Sometimes, you crave a meal that’s both comforting and effortlessly simple—like a warm hug on a hectic day. That’s where these honey garlic Instant Pot chicken legs come in, offering a delightful dance of sweet and savory flavors. The Instant Pot does its magic, turning a quick weekday dinner into a finger-licking feast that feels like a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Steps
- Mix together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chicken seasoning in a small bowl until well combined.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken legs.
- Place a wire trivet or steamer basket inside the Instant Pot and add water or chicken broth.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken legs on the trivet in the Instant Pot.
- Secure the lid, ensuring the steam release valve is sealed, and set the Instant Pot to cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully open the vent to release any remaining pressure.
- Transfer the chicken legs to a baking sheet and broil on high for 2-3 minutes until the skin becomes browned and crispy.
- Carefully remove from the oven and serve.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken legs (approximately 5-6 pieces)
- 1 ½ cups water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chicken seasoning (e.g., McCormick Roasted Garlic & Herb or your preferred seasoning)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1280 | Total Fat: 60g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 0g | Unsaturated Fat: 44g | Cholesterol: 864mg | Sodium: 688mg | Carbohydrates: 8g | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 0g | Protein: 164g
FAQ
- Can I cook chicken legs from frozen in the Instant Pot?
- Absolutely! To cook frozen chicken legs or drumsticks, simply extend the high-pressure cooking time from 10 minutes to 12 minutes.
- What is the best way to store leftover Instant Pot Chicken Legs?
- Cooked chicken legs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Ensure they are reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
- Can I adjust the quantity of chicken legs cooked in the Instant Pot?
- Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe based on the size of your Instant Pot. For instance, a 6-quart pressure cooker can accommodate up to 15 drumsticks, or roughly 4.5 pounds of chicken.
- What cooking liquid should I use in the Instant Pot?
- You can use water or chicken broth as the cooking liquid. If you plan to make gravy afterward, using chicken broth will enhance the flavor of the gravy.
- How do I get crispy skin on the chicken legs after cooking them in the Instant Pot?
- After pressure cooking, place the chicken legs on a baking sheet and broil them on high for 2-3 minutes until the skin is browned and crispy.
Tips
- For added flavor, use chicken broth or stock instead of water as the cooking liquid in the Instant Pot. This can also be turned into a delicious gravy after cooking.
- If you’re cooking chicken legs from frozen, increase the pressure cooking time to 12 minutes instead of 10 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.
- To achieve crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken legs to a baking sheet and broil them on high for 2-3 minutes after pressure cooking.
- This recipe is easily scalable; you can double or triple the number of chicken legs to fit your needs, depending on the size of your Instant Pot. A 6-quart Instant Pot can hold up to 15 drumsticks or about 4.5 pounds.
Equipment
- Instant Pot – This is essential for the recipe as it is used for cooking the chicken legs. Any size will work, but a 6-quart model is mentioned.
- Wire Trivet or Steamer Basket – This is used to place the chicken legs inside the Instant Pot.
- Sheet Pan – Used for broiling the chicken legs after they are cooked in the Instant Pot to crisp the skin.
