Chop Secrets is a cooking website that focuses on creating new recipes and providing easy-to-find and quick meal ideas. The site is a go-to destination for home cooks looking for delicious recipes that are simple to follow. Chop Secrets has made over 250 recipe videos with step-by-step instructions to make cooking easier and more fun. The company is known for working with Instant Pot. With a range of recipes spanning from appetizers to desserts, Chop Secrets helps both beginners and seasoned cooks explore the versatility of their kitchen tools. The website also has a well-known Instant Pot Master Class with cook-along videos and printable materials that teach people how to use this appliance properly and make tasty meals with little effort.
The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Bone-In Chicken Legs to Perfection in Your Instant Pot
It might seem hard to cook juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken legs in an instant pot, but it’s really not that hard once you know how. If you know when to do it and follow these tips, you’ll have tender, tasty chicken legs in no time. This complete guide will show you how to cook bone-in chicken legs in your instant pot so that they look and taste great every time.
Choose the Right Size Chicken Legs
The first step is to choose chicken legs that are the right size for even cooking. Choose legs that are about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds each. Overly large legs may require longer cook times. Smaller legs run the risk of overcooking and drying out. For the best results, make sure the legs are about the same size.
Trim Excess Fat and Skin
Getting rid of any extra fat or skin flaps lets the flavors get deeper into the meat. Use a sharp knife to carefully remove unwanted bits. Leave the skin on for added moisture and flavor. A light trim helps the chicken legs cook evenly.
Season Generously Inside and Out
Now comes the fun part – seasoning! Chicken legs benefit from a flavor boost before cooking. For maximum coverage, open up the chicken at the thicker part of the leg to season the inside. Use a rub containing salt, pepper and spices like garlic powder, paprika and oregano. Massage seasonings all over the exterior as well.
Add Flavor Boosters
You might want to marinate the chicken legs ahead of time or add more flavorings to the pot. Bold tastes come from a marinade made of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. For an extra kick, add onions, garlic, and fresh herbs to the Instant Pot.
Use the Pot-in-Pot Method
Cooking chicken legs in a steamer basket or on a trivet elevates them off the bottom of the pot. This “pot-in-pot” method allows steam to circulate completely around the chicken legs for even cooking. The trivet also prevents burning and sticking.
Calculate the Right Cook Time
Cooking time can vary slightly depending on size, but in general these guidelines produce perfect bone-in chicken legs:
- Fresh chicken legs: High pressure for 10-15 minutes
- Frozen chicken legs: High pressure for 15-20 minutes
Remember to factor in the time it takes the pot to build pressure and allow for natural release after cooking.
Allow for Natural Pressure Release
Here’s an insider tip: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes after the cook time is complete. This extra time helps make the chicken unbelievably tender and juicy. After 5 minutes, manually release any remaining pressure.
Use a Meat Thermometer
The only way to guarantee chicken is safely cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken legs are done when the thickest part of the meat reaches 165°F. If undercooked, simply simmer for a few more minutes until up to temperature.
Create a Crispy Skin (Optional)
If you want an extra crisp skin, broil the cooked chicken legs for 2-3 minutes after pressure cooking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning. The broiler gives a deliciously crispy texture.
Make a Sauce
Transform basic chicken legs into a restaurant-worthy meal with an easy sauce. Try barbecue, buffalo, teriyaki, ranch or gravy. Whisk together tasty ingredients like honey, hot sauce or soy sauce to complement your seasoning blend.
Toss in Veggies
Cooking chicken legs alone? Throw in potatoes, carrots or other veggies to use the extra space. The flavors marry together for a one-pot meal. Just ensure enough liquid for the veggies to steam.
Top with Garnishes
Fresh herbs, sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions and lime wedges make simple yet impressive garnishes. Add texture and visual appeal to take your chicken legs up a notch.
Let’s review the key steps:
- Choose properly sized bone-in chicken legs
- Trim excess fat/skin
- Generously season inside and out
- Use marinades or aromatics for extra flavor
- Elevate legs in pot with trivet or steamer basket
- Cook 10-15 minutes (fresh) or 15-20 minutes (frozen)
- Allow 5 minute natural pressure release
- Verify doneness with a meat thermometer
- Crisp skin under broiler (optional)
- Make an easy sauce for added flavor
- Toss in vegetables if desired
- Finish with fresh garnishes
With the right seasoning, cook times and pressure release method, you’ll have irresistibly juicy bone-in chicken legs ready in under 30 minutes. No more dry, overcooked chicken. Let your instant pot unlock deliciously tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken legs to enjoy for family dinners or impress guests. This foolproof method helps you nail perfectly cooked chicken legs every single time. Dinners just got a whole lot easier and tastier!
