Are you looking for a quick and easy way to cook bone-in chicken legs? Look no further than your Instant Pot! This popular kitchen appliance is known for its ability to cook food quickly and efficiently, and chicken legs are no exception. With the Instant Pot, you can have tender and juicy chicken legs on the table in no time.

When cooking bone-in chicken legs in the Instant Pot, there are a few factors to consider. First, you’ll need to determine the size of your chicken legs. If they are on the smaller side, you can cook them for a shorter amount of time. However, if they are larger, you’ll want to increase the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through.

One popular method for cooking bone-in chicken legs in the Instant Pot is to use the “Pressure Cook” function. Simply place the chicken legs in the Instant Pot, add a cup of broth or water, and season with your favorite spices. Close the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and select the “Pressure Cook” function. Cook for approximately 10 minutes for smaller chicken legs, or 15 minutes for larger chicken legs.

Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before carefully turning the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure. Open the lid, and you’ll be greeted with deliciously cooked bone-in chicken legs. Serve them as they are, or finish them off under the broiler for a crispy skin.

Preparation steps for cooking bone-in chicken legs in instant pot

Before cooking bone-in chicken legs in an instant pot, it is important to properly prepare the ingredients and the pot itself. Follow the steps below for a delicious and tender chicken dish:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

To cook bone-in chicken legs in an instant pot, you will need the following ingredients:

  1. 4 bone-in chicken legs
  2. 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  3. 1 teaspoon of salt
  4. 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  5. 1 teaspoon of paprika
  6. 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  7. 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  8. 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
  9. 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary
  10. 1 cup of chicken broth

Step 2: Rinse and Pat Dry the Chicken Legs

Start by rinsing the chicken legs under cold water to remove any debris. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin when cooked.

Step 3: Season the Chicken Legs

In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken legs, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Step 4: Preheat the Instant Pot

Press the “Saute” button on the instant pot and adjust it to the “More” setting. Once hot, add the olive oil and let it heat for a minute or two.

Step 5: Sear the Chicken Legs

Add the seasoned chicken legs to the instant pot and sear them on each side for about 2-3 minutes or until browned. This step will help seal in the flavors and juices of the chicken.

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Step 6: Add Chicken Broth

After searing the chicken legs, pour in the chicken broth to the pot. This will add moisture and help create a flavorful sauce.

Step 7: Cook the Chicken Legs

Securely lock the instant pot lid and set the pressure cooker to the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode. Cook the chicken legs on high pressure for about 12-15 minutes.

Step 8: Release the Pressure

Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a quick pressure release by turning the pressure release valve to the “Venting” position. Ensure that all the pressure is released before opening the instant pot.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Once the pressure is released and it is safe to open, remove the chicken legs from the instant pot and serve them hot. You can enjoy them as they are or pair them with your favorite side dishes.

By following these preparation steps, you can easily cook delicious and tender bone-in chicken legs in an instant pot.

Tips for achieving perfectly cooked bone-in chicken legs in an Instant Pot

When cooking bone-in chicken legs in an Instant Pot, it’s important to follow a few tips to ensure that your chicken is perfectly cooked and flavorful. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

Tips Explanation
Season the chicken legs Before cooking, make sure to season the chicken legs with your choice of herbs, spices, and salt to enhance the flavor.
Use enough liquid When using an Instant Pot, you’ll need to add enough liquid to create steam and allow the pot to come to pressure. Aim for at least 1 cup of liquid.
Place trivet or rack To prevent the chicken legs from sitting in the cooking liquid, it’s best to place a trivet or rack at the bottom of the Instant Pot. This also helps the chicken legs to cook more evenly.
Set the cooking time For bone-in chicken legs, set the Instant Pot to cook for about 8-10 minutes on high pressure. Cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken legs.
Natural release or quick release Once the cooking time is complete, you can either let the pressure release naturally or use the quick release method. Natural release keeps the chicken moist, while quick release allows you to serve your meal more quickly.
Optional broiling If you prefer crispy skin, you can place the cooked chicken legs on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for a few minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

With these tips, you’ll be able to achieve perfectly cooked bone-in chicken legs in your Instant Pot every time. Enjoy!

