Are you looking for an incredibly easy and delicious weeknight dinner? Look no further! This pressure cooker chicken drumstick recipe is a lifesaver for busy cooks who crave flavorful, healthy meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Tender, juicy chicken drumsticks, bursting with herbs and spices, are ready in a fraction of the time compared to traditional oven cooking. Get ready to experience the magic of pressure cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for extra zing!)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Get started:
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely.
- Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
Pressure cooking magic:
- Set your pressure cooker to the "sauté" function. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering.
- Brown the chicken drumsticks on all sides. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice (if using).
- Secure the pressure cooker lid and set the valve to sealing.
- Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
Finishing touches:
- Once the pressure has been released, carefully open the lid. The chicken should be cooked through and incredibly tender.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the chicken in the cooking liquid for a few minutes uncovered, allowing it to reduce slightly.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable additions: Throw in some chopped carrots, potatoes, or other root vegetables during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer sauce.
- Different Cuts: This recipe also works wonderfully with chicken thighs or a mix of drumsticks and thighs. Adjust cooking time as needed depending on the size and type of chicken.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 (depending on serving size and additions)
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
This easy pressure cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, making it a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. The fall-off-the-bone tender chicken is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the deliciousness and the ease of homemade cooking!