Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes is a quick and easy one-pot dinner with juicy chicken, tender baby potatoes, warm homemade seasoning, and a flavorful sauce made from the pan drippings. It is a comforting pressure cooker meal that works well for busy weeknights, family dinners, or anytime you want a hearty chicken and potatoes recipe without turning on the oven.
This easy Instant Pot chicken drumsticks recipe delivers golden, well-seasoned skin, moist meat, buttery potatoes, and a savory sauce that tastes delicious spooned over everything on the plate.
Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
Once you make chicken drumsticks and potatoes in the Instant Pot, you may not miss the oven-baked version. The chicken stays juicy, the potatoes cook until soft and velvety, and the sauce collects all the flavor from the seasoning, garlic, onion, and chicken drippings.
The key to this recipe is simple but important: season the chicken well, sear the drumsticks before pressure cooking, and layer the potatoes underneath the chicken. Searing builds flavor and helps the outside of the chicken develop a more appetizing golden finish, while the pressure cooker keeps the meat tender and moist.
This Instant Pot chicken and potatoes dinner is mildly spicy, deeply savory, and very satisfying. It is also a practical one-pot meal because the protein, starch, and sauce all cook together in the same pot.
Ingredients
The complete ingredient list with exact measurements is included in the recipe card below. The list here is a helpful overview.
- Chicken Drumsticks: Use skin-on chicken drumsticks for the best flavor and texture. Fresh drumsticks work best. If using frozen drumsticks, thaw them completely before starting the recipe.
- Baby Potatoes: Baby gold potatoes are ideal because they turn soft, creamy, and buttery in the pressure cooker. Red baby potatoes or a mix of red and gold potatoes will also work. Keep very small potatoes whole and halve larger ones.
- Homemade Seasoning: Paprika, thyme, oregano, black pepper, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and salt add warm, savory flavor to both the chicken and potatoes.
- Onion: Yellow onion adds sweetness and depth. Red onion may also be used for a stronger flavor.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a rich, savory base to the sauce.
- Lemon Juice: A small amount brightens the sauce and balances the richness of the chicken.
- Olive Oil: Use light or extra-light olive oil for searing and marinating.
- Chicken Base: Better Than Bouillon chicken base adds concentrated chicken flavor to the sauce.
- Water: Water provides the liquid needed for pressure cooking and helps create the sauce.
Tips & Tricks
- For golden skin and juicy chicken: Sear the seasoned drumsticks on high heat until the skin develops golden edges and brown spots. This step adds flavor and helps the chicken stay moist.
- For the best flavor: Let the potatoes sit in the seasoning while the chicken is being seared. Even a short marinating time helps the potatoes absorb more flavor.
- For a mild heat level: Follow the recipe as written. For more spice, increase the red pepper flakes or chili powder. If you are sensitive to heat, skip the red pepper flakes.
- For buttery potatoes: Use small baby potatoes and do not overcook them. Four minutes of pressure cooking is enough for tender potatoes when they are small or cut into similar-sized pieces.
- Do not skip deglazing: Scrape the bottom of the pot well after searing. This loosens browned bits and helps prevent the Instant Pot burn warning.
- Use the sauce: The sauce is one of the best parts of this recipe. Spoon it over the chicken drumsticks and potatoes before serving.
How to make Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks and potatoes?
The detailed step-by-step recipe with exact measurements is included in the recipe card below.
Step #1 Season chicken, potatoes & sear chicken
- Season the chicken drumsticks: In a small bowl, mix paprika, chili powder, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken drumsticks until they are well coated.
- Marinate the baby potatoes: Rinse and drain the potatoes, then place them in a large bowl. Add onion, garlic, olive oil, paprika, chili powder, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss until the potatoes and onion are evenly coated.
- Sear the chicken: Set the Instant Pot to SAUTE on HIGH. Add oil, then sear the chicken drumsticks until they develop golden edges and brown spots. Remove and set aside.
Step #2 Deglaze pot
- Deglaze the pot: Pour in the water and scrape the bottom and sides of the pot with a spatula. Make sure there are no stuck browned bits left behind. Add the chicken base and lemon juice.
