Craving chicken that’s unbelievably tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, but short on time? The Instant Pot is your secret weapon! This recipe transforms simple chicken drumsticks into a gourmet-quality meal with minimal effort. The high-pressure cooking method locks in moisture and infuses the chicken with a rich, savory tomato and vegetable sauce, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth. Get ready for your new favorite weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
• 6 chicken drumsticks (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• ½ medium onion, diced
• ½ bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (30g)
• 2 cups water (475 ml)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Set your Instant Pot to the SAUTÉ function and add the olive oil to heat.2. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Press CANCEL.4. Place the chicken drumsticks in a single layer over the sautéed vegetables and season them generously with salt and pepper.5. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the water and tomato paste until smooth to create a sauce base.6. Pour the tomato-water mixture evenly over the chicken drumsticks in the pot.7. Secure the lid, set the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position, and cook on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes.8. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before carefully performing a quick release for any remaining pressure.9. Carefully open the lid, transfer the chicken to a serving platter, and spoon the delicious sauce from the pot over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving
• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 27g
• Net Carbs: 5.3g
• Protein: 42g
• Fiber: 1.4g
Pro Tips
• For Success
• For a richer flavor, season the drumsticks with salt and pepper and brown them in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes per side before adding the vegetables. Remove the chicken, sauté the veggies, then return the chicken to the pot before adding the liquid.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking. Set the Instant Pot to SAUTÉ, bring the liquid to a simmer, and whisk in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Cook until thickened.
• Elevate the flavor by adding 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, dried oregano, or a bay leaf along with the tomato paste mixture before pressure cooking.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and are often even better the next day!
FAQ
Q: How can I make the sauce thicker
A: To thicken the sauce, remove the cooked chicken and set the Instant Pot to the SAUTÉ function. Whisk a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water into the simmering liquid. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
Q: How do I get a richer flavor on the chicken
A: For a deeper, richer flavor, season the drumsticks and brown them in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes per side before adding the vegetables. Once browned, remove the chicken, sauté the vegetables as directed, and then return the chicken to the pot before pressure cooking.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks for this recipe
A: Yes, you can use frozen drumsticks. You should skip the initial browning step and increase the high-pressure cook time by 5-7 minutes. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Q: What can I serve with these chicken drumsticks
A: These chicken drumsticks and their savory sauce are perfect served over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta. A side of steamed green beans or a simple salad would also make a great accompaniment for a complete meal.
