Hey there, fellow chicken wing enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you know that the perfect chicken wing is a little piece of heaven. I remember the first time I made these Instant Pot Chicken Wings for a family gathering. My husband had just gotten an Instant Pot, and I was a bit skeptical about how these would turn out compared to the traditional oven-baked version. To my surprise, they were a hit! Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly crispy after a quick bake in the oven.
There’s something about the combination of spices and that luscious barbecue sauce that transports me straight back to summer barbecues, even in the dead of winter. The Instant Pot really is a game-changer for chicken wings. Not only does it cut down on cooking time, but it also ensures the meat stays tender and moist. Plus, it’s a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want to serve up something delicious.
Every time I make these wings, I’m reminded of the joy that simple, good food brings to my family. Whether it’s a Sunday dinner or a game-day snack, these wings never fail to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. And the best part? They’re so easy to make, even on a busy weeknight. With a little prep and a few minutes in the Instant Pot, you’ll have a plateful of wings that are ready to be devoured.
So, if you’re ready to dive into a plate of these delectable Instant Pot Chicken Wings, let’s get started! Trust me, you won’t regret it, and you just might find yourself adding this to your regular dinner rotation. Let’s bring a bit of that irresistible barbecue flavor into your kitchen!
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Wings
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Ingredients:
- 3 lbs chicken wings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 – 1 teaspoon, each, garlic powder and onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon dry herbs, such as chives, rosemary, thyme, parsley, basil, oregano, etc.
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Directions:
- First, preheat your oven to a toasty 425°F. Cover a sizeable baking sheet with either foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, mix your chicken wings with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and dry herbs, ensuring each wing is well-coated with the flavorful mix.
- Set up your Instant Pot by placing a steaming basket inside. Pour in 1 cup of water or chicken broth.
- Arrange the seasoned wings inside the steaming basket. Secure the lid, making sure the sealing ring is properly in place. Set the valve to “Sealing” and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook at high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once the timer goes off, carefully release the pressure manually. Remove the wings and place them on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
- Generously brush the wings with barbecue sauce or your preferred choice of sauce. Roast them in the preheated oven for 5-15 minutes until they reach your desired crispness.
- Serve the wings straight away with additional barbecue sauce for dipping. Enjoy the juicy, crispy goodness!
Ingredient Tweaks for Your Pantry
If you’re out of some spices, don’t fret! Smoked paprika can substitute regular paprika for a smoky kick. Swap out barbecue sauce with hot sauce for a spicy version. If herbs are scarce, try only using thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile. With a bit of creativity, these wings can easily be customized to your taste.
Storage Solutions for Your Instant Pot Chicken Wings
If you’ve got leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in an oven preheated to 400°F for about 10 minutes until they’re heated through. This method helps maintain their crispiness. Alternatively, freeze them for up to 3 months and reheat in the oven directly from frozen.
Perfect Pairings for Instant Pot Chicken Wings
To complement these delicious wings, serve them with a crunchy coleslaw or a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, pair with classic French fries or roasted sweet potatoes. For drinks, a chilled beer or a cool lemonade make for perfect companions to these savory bites.
Cooking Hacks to Elevate Instant Pot Chicken Wings
To ensure maximum flavor, let the wings marinate in the spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking. For a deeper flavor, use chicken broth instead of water in the Instant Pot. If you like extra crispy wings, consider broiling them for a couple of minutes after roasting in the oven, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Seasonal Twists for Instant Pot Chicken Wings
In the summer, try a lemon pepper seasoning for a light, zesty twist. For fall, a maple or honey glaze can enhance the wings’ flavor with a touch of sweetness. During the winter, incorporate spicy seasonings to warm up your palate. In spring, fresh herbs like dill or mint can add a refreshing note to the dish.
FAQs:
Can I use frozen chicken wings in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings in the Instant Pot, though you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Add about 5 more minutes to the pressure cooking time to ensure they cook through. The Instant Pot will take longer to come to pressure with frozen wings, but the end result will still be deliciously tender wings, ready for crisping in the oven.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can still enjoy these chicken wings by baking them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the seasoned wings for about 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway through. Finish them with your barbecue sauce during the last 10 minutes of baking for that perfect glaze.
How can I make these wings spicier?
If you love heat, adding cayenne pepper to the spice mix is a great way to spice things up. You can also mix some hot sauce into your barbecue sauce before brushing it on the wings. For an extra kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes just before serving can do the trick.
Is it possible to make these wings gluten-free?
Absolutely! The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that your spices and barbecue sauce are certified gluten-free. Always check the labels to be sure. If you’re using broth, make sure it’s a gluten-free variety to keep the entire dish gluten-free.
Can I use a different sauce instead of barbecue?
Definitely! These wings are versatile and can be paired with various sauces. Consider buffalo sauce for a classic twist or a honey garlic glaze for something sweet and savory. Teriyaki sauce is another great alternative for a taste of Asian cuisine.
How do I prevent the wings from sticking to the pan?
To prevent sticking, make sure to line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil before placing the wings on it. Using a light spray of cooking oil on the foil or paper can also help the wings lift off easily after baking. This ensures an easy cleanup and perfectly intact wings.
Instant Pot Chicken Wings
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken wings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2-1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2-1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 Tablespoon dry herbs such as chives, rosemary, thyme, parsley, basil, oregano
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Begin by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment.
For Chicken Wings:
- Season the chicken wings with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dry herbs. Make sure all ingredients are well mixed.
- Insert a steaming basket into the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water.
- Arrange the seasoned wings in the steaming basket. Secure the lid, ensuring that the sealing ring is properly positioned, and set the valve to 'Sealing'. Cook on Manual/Pressure Level, High Pressure for 5 minutes. Release the pressure quickly once done.
- Carefully move the chicken wings to the lined baking sheet, spreading them out adequately. Generously brush them with barbecue sauce or your preferred sauce.
- Roast the wings in the preheated oven for about 5 to 15 minutes, adjusting the time based on your preference for crispiness.
- Immediately serve the crispy chicken wings with extra barbecue sauce on the side. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; reheat in an oven set to 400°F for around 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
