BBQ chicken legs on white glass plate
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BBQ Chicken Legs In The Instant Pot

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Last Updated on January 22, 2024 by Allison Lancaster

I love simple dinners. Quick and easy dinners are especially nice on those busy weekday nights where we all seem to be running from one activity to another. On those days, I’ll take out my favorite kitchen tool and make up some Instant Pot BBQ chicken legs.

This recipe for BBQ chicken legs in the Instant Pot, followed by an easy step to place the cooked chicken under the broil in the oven, will make your family ask for seconds!

Pair it with a nice side dish like mashed potatoes or corn on the cob and you have yourself a simple and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Not only are these BBQ chicken legs husband approved, with the easy to hold shape of the chicken they are toddler friendly! Having dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes makes it a plus!

The bet part about this BBQ chicken instant pot recipe is that you can easily make extra chicken for leftovers the next day.

Two delicious meals in one is always a win in my book!

Do I have to use chicken legs?

No. If you prefer to use a different type of chicken like chicken breasts, or bone-in chicken thighs, or even wings – go for it.

You can even make instant pot chicken tenders if you prefer.

It’s best to make sure and adjust the time for different cuts so you don’t end up with dry, overcooked chicken.

If you use breasts, you’ll want to adjust the time on the Instant Pot to 20 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.

bbq chicken legs

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use for these BBQ chicken legs?

That’s what I love about this recipe. It’s so versatile! You can use any BBQ sauce you want to make these chicken legs. From hot and spicy to sweet and mild, any bottled sauce you like is perfect.

I like to use a low sugar version of barbeque sauce for my family, but if you are a pit master and love to make your own BBQ sauce, even better!

There’s no wrong answer when it comes to what type of sauce you top your instant pot BBQ chicken with!

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

You can grab one here. If you have another type of pressure cooker, this recipe will work great in that, too.

Simply follow those directions for time and how much water to use.

I think you’ll find that the Instant Pot is so helpful for making quick dinners, you’ll never regret adding one to your kitchen tools.

Can I grill the BBQ chicken legs?

Absolutely!

Grilling chicken is always delicious! Instead of placing the chicken legs on the broiler to finish, add the chicken to a hot grill, brush, and proceed with step 6.

Grilling is a great way to keep your kitchen cool in the summer!

steps for bbq chicken legs

How to Make BBQ Chicken in the Instant Pot

Are you ready for a super simple dinner? Let’s make some BBQ chicken legs!

Ingredients

  • 2 to 4 pounds chicken legs
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 cups barbecue sauce (your favorite), divided
  • Water, the minimum required for your pressure cooker

Instructions:

  1. Sprinkle chicken legs with salt and pepper, if desired
  2. Toss chicken legs with 1 cup barbecue sauce to coat.
  3. Pour water into the pressure cooker liner and place the trivet inside. Put the chicken on top of the trivet. 
  4. Close the pressure cooker and set the value to sealing. Set the pressure cooker to manual or pressure cook on high for 12 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of chicken. When the cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes prior to setting the valve to quick release.
  5. Preheat the oven broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil (for easier clean up) and spray with non-stick cooking spray
  6. Remove the chicken legs from the pressure cooker and place on a baking sheet. Brush with additional barbecue sauce. Place under the broiler and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Turn the chicken and brush with sauce again. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes or until barbecue sauce caramelizes. Repeat if desired for saucier chicken legs.

That’s all it takes to whip up a delicious dinner in the Instant Pot. Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is the perfect recipe when you not only don’t have time for cooking but cleaning up the whole kitchen.

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What’s your favorite weeknight dinner?

Will you try these BBQ Chicken legs in your Instant Pot?

BBQ Chicken Legs (in the Instant Pot)

Quick and easy dinner that can be ready in less than 30 minutes!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2-4 pounds chicken legs
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups bbq sauce your choice
  • water for pressure cooker

Instructions

  1. Sprinkle chicken legs with salt and pepper, if desired

  2. Toss chicken legs with 1 cup barbecue sauce to coat.

  3. Pour water into the pressure cooker liner and place the trivet inside. Put the chicken on top of the trivet. 

  4. Close the pressure cooker and set the value to sealing. Set the pressure cooker to manual or pressure cook on high for 12 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of chicken. When the cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes prior to setting the valve to quick release.

  5. Preheat the oven broiler.  Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil (for easier clean up) and spray with non-stick cooking spray.

  6. Remove the chicken legs from the pressure cooker and place on baking sheet. Brush with additional barbecue sauce. Place under broiler and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Turn the chicken and brush with sauce again. Cook another 3 to 5 minutes or until barbecue sauce caramelizes. Repeat if desired for saucier chicken legs.

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