These Instant Pot Chicken Legs are a game-changer for busy weeknights, offering juicy, fall-off-the-bone tenderness in under 35 minutes. The short cook time locks in incredible flavor, with a golden exterior and succulent meat that’s infused with aromatic spices. Perfect for those moments when you crave a hearty, satisfying meal without the fuss.
With just 5 minutes of prep, you’ll create a dish that feels like it’s been simmering for hours. The pressure cooking method ensures every bite is bursting with savory richness, while the meat stays incredibly moist. Pair it with your favorite sides for a comforting dinner that’s both effortless and delicious. By the time you’ve set the table, dinner will be ready to wow everyone at the table!
What You’ll Need for Instant Pot Chicken Legs
- 5-6 chicken legs (pat them dry for better seasoning adherence)
- 2 teaspoons paprika (smoked paprika works great for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (fresh parsley can be used as a garnish after cooking)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup water (for the Instant Pot base)
- Optional: BBQ sauce or honey mustard for tossing before broiling
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Legs
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken legs on a clean cutting board and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better.
- Mix the seasonings: In a small bowl, combine paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the mixture liberally over the chicken legs, coating them evenly.
- Set up the Instant Pot: Place a trivet inside the inner pot and add 1 cup of water. Arrange the seasoned chicken legs on top of the trivet.
- Cook: Secure and seal the lid. Cook on MANUAL HIGH pressure for 15 minutes (or 20 minutes if using frozen chicken legs).
- Release pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, allow a 5-minute natural pressure release. Then, carefully vent the valve to release any remaining pressure.
- Rest the chicken: Let the chicken legs rest for 5 minutes before removing them from the Instant Pot.
- Optional crispy skin: Preheat your oven broiler to HIGH. Place the chicken legs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Broil for 2-4 minutes, or until the skin is slightly browned and crispy. Toss in BBQ sauce or honey mustard before broiling, if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy your juicy, flavorful chicken legs as a main dish or with your favorite sides!
Quick Sauce Ideas to Elevate Your Chicken
Want to take your Instant Pot chicken legs to the next level? Toss them in one of these sauces before broiling: classic BBQ sauce, smoky honey mustard, tangy buffalo sauce, or a spicy garlic butter glaze. For a healthier option, try a light drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Perfect Pairings for a Complete Meal
Serve your chicken legs with a side of roasted vegetables, fluffy mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad. For a lighter option, pair with quinoa or steamed broccoli. Don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce!
Mastering Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken legs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or use the microwave for a quick warm-up. For crispy skin, broil them for 2-3 minutes after reheating.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Double the seasoning mix and store it in a jar for future use. You can also prep chicken legs the night before by seasoning them and storing them in the fridge. If you’re short on time, skip the broiling step for a quicker meal—they’ll still be juicy and delicious!
Instant Pot Tricks for Beginners
Always ensure the trivet is placed in the pot before adding water and chicken. Double-check that the lid is securely sealed to avoid pressure issues. For extra flavor, try swapping water for chicken broth. And remember, the 5-minute natural pressure release is key to keeping the chicken tender!
Instant Pot Chicken Legs
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 5-6 chicken legs
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Place the chicken legs on a large clean cutting board and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine seasonings and sprinkle the legs liberally with it.
- Place a trivet inside the inner pot of an Instant Pot. Add water to the pot. Place the seasoned chicken legs on top of the trivet.
- Secure and seal the lid and cook on MANUAL HIGH pressure for 15 minutes (20 minutes for frozen). When the cooking time is done, allow a 5-minute natural pressure release, then carefully vent the valve.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then remove and serve as desired.
- For crispy skin: Set your oven broiler to HIGH. Place the bbq chicken drumsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and broil for 2-4 minutes or until browned slightly.
- Toss them in BBQ sauce or honey mustard prior to broiling, if desired.