- Layer the potatoes: Add the marinated baby potatoes and onion to the pot. Spread them out gently, but do not stir them into the liquid. Turn off SAUTE mode.
Step #3 Pressure cook and serve
- Layer the chicken: Place the seared drumsticks on top of the potatoes. Do not stir or mix.
- Pressure cook: Secure the lid, seal the valve, and pressure cook on HIGH for 4 minutes. When the cooking cycle ends, do a quick pressure release.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken drumsticks and potatoes to a plate. Spoon the sauce from the pot over the top and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
What to make with chicken drumsticks and potatoes?
Chicken drumsticks and potatoes make a complete and filling dinner on their own. If you want to add something fresh or green on the side, these simple options pair well with the rich, savory flavors of the dish.
- Steamed broccoli with a light seasoning.
- Sautéed or air-fried asparagus with bacon bites and a small amount of goat cheese or blue cheese crumble.
- Tender Brussels sprouts with a savory sauce.
- A fresh side salad such as caprese salad, Caesar salad, or a simple green salad.
Storing Tips
Fridge: Store leftover Instant Pot chicken drumsticks and potatoes in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the sauce with the chicken and potatoes so the leftovers stay moist when reheated.
Freezer: Freeze the chicken drumsticks and potatoes in individual portions for easier thawing and reheating. Use freezer-safe containers and include some of the sauce in each portion.
How to reheat?
Fridge: Reheat refrigerated chicken drumsticks, potatoes, and sauce in the microwave until warm or hot.
Freezer: Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the microwave with the sauce until heated through.
FAQs
Yes, you can stack chicken legs in the Instant Pot. For the best flavor, season the chicken well before stacking or layering it in the pot.
Chicken can turn rubbery if it is overcooked. If your chicken drumsticks come out chewy, reduce the pressure cooking time next time.
Yes, chicken can overcook in the Instant Pot. Using the correct cook time for the cut of chicken is the best way to keep it tender and juicy.
The white substance that sometimes comes out of chicken is a mixture of protein and water. It is not harmful.
Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks skin on
- 24 ounces baby potatoes
- 1 medium onion diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tbsp Better Than Bouillon chicken base
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil for searing
Seasonings for chicken
- 1 tsp paprika not smoked
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
For marinating baby potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika not smoked
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional if heat sensitive
Equipment Used
Instructions
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Season Chicken: Add all ingredients listed under “Seasonings for chicken” to a large bowl and mix well. Add the chicken drumsticks and coat them thoroughly with the seasoning mixture. Set aside.
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Marinate Potatoes: Rinse and drain the baby potatoes. Place them in a large bowl with the onion and garlic. Add the olive oil and all ingredients listed under “For marinating baby potatoes.” Toss well and let them sit while you sear the chicken.
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Sear Chicken: Set the Instant Pot to SAUTE on HIGH and add oil. When the oil is moderately hot, add the seasoned chicken drumsticks one at a time. Sear until the edges are golden and brown spots appear. Remove the chicken and set aside.
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Deglaze Pot: Pour in the water and scrape the bottom and sides of the pot very well with a spatula. Add the chicken base and lemon juice. Deglazing properly helps prevent the burn warning.
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Layer Potatoes and Chicken: Cancel SAUTE mode. Add the marinated potatoes and onion to the Instant Pot and spread them into an even layer. Do not stir. Place the seared chicken drumsticks on top. Do not mix.
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Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and seal the vent. Pressure cook on HIGH for 4 minutes. When the cooking cycle ends, immediately perform a quick pressure release. Open the lid carefully after the metal pin drops.
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Serve: Plate the chicken drumsticks and baby potatoes. Spoon the sauce from the Instant Pot over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Can I use chicken breast or thighs? Yes, boneless chicken breast or thighs may be used. Follow the same recipe and keep the cook time the same.
- Can I use diced potatoes? Yes, dice potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes and follow the same cook time.
- Skip the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder recipe.
Nutrition details are provided as an estimate only.
Nutrition
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