This easy pressure cooker BBQ Chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender. With just 3 ingredients and 3 easy steps, this is our go-to easy dinner recipe.
3 Ingredients, 3 Steps
Perfect, fall-off-the-bone barbecue chicken with just 3 ingredients in 3 easy steps - Need I say more? This tender pressure cooker BBQ chicken has layers of flavor and is incredibly simple to make.
Just marinate your chicken, throw it in your pressure cooker
, then remove and toss with BBQ sauce before finishing in the oven. Use a foil-lined baking sheet for easy clean-up, and all you have left to clean at the end is your Instant Pot.
HOW TO MAKE PRESSURE COOKER BBQ CHICKEN
Marinate. Add chicken and dressing to a gallon-sized Ziplock bag and marinate for at least one hour (preferably overnight).
Add trivet to pressure cooker.
Pour all contents of bag into pressure cooker. Cook at high pressure for 20 minutes, then allow pressure to release naturally (about 30 minutes).
Carefully individually remove each piece of chicken from Instant Pot with tongs. As you remove them, dip in the BBQ sauce and place on a lined baking sheet.
Then place baking sheet under a high broiler for at least 5 minutes, but basically until you have the desired char and caramelization.
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Easy Pressure Cooker BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 lbs chicken drumsticks
- 16 oz zesty Italian dressing
- 2 cups
BBQ sauce highly recommend the homemade BBQ sauce below
Instructions
Marinate
- Add chicken and dressing to a gallon-sized Ziplock bag and marinate for at least one hour (preferably overnight).
Cook
- Add trivet to pressure cooker. Pour all contents of bag into Instant Pot, lock lid, cook for 20 minutes at high pressure. Once cook time is complete, allow pressure to naturally release (about 30 minutes). Meanwhile – pour BBQ sauce into a medium-sized bowl. Preheat oven broiler on high.
Char
- Carefully individually remove each piece of chicken from Instant Pot with tongs. As you remove them, dip in the BBQ sauce and place on a lined baking sheet. Then place baking sheet under a high broiler for at least 5 minutes, but basically until you have the desired char and caramelization.
Video
Notes
- This recipe was developed in a 6qt Instant Pot.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for drumsticks. The cook time will remain the same. We have not tested this recipe using chicken breasts.
Nutrition
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Becky
My favorite way to prepare drumsticks! The bbq sauce is so flavorful and such an easy and fast way to have tender chicken.
Anne Auker
A resounding success! My husband said it’s the best he’s ever eaten. The sauce recipe- a keeper for sure! Marinated overnight; cooked 15 minutes in 8qt IP duo plus; NPR for 20 minutes, then QR. PERFECT! Dipped in sauce and broiled 7 minutes to carmelize - was a good 6-8”. Below elements. Thank you for a truly delectable recipe!
Marne Murphy
This recipe CHANGED MY LIFE! it's simple and delicious! I recently got an insta pot and looking for easy recipes because I hate to cook, and i'm shouting this recipe from the rooftops! Thank you
Brie
Fall off the bone, perfectly cooked with this recipe! My family loved it! I tried to dunk the drumsticks in the bbq sauce before broiling then but the meat just fell off so that didn’t work for me, I just took a spoon and covered the drumsticks with sauce before broiling. Still was a great meal!
Gary
Glad you enjoyed them!
Judy
Could you cook several batches of chicken drumsticks earlier in the day, then broil them later?
Gary White
Definitely. But you'll want to cool them down completely or leave them on "keep warm" in the meantime.
Melanie
My family does not like drumsticks. Can I use thighs? Do I need to adjust cooking time?
Gary White
Thighs will work just fine. Same time.
Carol
Do I have to adjust the quantity of drumsticks or thighs and sauce for a 6-quart instant pot?
Gary White
Nope! we used a 6qt for this recipe. 🙂
Carolyn
So easy and taste wonderful!
Elizabeth
Do I need a trisket? Or can I use without
Gary White
You need to use a trivet or you will get a burn notice. We used the trivet that came with the Instant Pot. If your pressure cooker did not come with a trivet, you can order one on Amazon for under $10. 🙂
Lucy
I’m going yo try it today. Do I need to add the 1 cup of water so that it pressurizes or will the Italian dressing be the liquid ?
Gary White
You don't need any extra liquid other than the salad dressing.
Molly
My husband does not like dark meat. Could chicken breast or tenders be ised?
Gary White
I don't think chicken breasts will work well for this preparation.
Bobbye
I used chicken thighs....and the BBQ sauce is a MUST! This recipe is repeatedly requested!
Gary White
Thank you! I agree that this is a special sauce.
Lisa
Looks delicious! Any adjustments needed for an 8 qt pot?
Gary White
Nope, I have done it with that size many times.