Main Menu (6/3 LAUNCH)
Course: Main Dishes
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Total Time: 15-30 min
Cooking Technique: Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven
Cuisine: American
Diet: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Keto, Low Carb, Paleo
Yield: 4-6 servings
- 2-2.5 lbs. chicken drumsticks
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. black pepper, ground
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. cumin, ground
- Pour olive oil over the drumsticks in a large bowl and toss to coat.
- Mix the rest of the ingredients together in a small bowl. Then, sprinkle them over the drumsticks and toss them to coat them evenly.
- Divide the coated chicken onto the cooking trays.
- Put the drip pan at the bottom of the cooking area. On the screen, choose “Air Fry.” Next, set the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and the time to 25 minutes. Finally, press “Start.”
- Put one cooking tray at the very top and one at the very bottom of the oven when the screen says “Add Food.”
- When the screen says “Turn Food,” flip the food over and switch the cooking trays so that the one that was on top is now on the bottom and the other way around.
- After the Air Fry program is over, make sure that the meat’s thickest part is at least 165°F / 74°C. Remove and serve hot.
Chop Secrets is a culinary platform that focuses on recipe development, offering a wide variety of accessible and time-saving meal ideas. The site is a go-to destination for home cooks looking for delicious recipes that are simple to follow. Known for its collaborations with Instant Pot, Chop Secrets has produced over 250 recipe videos, providing users with step-by-step guides to make cooking easier and more enjoyable. With a range of recipes spanning from appetizers to desserts, Chop Secrets helps both beginners and seasoned cooks explore the versatility of their kitchen tools. The platform also offers a popular Instant Pot Master Class, which teaches essential techniques for mastering this appliance through cook-along lessons and printable resources, helping people create flavorful meals with minimal effort.
GET COOKIN’ WITH US
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- To choose, press the space bar and then the arrow keys.
Instant Pot Bone In Chicken Thighs
FAQ
How do I cook chicken drumsticks in my Instant Pot?
Place drumsticks into a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®) and pour sauce on top. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer’s instructions; set timer for 15 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
How long do chicken legs on the bone take to cook?
Arrange the drumsticks on a baking sheet spaced out enough so they are not touching. You can line the baking sheet in parchment for easier cleanup if desired. Bake the chicken drumsticks for about 40 minutes, turning once halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 175ºF.
How much time to cook chicken in the Instant Pot?
Set to HIGH pressure for 10 minutes. For fresh chicken, it will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure. Expect frozen chicken to take 12 to 15 minutes to come up to pressure. Quick release the pressure, remove, and serve or use for future use.
How long to cook Chicken Legs Bone in Instant Pot?
How long to cook chicken legs in an Instant Pot with the bones still in them? If you like quick and easy dinners that your kids will love, make this in just 10 minutes. You’ll get fall off the bone tender meat with fresh or Instant Pot frozen chicken drumsticks too. New recipe will be your go to meal for sure! Want to save this recipe?.
How to cook chicken legs in Instant Pot?
Place a wire trivet or steamer basket in the Instant Pot. Add water to your pot, then place the chicken legs on the trivet or in the steamer basket. Close the lid, seal the steam release valve, and cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes. Once cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes.
How long do you cook chicken in an Instant Pot?
Typically when cooking chicken in an Instant Pot you do want to release the steam slowly in order to keep the juices in. Once 5 minutes is up just flip the toggle to pressure release what is left. This is a salty sweet quick and easy chicken recipe everyone is sure to love. Looking for more Instant Pot chicken recipes we have a bunch!.
Can you cook chicken legs in a pressure cooker?
If you get a pressure cooker, you should also get a nonstick pot. Can you cook chicken legs and potatoes at the same time in an Instant Pot? Yes, you could. You could cut russets in half across the middle and put them on top if you wanted to. They take about the same amount of time so you’ll get a one pot meal.
Can you cook frozen chicken drumsticks in Instant Pot?
Yes, you can! To cook frozen chicken legs or drumsticks in the Instant Pot, just make the high pressure cooking time 12 minutes instead of 10. How to store leftover Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks? Cooked chicken legs will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Can Instant Pot chicken legs be refrigerated?
Reheat: Warm them in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes. If needed, you can broil or pan fry again to crisp the skin. Freeze: Once cooled, place Instant Pot chicken legs in a freezer bags or containers, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat.