How to Cook Chicken Drumsticks in the Electric Pressure Cooker

One of the things I have less and less time for right now is cooking. With a growing family, writing this in my second trimester of pregnancy, I am way too exhausted to think about pulling together dinner at the end of a long day.

But though my husband helps a ton (thank goodness for a man who can cook, am I right?), sometimes I still feel the urge to get into the kitchen to cook a nice meal for us.

He deserves something delicious, and even though I might not be making the same fancy meals I was a few months ago, I think it’s the least I can do in exchange for all the foot rubs.

That’s when I turn to my Instant Pot for a helping hand.

I mean, I’ve gone through all the different ways to cook pretty much anything in the pressure cooker at this point. Yet, I am still amazed every single time at just how consistent and quick it is.

Today, we are talking about how to cook chicken drumsticks in the electric pressure cooker. We all know this appliance is downright magical, and this how-to guide offers yet another reason why.

Talk about a super simple way to get dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes! The meat comes out juicy and tender, with just the right amount of flavor from a simple homemade seasoning blend.

I love that I can get the poultry cooked in just one pot, making it simple to clean up afterwards as well. Then I can focus on some simple side dishes at the same time.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide:

Choose Simple Sides

This entree is extremely versatile, so you can pair it with all sorts of side dishes.

Here are some of my personal favorites to serve alongside it:

• Macaroni and cheese
• Green beans
• Salad
• Mashed or roasted potatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Wild rice
• Coleslaw

Since I’m all about options that help to keep me off my feet, you can bet my Instant Pot is being put to work these days. Many simple sides can be made in this handy appliance too!

Can I Use a Different Type of Seasoning?

There’s so much flexibility available to customize these legs with whatever you would like.

I like to check out my spice rack and dive into my collection of spice mixes to change up the ingredients whenever the mood strikes.

All you have to do is use 3 1/2 teaspoons total of your favorite dry spice mix in lieu of the seasonings listed below.

Can I Use Frozen Drumsticks?

That’s the beauty of the electric pressure cooker – you can cook straight from the freezer if you need to.

Start by separating the drumsticks so they are no longer sticking together. Run them under cool water if you have to. A sharp knife can slip easily when handling frozen ingredients.

You only need to change up the cooking method slightly.

Rub the drumsticks with the seasoning, but skip the searing step for frozen poultry. Then cook for 15 minutes on High pressure. Let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes before releasing the rest manually.

How Long Can I Store These For?

To store the cooked poultry, cool it completely first.

Place the chicken in airtight containers and they will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.

You can also freeze them for up to 4 months if you would like.

How to Cook Chicken Drumsticks in the Electric Pressure Cooker

Ready to learn our simple method? Let’s go!

Step 1 – Measure Out Ingredients

First, gather all of your ingredients. You will need:

• 7 to 8 skin-on, bone-in chicken drumsticks (approximately 2 to 2 1/4 pounds)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth or water

Measure out all of the ingredients as listed.

Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels. Be sure to wash your hands after working with raw chicken.

Dropped a drumstick on the floor? Don’t worry, we can help with that!

Step 2 – Season and Sear the Chicken

In a small bowl, stir together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken until it’s coated evenly.

Set the electric pressure cooker to Saute and add the oil.

Once it’s hot, add the seasoned drumsticks, working in batches to brown them on all sides. This will take about 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Remove them from the insert and set them aside. Turn the appliance off.

Step 3 – Pressure Cook

Add the chicken broth (or water) to the insert, and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.

Place a trivet in the insert. Arrange the drumsticks on top of the trivet, and seal the lid.

Set the pressure cooker to Manual and cook on High pressure for 10 minutes.

Let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

Serve hot.