Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Legs

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Legs are packed with bold buffalo flavor and come together fast in the pressure cooker. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make tender, juicy drumsticks that taste delicious, without the takeout price.

This is one of our favorite easy dinners when we need something budget-friendly and filling. The Instant Pot does all the work, so dinner is ready quickly and everyone gets that classic buffalo flavor they love.

Recipe Snapshot

• Cooking Method: Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes (plus natural release)
• Total Time: About 30 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Budget Tip: Use chicken drumsticks when they are on sale and freeze extras for later meals.
• Why We Love It: Big buffalo flavor with minimal prep and simple pantry ingredients.

How to Make Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Legs

Step 1 – Prepare Instant Pot for Chicken – Place the Instant pot trivet at the bottom of the Instant pot.

Step 2 – Add Chicken Broth – Pour in the chicken broth.

Step 3 – Add Chicken Legs – Place the drumsticks on the rack.

Step 4 – Sprinkle Seasoning – Sprinkle the ranch mix over the top.

Step 5 – Prepare IP – Add the lid and set the valve to sealing with knob. You can select the poultry setting as well.

Step 6 – Cook on High – Set the instant pot manual high pressure for 12 minutes. Cooking time will vary.

Step 7 – Natural Release – Allow it to do a natural release for 15 minutes. Remove all the pressure.

Step 8 – Remove Chicken from IP – Once finished, place the cooked chicken legs on a baking sheet with tongs and baste or toss with yummy buffalo hot sauce for 15 minutes or so. Broil for 5-10 minutes or until it begins to brown under the broiler.

Step 9 – Serve and Enjoy – Serve immediately

Budget Tips

• Buy drumsticks in bulk packs when they go on sale and freeze in meal-size portions.
• Use store-brand buffalo sauce to save money.
• Stretch leftovers by shredding the chicken for wraps, sandwiches, or quesadillas.
• Serve with simple sides like rice, carrots, or celery to keep the meal affordable.

What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Legs?

Buffalo Chicken Legs are great for a game day snack or as a meal.

• Dipping Sauce – We love to have a variety of dipping sauces available. My kids love ranch and buffalo sauce. Blue Cheese dipping sauce is another family favorite.
• Vegetable Tray – Having a vegetable tray served with the buffalo chicken legs is always a good idea. Broccoli, celery and carrots sticks are some of our favorites that pair well with buffalo chicken.
• Macaroni and Cheese – We love serving macaroni and cheese and a side of vegetables when we making buffalo chicken legs as a meal.
• Potatoes – A side of Roasted Red Potatoes is always a family favorite and a healthy dinner idea.

How to Use Leftovers

• Make a Soup – If you need an easy idea to use your leftovers, make Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta.
• Sandwiches – Shred the chicken and use it to make Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches. This would be perfect for a Saturday lunch or for work the next day.
• Make Quesadilla – Making Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla is a great way to use leftovers. Shred chicken and place in between two tortilla’s and heat.
• Buffalo Wraps – We love to make Buffalo Chicken Wraps. We drizzle ranch dressing and add in the shredded chicken and top with lettuce. It makes the perfect wrap.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the microwave, oven, or air fryer until warmed through.

You can also freeze cooked drumsticks for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.