Description
These Instant Pot Make-Ahead BBQ Chicken Legs are tender, juicy, and full of smoky flavor. Pressure-cooked to perfection and finished with your favorite barbecue sauce, this quick and easy recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or crowd-pleasing gatherings. A no-fuss solution for perfectly cooked chicken in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
2–3 lbs chicken drumsticks
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup water
1 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
Instructions
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In a large bowl, mix garlic powder, chili powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Add drumsticks and toss to coat evenly.
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Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot and place a trivet inside. Arrange the seasoned chicken legs on the trivet.
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Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 10 minutes.
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Allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
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Optional: For a charred finish, brush cooked chicken with BBQ sauce and broil or grill for 2–3 minutes per side.
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Serve hot with additional barbecue sauce if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate chicken ahead of time—but it’s not required.
Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or use a honey-based BBQ sauce for a sweeter version.
Use chicken thighs or wings if preferred—adjust cooking time as needed.
Frozen chicken legs can be used—pressure cook for 15 minutes.
Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (plus time to build pressure)
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking, Broiling (optional)
- Cuisine: American
