Hello, amazing foodies! Ethan Harris here, your culinary companion on this delicious journey. Today, we’re diving into the realm of finger-licking goodness with my all-time favorite Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings. Buckle up for a flavor-packed adventure that’s about to take your taste buds on a wild ride.
What is BBQ Chicken Wings?
BBQ chicken wings are a popular and flavorful dish made from chicken wings that are seasoned, cooked, and coated in barbecue sauce. The wings are typically split into drumettes and flats, and they can be prepared using various cooking methods, such as grilling, baking, frying, or even slow cooking. The defining feature of BBQ chicken wings is the application of barbecue sauce, which imparts a sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor to the crispy or tender chicken.
The barbecue sauce used can vary, ranging from traditional tomato-based sauces to those with a vinegar or mustard base. Some variations also incorporate additional spices, herbs, or heat for an extra kick. BBQ chicken wings are often enjoyed as a finger-food appetizer, party snack, or main course, and they are frequently served with celery sticks and a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. These wings are a popular choice for gatherings, game days, and casual dining occasions.
Why Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings are The Best Game Day Appetizer
Fast and easy to make. You can cook fresh or frozen wings in the Instant Pot in less than 30 minutes, with minimal prep and cleanup. No need to thaw, deep-fry, or babysit the wings on the grill.
Tender and juicy on the inside. The pressure cooking method ensures that the wings are cooked evenly and thoroughly, resulting in moist and succulent meat that falls off the bone easily.
Crispy and flavorful on the outside. After pressure cooking, you can broil the wings in the oven with your favorite barbecue sauce, creating a caramelized and bubbly crust that adds more flavor and texture to the wings.
Customizable to your taste. You can use any kind of barbecue sauce you like, whether it is store-bought or homemade, and adjust the sweetness, smokiness, or spiciness to your preference. You can also add some spices to the wings before pressure cooking, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper, to enhance the flavor and heat level of the wings.
Perfect for sharing and dipping. BBQ chicken wings are a crowd-pleasing finger food that can feed a lot of people. You can serve them with some extra barbecue sauce for dipping, or with some other sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard. You can also serve them with some side dishes or salads, such as coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, etc.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Wings in Your Instant Pot
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
Course: Appetizers, Dinner, SnacksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes15
minutes325
kcalThese Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings are the ultimate blend of smoky flavor and juicy tenderness. Easy, quick, and irresistibly delicious—perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
2 lbs (about 900g) chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
1 cup (240ml) barbecue sauce (choose your favorite)
1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce
1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Prep the Chicken Wings:
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. - Sauté in Instant Pot:
Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add butter and sear the chicken wings until golden brown on all sides. This step adds extra flavor. - Create BBQ Sauce Mixture:
In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce, chicken broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture over the seared chicken wings in the Instant Pot. - Pressure Cook:
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Ensure the vent is sealed. - Natural Release:
Allow a natural pressure release for about 5 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. - Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker sauce, set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” again and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. - Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings to a serving platter, drizzle with the thickened sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions for Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings
Classic Finger Food Fiesta: Serve the BBQ chicken wings on a platter for a classic finger-food experience. Lay out plenty of napkins because things might get deliciously messy.
Dipping Delight: Provide an array of dipping sauces such as ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard. The variety adds a fun element, and everyone can choose their favorite.
Celery and Carrot Sticks: Accompany the wings with crisp celery and carrot sticks. The cool crunch of veggies provides a refreshing contrast to the savory wings.
Slider Sensation: Transform the wings into sliders by placing them between small buns or rolls. Add a dollop of coleslaw for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Crispy Potato Wedges: Serve alongside crispy potato wedges for a hearty and satisfying meal. The potatoes are perfect for soaking up any extra BBQ sauce.
Savory Nachos: Create BBQ chicken nachos by layering tortilla chips with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions, and, of course, the BBQ chicken. Pop them in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
Refreshing Coleslaw: Balance the richness of the wings with a side of tangy coleslaw. The combination of flavors is a match made in food heaven.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: For a summery twist, serve BBQ chicken wings with grilled corn on the cob. The sweetness of the corn complements the smoky flavors.
