Easy

Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

Name: Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1.2 kg chicken drumsticks (about 10-12 pieces); 180 ml water; 60 ml soy sauce; 45 ml honey; 30 ml rice vinegar; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated); 1 tsp sesame oil; 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 whole green onions (sliced); 1 tbsp sesame seeds

6 hr 15 min6348 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|January 15, 2024

This Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks recipe is a Canadian favourite that brings incredible flavour to your dinner table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend cooking, this dish features tender, juicy chicken paired with carefully balanced seasonings that the whole family will love. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or cooking for guests, this recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every time. Every step has been tested in Canadian kitchens using ingredients available at your local grocery store. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of simple techniques and bold flavours makes this one of the most requested chicken recipes on our site. Bookmark this page and add it to your regular rotation — you will not be disappointed.

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Ingredients

Servings:

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Sauté‑Glaze Finish

“Once the drumsticks are pressure‑cooked, switch the Instant Pot to sauté, bring the sauce to a gentle boil and whisk in a cornstarch slurry until glossy. Brush the hot glaze onto the drumsticks and give them a quick 2‑minute blast under the broiler for that sticky, caramelized sheen.”

About This Recipe

Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks are a beloved staple in Canadian homes, embodying the essence of comfort food with their juicy, tender texture and rich flavour profile. This dish is especially perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends when you want a satisfying meal without the fuss. The combination of fragrant garlic, sweet onions, and earthy thyme creates a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen, making it an instant favourite among family and friends.

What makes this recipe unique is how it effortlessly marries simplicity and boldness. Using ingredients easily found at your local grocery store, you can whip up a dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Canadians appreciate this dish for its versatility, whether you're meal prepping for the week or entertaining guests. Each bite reveals layers of flavour, making it a go-to in my household that I know will be requested again and again.

Tips for the Best Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

To achieve perfectly cooked chicken drumsticks, always ensure they reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). The Instant Pot's pressure cooking method locks in moisture, but for the juiciest results, avoid overcooking. After cooking, let the steam release naturally for a few minutes before performing a quick release. This technique helps retain juiciness and enhances the overall flavour of the dish.

What to Serve With It

For a hearty Canadian meal, serve these drumsticks alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a warm, rustic loaf of bread to soak up the delicious broth. A fresh garden salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette adds a bright contrast to the rich flavours of the chicken. For an authentic Canadian twist, consider adding some roasted root vegetables like parsnips and beets for a wholesome touch.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat without drying them out, place the drumsticks in a covered dish with a splash of chicken broth and heat in the oven at 175°C (350°F) until warmed through. If you want to freeze leftovers, they will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months; just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Nutrition Per Serving

348

Calories

26g

Protein

14g

Fat

30g

Carbs

Fiber4g

Sugar9g

Sodium664mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?+

Yes, skin-on chicken drumsticks can be used, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time. Just be sure to adjust accordingly and check that the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) for safety.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?+

If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water with added seasonings will work in a pinch. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavour.

Can I add vegetables to the pot while cooking?+

Absolutely! You can add chopped vegetables like potatoes or bell peppers to the pot for a complete one-pot meal. Just be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly.

How can I make this dish spicier?+

To add some heat, try incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the seasoning mix. You can also marinate the chicken in a spicy sauce before cooking.

Is it safe to double the recipe?+

Yes, you can double this recipe, but be mindful not to overfill the Instant Pot. Ensure that the total volume does not exceed the maximum fill line for safe pressure cooking.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:

15 min

Cook:

6 hr

Total:

6 hr 15 min

Servings:

Difficulty:

Easy

Pro Tips

1For fall-off-the-bone texture, increase pressure cooking time to 15 minutes, but be prepared for the meat to be extremely tender.
2The quick release is important here — it prevents overcooking and keeps the meat from becoming mushy.
3Double the sauce ingredients if you want extra for drizzling over rice. Store leftover sauce in the fridge for up to 5 days.
4For crispy skin finish, brush drumsticks with sauce and broil for 4-5 minutes after pressure cooking.

Variations

BBQ style: Replace the Asian sauce with 250 ml of your favourite BBQ sauce mixed with 125 ml water and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar.
Spicy buffalo: Use 180 ml buffalo wing sauce, 125 ml chicken broth, and 2 tbsp butter. Skip the cornstarch.
Lemon garlic: Replace soy sauce with chicken broth, add juice of 2 lemons, and increase garlic to 8 cloves.

Slow Cooker & Instant Pot

Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

Trust us — this Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks will become your new favourite.

by ChickenRecipes.ca

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Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

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