Benefits of cooking bone-in chicken legs in Instant Pot

Using an Instant Pot to cook bone-in chicken legs offers several benefits. Here are some of the advantages:

1. Faster cooking time

The Instant Pot uses pressure cooking technology, which means that it cooks food faster than traditional methods. This is especially beneficial when cooking chicken legs with bones, as the pressure helps to break down the connective tissues, resulting in tender and juicy meat in a fraction of the time compared to other cooking methods.

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2. Retains moisture

The sealed environment of the Instant Pot helps to retain moisture while cooking chicken legs. This is crucial in preserving the natural juices and flavors of the meat, ensuring a succulent and delicious end result.

3. Flavorful results

The high-pressure cooking method of the Instant Pot allows the flavors to infuse deeply into the chicken legs, resulting in a more flavorful dish. This is especially true for bone-in chicken legs, as the bones impart additional taste to the meat during the cooking process.

4. Versatile cooking options

In addition to pressure cooking, the Instant Pot also offers various cooking modes such as sautéing, slow cooking, and steaming. This versatility allows you to experiment with different cooking techniques and flavors when preparing bone-in chicken legs.

5. Easy cleanup

The Instant Pot’s non-stick inner pot makes it easy to clean up after cooking bone-in chicken legs. Simply remove the inner pot and wash it with warm soapy water, or place it in the dishwasher for added convenience.

In conclusion, using an Instant Pot to cook bone-in chicken legs offers faster cooking time, retains moisture, provides flavorful results, allows for versatile cooking options, and ensures easy cleanup. It’s a convenient and efficient way to enjoy tender and delicious bone-in chicken legs.

Delicious Recipes for Bone-In Chicken Legs in Instant Pot

If you’re looking for quick and easy recipes to cook bone-in chicken legs in your Instant Pot, you’ve come to the right place. These recipes are packed with flavor and will leave you craving for more. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic barbecue flavor or want to try something more exotic, we’ve got you covered.

1. BBQ Chicken Legs

You can’t go wrong with the classic barbecue flavor. To make BBQ chicken legs in your Instant Pot, simply season the legs with salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ rub. Add a cup of water and a cup of your favorite BBQ sauce to the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally. Finish the legs off on the grill or under the broiler for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce.

2. Honey Soy Chicken Legs

If you’re in the mood for something sweet and savory, this recipe is for you. Season the chicken legs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ginger. Pour the mixture over the chicken legs in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally. Serve the chicken legs with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

3. Lemon Herb Chicken Legs

For a fresh and zesty flavor, try this lemon herb chicken legs recipe. Season the legs with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and your favorite dried herbs, such as thyme or rosemary. Add the legs to the Instant Pot along with chicken broth and a sliced lemon. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally. The chicken legs will be moist and full of flavor.

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These recipes are just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, sauces, and herbs to create your own delicious recipes for bone-in chicken legs in your Instant Pot. The possibilities are endless, and the results are always satisfying.

Q&A

What is the recommended cooking time for bone-in chicken legs in an Instant Pot?

The recommended cooking time for bone-in chicken legs in an Instant Pot is about 10-12 minutes on high pressure.

Can I cook bone-in chicken legs in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook bone-in chicken legs in an Instant Pot. They turn out tender and delicious.

How do I cook bone-in chicken legs in an Instant Pot?

To cook bone-in chicken legs in an Instant Pot, you can season them with your preferred spices, place them in the pot with a little bit of liquid (such as broth or water), and cook on high pressure for about 10-12 minutes. Then, let the pressure release naturally for about 5 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure.

Can I cook frozen bone-in chicken legs in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook frozen bone-in chicken legs in an Instant Pot. However, you will need to increase the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.

Why is cooking bone-in chicken legs in an Instant Pot a good option?

Cooking bone-in chicken legs in an Instant Pot is a good option because it saves time and helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the meat. The pressure cooking method helps to break down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in tender and juicy chicken legs.

How long should I cook bone-in chicken legs in the Instant Pot?

The cooking time for bone-in chicken legs in the Instant Pot depends on the size of the legs and whether they are fresh or frozen. For fresh chicken legs, you can cook them for about 8-10 minutes on high pressure. If the legs are frozen, you will need to increase the cooking time to around 12-15 minutes. It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Can I cook bone-in chicken legs in the Instant Pot without defrosting them first?

Yes, you can cook bone-in chicken legs in the Instant Pot without defrosting them first. If the legs are frozen, you will need to increase the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through. Increase the cooking time to around 12-15 minutes on high pressure. It is important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken legs to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) before serving.