Are you tired of complicated dinners that take forever to prepare? Craving a healthy and flavorful meal that's ready in a flash? Then look no further! This Instant Pot chicken leg recipe is your new weeknight hero. It's unbelievably easy, delivers juicy, tender chicken every single time, and requires minimal cleanup – a trifecta of deliciousness and convenience that busy cooks adore. Say goodbye to complicated cooking and hello to simple, satisfying homemade meals!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add olive oil and once hot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. This step builds flavor and creates a delicious base for your chicken.
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Add the Chicken and Seasonings: Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Place the chicken legs on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
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Pour in the Broth: Carefully pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot, ensuring the liquid comes about halfway up the sides of the chicken legs. If needed, add a little more broth to ensure the chicken is partially submerged.
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Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Then, carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the pressure is released, carefully remove the chicken legs from the Instant Pot. You can shred the chicken or serve it whole, depending on your preference. Serve the chicken with the delicious vegetable broth as a sauce. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful meal!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Legs:
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Ensure there's enough space between the chicken legs for even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Adjust cooking time: For larger chicken legs, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Make it a complete meal: Serve your Instant Pot chicken legs with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad, to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Delicious Variations:
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the pot along with the other seasonings.
- Spicy Chicken: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This easy Instant Pot chicken leg recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It's a healthy, delicious, and incredibly convenient meal that's sure to become a family favorite. The tender chicken and flavorful vegetables make it a complete and satisfying dinner option. Give it a try and enjoy the ease and deliciousness!