Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Legs: Times & Tasty Tips

Ever found yourself staring at chicken legs, wondering how to turn them into a quick, juicy, and delicious meal without a fuss? Enter the Instant Pot! This countertop wizard makes cooking chicken legs incredibly easy, locking in moisture and flavor in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Whether you’re starting with fresh or even frozen drumsticks, your Instant Pot is about to become your new best friend for weeknight dinners and meal prep.

Say goodbye to dry, bland chicken. With the right technique and understanding of cooking times, you’ll be serving up tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken legs that are packed with flavor. Let’s dive into the simple steps and essential tips to master this kitchen staple.

The Golden Question: How Long to Cook Chicken Legs in Instant Pot?

The beauty of the Instant Pot lies in its precision. The cooking time for chicken legs largely depends on whether they’re fresh/thawed or frozen. Here’s your quick reference guide:

For Fresh or Thawed Chicken Legs:

• Cooking Time: 10 minutes at high pressure.
• Release Method: Followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release (NPR). After 10 minutes, manually release any remaining pressure.

For Frozen Chicken Legs:

• Cooking Time: 15 minutes at high pressure.
• Release Method: Followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release (NPR). After 10 minutes, manually release any remaining pressure.

Crucial Note: Always, always check the internal temperature of your chicken with a meat thermometer. Poultry is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part.

Your Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Instant Pot Chicken Legs

Ready to whip up some deliciousness? Here’s how simple it is:

1. Prep Your Chicken: Pat your chicken legs dry with paper towels. This helps seasonings stick better. Season generously with your favorite spices – salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or a pre-made chicken rub work wonderfully.
2. Add Liquid: Pour 1 cup of liquid into your Instant Pot. Water, chicken broth, or even a light beer can all work. This liquid is essential for the Instant Pot to come to pressure.
3. Place the Chicken: Carefully arrange the seasoned chicken legs in a single layer on the trivet inside your Instant Pot. If you don’t have a trivet, you can place them directly in the liquid, but the trivet helps prevent them from sitting directly in the liquid and keeps them slightly elevated for more even cooking. Try not to overcrowd the pot; if you’re cooking a large batch, you might need to layer them, but ensure even heat distribution.
4. Set and Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring the sealing ring is properly in place and the vent is set to “sealing.” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the time according to whether your chicken is fresh/thawed (10 minutes) or frozen (15 minutes) on HIGH pressure.
5. Natural Release (NPR): Once the cooking cycle finishes, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. This “Natural Pressure Release” (NPR) is crucial. It helps the chicken stay incredibly juicy and prevents it from drying out by allowing the meat to slowly relax and reabsorb juices.
6. Quick Release (QR) & Check Temperature: After 10 minutes of NPR, carefully turn the venting knob to “venting” to release any remaining pressure. Once the floating pin drops, it’s safe to open the lid.
7. Verify Doneness: Use tongs to carefully remove one of the chicken legs and insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone. The temperature should read 165°F (74°C). If it’s not quite there, you can put the lid back on and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes at high pressure, followed by a quick release.
8. Rest and Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken legs to a plate or cutting board and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

Pro Tips for Next-Level Instant Pot Chicken Legs

• Crispy Skin: The Instant Pot excels at tenderizing, but it won’t give you crispy skin. For that delightful crunch, transfer the cooked chicken legs to a baking sheet and broil them for 3-5 minutes, or air fry them, until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
• Browning Before Pressure Cooking: If you have an Instant Pot with a sauté function, consider browning the chicken legs for a few minutes on each side before pressure cooking. This adds depth of flavor and a lovely color. Just be sure to deglaze the pot with your liquid afterward to prevent a “burn” notice.
• Flavor Boosters: Don’t just stick to water! Use chicken broth, a splash of white wine, or even tomato sauce as your cooking liquid to infuse more flavor. Adding aromatics like garlic cloves, onion wedges, or fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) to the pot will also elevate your dish.
• Don’t Overfill: While the Instant Pot can handle a good amount of food, avoid filling it past the 2/3 mark for safety and optimal cooking.
• Safety First: Always use proper food safety practices, including washing hands, using separate cutting boards for raw chicken, and ensuring the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Chicken Legs

Do I need to use a trivet when cooking chicken legs?

While not strictly mandatory, using a trivet is highly recommended. It keeps the chicken elevated out of the liquid, allowing for more even cooking and preventing the bottom pieces from becoming soggy. It also makes it easier to remove the chicken after cooking.

Can I stack the chicken legs in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can stack them, especially if you’re cooking a larger batch. However, try to arrange them in a way that allows steam to circulate as much as possible. A trivet can help separate layers. If you’re really piling them in, you might add an extra minute or two to the cook time to ensure everything reaches 165°F.

What if my chicken legs are still pink inside after cooking?

This happens occasionally! If your thermometer reads below 165°F, simply return the chicken to the Instant Pot, secure the lid, and pressure cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on high pressure. Then do a quick release and check the temperature again. You can also finish them in the oven if preferred.

Does bone-in vs. boneless chicken legs affect cooking time?

This guide specifically focuses on bone-in chicken legs, which are the most common type. Boneless chicken pieces generally cook faster. For boneless chicken, you would typically reduce the high-pressure cooking time to about 6-8 minutes, followed by a quick release. Always verify doneness with a thermometer.

Can I cook chicken legs with vegetables in the Instant Pot?

Absolutely! You can add sturdy vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or whole garlic cloves to the pot along with your chicken legs. Keep in mind that softer vegetables might become mushy if cooked for the full duration. Add them towards the end of the cooking cycle for best results if using a pot-in-pot method, or consider adding them with a quick release partway through for delicate veggies.

How can I make a sauce from the liquid in the pot?

The cooking liquid (often called “pot liquor”) is full of flavor! Once you’ve removed the chicken, you can easily turn it into a sauce. Use the “Sauté” function, bring the liquid to a simmer, and thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) until it reaches your desired consistency. Season to taste!

Enjoy Your Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Legs!

Cooking chicken legs in the Instant Pot is a game-changer for anyone looking for a convenient, healthy, and delicious meal. With just a few simple steps and the right timing, you’ll be enjoying perfectly tender and flavorful drumsticks every time. Experiment with different seasonings and serving suggestions to make this versatile dish a regular hit in your kitchen. Happy cooking!