Instant Pot Chicken Legs

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This super delicious Instant Pot Chicken Legs Recipe With Honey, Cayenne and Rosemary is a fantastic recipe and one the whole family will love. Cooking chicken legs in the Instant Pot doesn’t have to be difficult, and the fantastic flavours in this cayenne chicken dish will leave you wanting more.

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What Is Cayenne Pepper?

Cayenne Pepper is a fantastic flavouring and has often referred to as the king of medicinal herbs.

Cayenne Pepper is a type of child pepper very similar to bell peppers and jalapeños. Cayenne pepper is a popular spice to add to dishes as it is full of antioxidants, is a great source of Vitamins, A, E, C, B6 and K. 

Adding cayenne pepper to this instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks dish not only makes the meal extra nutritious, but it also boosts the protein content and can help warm you up on and fight against nasty colds. 

Why Cook Chicken Drumsticks In the Instant Pot?

Cooking Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks is much faster and easier than cooking chicken legs in the oven or on the stovetop.

Honey Cayenne and Rosemary Instant Pot Chicken Cooking Times

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 5 -6 chicken legs 

Instant Pot Chicken Legs Ingredients

• 1 package of five to six chicken legs
• 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 Cup Chicken Broth
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 5 cloves of garlic
• 1 lemon
• 1 cup of butter
• 1 large white onion
• 2 sprigs of rosemary– Optional: white rice for serving

How To Cook Instant Pot Chicken Legs

Here is a step-by-step guide for cooking Instant Pot Chicken legs

Step One: Mix Seasonings

In a small bowl, mix together the cayenne pepper, salt, honey, olive oil and crushed garlic.

Step Two: Wash Chicken Legs

Wash the chicken legs and make small cuts in the surface of the pieces.

Step Three: Marinade Chicken Drumsticks

Marinade the chicken in a large Ziploc bag with the marinade mix and seal tightly.

Let the Instant Pot drumsticks sit in the fridge for two hours or just until all of the other ingredients are ready to go.

Step Four: Slice Onion and Lemon

Cut the onion into long thin strips and cut the lemon into thin slices as well.

Step Five: Saute Chicken Legs

Set your instant pot to sauté function and add half of the butter to the pot.

Remove the chicken from the fridge and take the pieces out of the bag, leaving the marinade in the bag for later.

Saute the chicken on each side for two to three minutes or until the chicken skin crisps up and turns a light golden or dark brown color.

Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and set aside.

Step Six: Saute Onions

Add the remaining butter and the onions to the Instant Pot and sauté for one to two minutes, until the onions become tender and translucent.

Step Seven: Add Ingredients To Instant Pot

Turn the saute button off and let sit for a minute before turning it back on. Add the chicken to the pot on top of the onions and pour the rest of the marinade over the chicken. Add the rosemary sprigs and lemon slices.

Step Eight: Pressure Cook Chicken Legs

Cover the Instant Pot with the lid and set the pressure cook button to cook on high pressure for 7

Step Nine: Quick Release Pressure

Quickly release the pressure on your Instant Pot and remove the lid. Set to sauté mode again until the juices from the marinade and chicken have thickened.

Step Ten: Let Cool And Serve

Turn the Instant Pot button off and let the chicken rest and cool a bit before serving to allow the honey to thicken up. Serve with white rice or butter pasta!

Can You Cook Instant Pot Chicken Legs From Frozen?

Yes, you certainly can cook chicken legs from frozen in the Instant pot. For this particular recipe, I recommend fresh or thawed chicken to allow the marinade to seep into the chicken well.

However, if you want to cook frozen chicken legs or frozen drumsticks in the pressure cooker you will need to add an extra 5 minutes of pressure cooking time. 

Can I Natural Pressure Release This Recipe?

Yes, you can let the Instant Pot naturally pressure release this Instant Pot Chicken Legs recipe but you don’t have to. It should take about 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure before you can open the lid and serve your Instant pot chicken drumsticks.

Seasoning Variations for Cayenne Chicken

If you want to cut down on the amount of cayenne pepper in this recipe, or even eliminate it, you can try some other fantastic flavours to season your chicken.

Try garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano or even a bit of curry powder, red pepper flakes or dry rub.

If looking for a different sauce try honey sriracha sauce or your favorite bbq sauce or buffalo sauce if you fancy bbq chicken drumsticks or something different.

Try cooking chicken drumsticks with different seasonings or sauces until you have mastered drumsticks in the Instant Pot.

Should I Leave The Skin On Chicken Drumsticks?

This is a personal preference. Some people prefer to cook chicken with the skin on it as it helps keep the chicken moist during cooking.

I generally cook my chicken without the skin as I don’t like to eat it, however, if you are feeding this to younger children or want to guarantee extra moisture in your chicken, then leave the skin on.

This Instant Pot pressure cooker chicken legs recipe works with both fresh and frozen chicken legs.

Can I Use Different Cuts Of Chicken If I Don’t Like Chicken Legs?

If you don’t like chicken legs, or can’t get them, then you can use any other cuts of chicken that you like. Chicken breast, chicken thighs or chicken wings would all work great in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Ways to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

This fantastic cayenne chicken Instant Pot recipe can be served in a multitude of ways. I love to serve it with some simple steamed vegetables and some Instant Pot rice, however, you could shred the chicken and use it to make wraps, burritos or even enchiladas.

This recipe would also go great with some mashed potatoes, air fryer carrots or even sweet potato fries.

Can I Freeze Cooked Chicken Legs?

This recipe can also be frozen for up to 3 months, just make sure to thaw it thoroughly before reheating.

If you are looking for a fantastic Instant Pot chicken recipe with amazing flavors then this Instant Pot Chicken Legs Recipe With Honey, Cayenne and Rosemary is the recipe for you.

This delicious cayenne chicken dish is a delicious meal idea for the whole family and is sure to be a hit with even the pickiest of eaters.

So, what are you waiting for? Give this delicious recipe a try today!

More Easy Instant Pot Recipes?

Looking for more fantastic recipes? Why not try out the following?

• Acorn Squash Instant Pot Recipe
• Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
• Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken 
• Instant Pot Glazed Carrots
• The Best Instant Pot Drinks 
• Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
• Instant Pot Fried Rice 
• Instant Pot Deviled Eggs

These easy Instant pot recipes are sure to become favorites in your household! Give them a try today and enjoy an amazing meal with your family or friends. Enjoy!