This Instant Pot Chicken Legs recipe delivers tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken legs in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cooking methods. With a blend of spices and a quick cooking process, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The Instant Pot lock-in moisture and flavor, ensuring that every bite is succulent. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, making this a go-to recipe for any home cook.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will fall in love with this recipe for several reasons. Firstly, the flavor profile is simply irresistible; the chicken legs are seasoned to perfection with a blend of spices that will tantalize your taste buds. The ease of cooking in an Instant Pot means you can have a hearty meal ready in about 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Additionally, this recipe is versatile enough to fit various lifestyles, whether you’re following a low-carb diet or just looking for a quick and satisfying meal.
Tips and Tricks
To make your cooking experience even easier, here are some tips and tricks:
- Sear for Extra Flavor: If you have a little extra time, consider searing the chicken legs in the Instant Pot before pressure cooking. This step adds a lovely caramelized flavor to the dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs can elevate the flavor significantly compared to dried versions.
- Don’t Skip the Marinade: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) will enhance the flavor and tenderness.
- Pressure Release: Use the natural pressure release for about 10 minutes before switching to a quick release for the best texture.
Make Ahead Tips
For those who like to meal prep, this recipe is a great option. You can marinate the chicken legs a day in advance and store them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. You can also cook the chicken legs and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it easy to reheat for quick meals throughout the week.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to mix things up with these variations:
- Different Spice Blends: Swap out the spices for a BBQ rub for a smoky flavor or use a lemon pepper seasoning for a zesty kick.
- Add Vegetables: Throw in some carrots or potatoes in the Instant Pot for a complete one-pot meal.
- Alternate Cooking Methods: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can bake the chicken legs in the oven at 425°F for 45 minutes or until cooked through.
How to Serve
To serve, place the chicken legs on a large platter and drizzle with the cooking juices for added flavor. Pair them with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.
Pairing Suggestions
For drink pairings, a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing iced tea, complements the flavors beautifully. On the side, consider serving mashed potatoes or a quinoa salad. For dessert, a light fruit sorbet or chocolate mousse would be a delightful finish.
How to Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken legs in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Equipment Needed
You will need an Instant Pot for this recipe. If you don’t have one, a slow cooker can also work, but the cooking time will be longer. A meat thermometer is also recommended to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe allergen-friendly, you can omit any spice that may trigger allergies. For a low-sodium version, use low-sodium broth and limit the added salt. Unfortunately, this recipe cannot be made vegan, but you can adapt it by using plant-based chicken substitutes.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the summer, you can use fresh herbs like basil or rosemary to add a fragrant touch. In the fall, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the spice mix for a warm flavor profile that complements the season.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of legs? Yes, chicken thighs can be used but may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
- How long do I cook the chicken legs in the Instant Pot? Cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes, depending on the size of the legs.
- Can I skip the marinade? While you can skip it, marinating helps enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
How To Make instant pot chicken legs
Instant Pot Chicken Legs
This Instant Pot Chicken Legs recipe delivers tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken legs in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cooking methods.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken legs (drumsticks)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels and rub the spice mixture all over them.
- Set your Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode and add olive oil. Once hot, sear the chicken legs for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Add the chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits.
- Return the chicken legs to the pot, ensuring they are standing upright if possible.
- Close the lid, set the valve to 'Sealing', and select 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' for 12 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Carefully remove the chicken legs and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 546Total Fat 30gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 20gCholesterol 329mgSodium 560mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 1gSugar 0gProtein 63g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot chicken legs recipe is not only simple to follow but also yields delicious results that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for busy nights or meal prepping, you’ll find that this dish quickly becomes a favorite in your household. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and variations to make it your own. Enjoy every bite!