Buffalo Twist: Add a spicy kick by serving Buffalo-style wings alongside the BBQ wings. Create a wing buffet for the ultimate flavor adventure.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings
Sear the wings for extra flavor.
Searing the chicken wings in a skillet or on the “Sauté” function of the Instant Pot before pressure cooking will create a golden-brown crust and enhance the flavor of the meat and the sauce.
Choose a barbecue sauce that suits your taste.
The barbecue sauce is the star of this dish, so pick one that you enjoy. You can use store-bought or homemade sauce, and adjust the sweetness, smokiness, or spiciness to your liking.
Thicken the sauce to your preference.
If you want a thicker sauce that coats the wings better, you can simmer the sauce on the “Sauté” function of the Instant Pot after pressure cooking, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Watch the cooking time carefully.
The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken wings. Smaller wings may cook faster than larger ones, so check the doneness of the meat and adjust the pressure cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
Spice up the sauce as much as you want.
You can customize the level of heat in the sauce by adding more or less smoked paprika, or by adding a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. You can also experiment with other spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or cumin, to add more flavor and depth to the sauce.
Drain some liquid for a less saucy result.
If you prefer a less saucy consistency, you can drain some of the excess liquid from the Instant Pot after pressure cooking, before thickening the sauce. This will also reduce the amount of sauce you need to simmer and save some time.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the wings just before serving to add some color and freshness to the dish. Parsley also adds a subtle herbal flavor that complements the barbecue sauce.
FAQs
What kind of bbq sauce should I use for Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings?
You can use any kind of bbq sauce you like, whether it is store bought or homemade. Some popular choices are honey bbq, spicy bbq, or smoky bbq sauce. You will need about 1 cup of sauce for this recipe.
How do I cook frozen chicken wings in the instant pot?
Cooking frozen chicken wings in the instant pot is super easy. You don’t need to thaw them beforehand. Just toss them with half of the bbq sauce in a large mixing bowl and place them on the trivet in the instant pot. Add 1/4 cup of water and pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. Then, quickly release the pressure and open the lid.
How do I make the chicken wings crispy?
To make the chicken wings crispy, you need to finish them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Spray some oil on the foil to prevent sticking. Transfer the chicken wings to the prepared baking sheet and brush with the remaining bbq sauce. Bake for 10 minutes or until the sauce is caramelized and bubbly.
How do I store and reheat the leftover chicken wings?
If you have any leftover chicken wings, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them, you can either microwave them for a few minutes or bake them in the oven at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure the chicken wings are patted dry before reheating to avoid sogginess
How many wings can I fit in the Instant Pot?
The number of wings you can fit in the Instant Pot depends on the size of your wings and the size of your Instant Pot. The rule of thumb is to not fill the Instant Pot more than halfway when pressure cooking. For example, you can fit about 3 pounds of wings in a 6-quart Instant Pot, or about 4 pounds of wings in an 8-quart Instant Pot.
How do I serve and store the wings?
You can serve the wings hot or at room temperature, with some extra barbecue sauce for dipping, if desired. You can also serve them with some side dishes or salads, such as coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, etc. To store the leftover wings, you can keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat them, you can microwave them for a few minutes, or bake them in the oven at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings are not just wings; they’re flavor-packed wonders that will have you licking your fingers and reaching for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a game night or simply craving a delicious snack, this recipe is your ticket to wing paradise. So fire up that Instant Pot, let the wings dance in the saucy goodness, and get ready for a taste sensation that’s simply wing-tastic! Don’t forget to explore more finger-licking recipes on my blog, like the Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo and the Instant Pot Chicken Salad. Happy cooking, my fellow food enthusiasts!
Discover a world of flavors with my other dinner recipes, like the delightful Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo. Dive into a fusion of tastes that will transport you to culinary bliss. From the savory embrace of Lasagna to the zesty kick of Orange Chicken, my repertoire ensures your dinner table is a haven of scrumptious delights. Join me on this gastronomic journey!