This fast and fabulous Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs recipe will liven up your dinner menu and take no time to do it. From a fun new Instant Pot cookbook full of great, easy paleo recipes!
I seem to have less and less time right now to cook but thanks to my Instant Pot and a fun new cookbook that’s not a problem: The ‘I Love My Instant Pot’ Paleo Recipe Book by Michelle Fagone.
I reviewed Michelle’s first cookbook (The ‘I Love My Instant Pot’ Recipe Book) earlier this year and shared a delicious Instant Pot Chili Lime Chicken recipe.
Today’s Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Leg recipe from the new cookbook is another easy peasy, fast-and-fabulous recipe.
This cookbook would make a great Christmas gift for someone with an Instant Pot or one getting one for Christmas!
Jump to:
What Is Paleo?
Before diving into the cookbook, let’s talk ‘Paleo’.
It’s an eating regime of whole foods; meats, fish, vegetables, some fruits, nuts. It’s a grain and dairy-free eating approach that has been adopted by those wishing to reduce the chances of developing certain chronic diseases or desiring a grain-free diet.
It’s a whole food way of eating that avoids processed foods. For those gluten-free, the Paleo diet is also gluten-free (though not all foods that are gluten-free are paleo).
I think of Paleo food as they way my parents generation ate before the onset of processed foods. And frankly with the recipes in this cookbook, you can make whole ingredient recipes in a flash; processed food won’t be missed.
‘I Love My Instant Pot’ Paleo Recipe Book
The ‘I Love My Instant Pot’ Paleo Recipe Book covers breakfast to dessert with all courses in between.
I pored over all the recipes searching for the perfect thing to share at this busy time of year and found so many things I want to make: Quick Lime Marmalade (to eat on Black Pepper Scones), Homemade Chai Latte (to save weekly purchasing of them), Bison Sloppy Joes (though I’d probably put them on gluten-free buns), Tom Kha Goong (my favorite Thai soup especially when I have a cold).
As one would expect with the speed and ease of Instant Pot cooking, the recipes are simple, straight forward and easy to follow. There are no fussy cooking techniques and recipes that will keep your breakfast, lunch and dinner table hopping with effortless interesting food.
There is an easy primer in the beginning of the book on using your Instant Pot, as well as accessories the author suggests.
I found the format easier to absorb than the Instant Pot manual. I also love that there is a list in the back of the book of ‘Paleo ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ Foods’ to help if one is following a paleo regime. You’ll love the recipes whether you are eating Paleo or not.
From the first thumbing through this cookbook these Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs jumped off the page.
Smoked Paprika is one of my favorite spices with a deep, earthy flavor and gorgeous burnt red color.
Despite having only 4 ingredients this recipes is flavor-full and with a quick broil at the end the chicken legs are perfectly seared with juicy meat and crispy skin.
Ready in less than 30 minutes with little active cooking time.
Smoked Paprika vs regular Paprika
This recipe uses Smoked Paprika which taste very different than regular paprika. It has a deep earthy flavor.
For spicy food lovers you can swap it with HOT Smoked Paprika with will add some heat to the flavor.
Whichever version you use be sure to read the label to ensure you are getting the type you want!
Mind-Blowing Instant Pot Tips You Need!
While developing Instant Pot recipes for the past few years, I’ve uncovered some unexpected, useful tips you’ll want too!
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More Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love
- Instant Pot Meatloaf: Fast Easy Comfort Food
- Creamy Mushroom Instant Pot Pot Roast
- Chocolate Cherry Instant Pot Cheesecake
- Creme Brulee in the Instant Pot
- Instant Pot Short Ribs with Southwestern Harvest Succotash
- Vegetable Beef Soup in the Instant Pot
- Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
- Instant Pot Turkey Breast
- Southwestern Instant Pot Chili
Recipe
Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika*
- 1 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
- 3 pounds (about 10) Chicken Legs/drumsticks
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Season chicken legs with the seasoning mix.
- Add water to the Instant Pot and insert trivet. Arrange chicken standing up, meaty side down, on the trivet. Lock lid. Press the Poultry button (or High Pressure if there is no Poultry button) and cook for the default time of 15 minutes. When timer beeps, let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Quick release any remaining pressure until float valve drops and then unlock lid. Check the chicken using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is at least 165°F.
- Meanwhile (while pressure is releasing) position the top oven rack aproximately 4 inches below the broiler and turn on the broiler (on HIGH). Place chicken legs on a foil-lined baking sheet sprayed with non-stick spray. Cook the chicken 2 minutes on one side (watching closely to ensure no burning), flip with tongs, and cook 1 1/2 to 2 minutes on the opposite side to crisp the chicken.
- Transfer chicken to a serving plate and serve warm.
Video
Notes
- “Smoked paprika is an underused spice that should be at the front of your spice drawer. Sweet and smoky and a little mild, smoked paprika adds comfort to proteins and sauces, and it is lovely as a garnish on deviled eggs.” -Michelle Fagone (I Love My Instant Pot Paleo Recipe Book)
- To add more spicy heat, HOT Smoked Paprika can also be used.
Billy Belly says
Tried this recipe today. Absolutely fabulous! Straight forward, easy, and provides excellent results. Great flavour. A definite way to have supper ready quickly after a frustrating commute and a long day at work. Perfect !
Becky says
My insta pot diesn’t have a poultry or chicken setting. Recipe states default time of 15 minutes. So what do I set my pot on, low-med-high and for how long? Thank
Toni Dash says
Hi Becky. Unfortunately I’ve only made the recipe as described. I did a quick Google search for you and this article might help you determine what will work best for your device. Good luck!
Brian says
Poultry is just high pressure.
Melissa Storms says
These drumsticks are simple yet packed with flavor. They are now a part of our regular meal rotation.
Toni Dash says
I’m delighted to hear that Melissa!
Diane says
What exactly do you mean have the chicken legs standing, meaty side down. I am confused
Toni Dash says
Hi Diane. The recipe author was meaning having the drumsticks standing on end with the meatier side facing downward; the bone end without much meat on it is facing up toward the lid of the Instant Pot. Does that help?
Rach Ferrucci says
I think I’m the only one left that doesn’t have a instant pot and I really need to get one. This looks so good and seems like it’s so easy!
Wendy Brown says
My mom got my instant pot for my Christmas gift. let me tell you!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS!
I find myself searching recipes for every night!!!!
Purchase one, you will not be sorry!!
Btw, accessories!! Something I couldn’t resist for my instant pot !
Cat says
Mmmmm, I know what I am doing with chicken next week! Great recipe idea–thanks!
brianne says
What a great dish, my kids love chicken legs! I love that you made this in the instant pot!
Rosey says
It’s nice to use the spices. I think these would be great to put on the table for Christmas Eve.
Sarah says
This sounds like a super yummy dinner idea. I love my IP and whipping up tasty dishes in it. Thanks for the new recipe idea.
Crystal says
What an awesome cookbook! Instant Pot and paleo means that you’re going to have a happy mama! I can’t wait to try these paprika garlic chicken legs!