you have more than 2 lbs of drumsticks, cook them in batches to ensure even browning and cooking.
- Adjust cooking time: For larger drumsticks, you might need to add a few more minutes to the cooking time. Check for doneness by piercing the thickest part of the meat with a fork – the juices should run clear.
- Spice it up: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. Cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce would add a nice kick.
Delicious Variations:
- Lemon Herb Drumsticks: Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.
- BBQ Drumsticks: After pressure cooking, toss the drumsticks in your favorite BBQ sauce and broil them for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce.
- Honey Garlic Drumsticks: Mix honey and soy sauce for a sweet and savory glaze. Brush this over the drumsticks during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per drumstick, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
This Instant Pot drumstick recipe is a fantastic example of how easy healthy meals can be. It's a delicious, satisfying dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, and the cleanup is a breeze! Enjoy your flavorful and effortless meal!