Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings made from frozen wings — both drumettes and flats — are ready in under 30 minutes. These honey BBQ wings are tossed in a rich, flavorful barbecue sauce, then briefly broiled to achieve a crisp exterior while keeping the interior juicy. Make a big batch: these easy Instant Pot BBQ chicken wings disappear fast.
Instant Pot BBQ Wings from Frozen
Making wings in the Instant Pot is fast and straightforward—you don’t need to thaw frozen wings. Pressure-cook them for a short time, toss in a honey BBQ sauce that balances sweet, smoky and spicy notes, and finish under the broiler to crisp the skin. The result is sticky, flavorful wings with a tender interior.
Tips & Tricks
- Best result: Pressure cook the wings plain, then coat them in the BBQ sauce and broil for 3–5 minutes to crisp and caramelize the outside. This preserves the juicy interior while creating a sticky, crisp finish.
- Boost the sauce: Start with a good store-bought BBQ sauce, then add honey, butter and a few seasonings (paprika, garlic powder and cayenne) to deepen the flavor. Don’t skip the butter — it enriches the sauce and helps it cling to the wings.
- Crisping method: Arrange sauced wings on a rack set over a foil-lined sheet and broil on the top rack for 3–5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. Broiling time varies by oven.
Easy Instant Pot BBQ Wings — Ingredients
See the full recipe card below for exact measurements. The list here is a quick reference.
- Chicken wings: Frozen drumettes and flats. No thawing required. If using fresh or thawed wings, reduce the pressure-cook time (see notes).
- BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand and flavor—hickory or original both work well. The recipe enhances store-bought sauce with honey and butter.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and helps the sauce glaze the wings. Adjust the amount to taste.
- Butter: Adds richness and sheen; it is an important component of the sauce.
- Seasonings: Paprika, garlic powder and cayenne pepper (optional if you prefer less heat).
How to Make Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings
A detailed, step-by-step recipe with exact measurements is available in the recipe card below.
Step 1 — Pressure Cook the Wings
- Frozen wings: Place a metal trivet in the Instant Pot insert, add 1 cup water, and arrange frozen wings on the trivet. Lock the lid, set the valve to seal, and pressure cook on HIGH for 15 minutes. Perform a quick release when the cycle ends.
- Fresh or thawed wings: Use the same setup but pressure cook on HIGH for 8 minutes, followed by a quick release. For fresh wings you can rub a little paprika, cayenne and salt before cooking.
Step 2 — Broil the BBQ Wings
- Make the sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine BBQ sauce, butter, honey, paprika, garlic powder and cayenne. Stir and simmer 2–3 minutes until combined and slightly thickened.
- Coat the wings: Transfer steamed wings to a bowl, pour the warm sauce over them, and toss until they are fully coated.
- Broil: Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange sauced wings in a single layer and broil on high for 3–5 minutes on the top rack until the edges crisp and the sauce becomes sticky. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Instant Pot Chicken Wings Without an Oven
If you don’t have an oven, skip the broiling step and serve the wings tossed in the hot honey BBQ sauce. They will be juicy and flavorful but won’t develop the same crisp exterior.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked wings in heavy-duty freezer bags or containers for up to 2 months. Reheated wings will lose some crispness; brush extra sauce on when reheating.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat refrigerated wings in the microwave or oven until hot. For frozen wings, thaw, brush with extra BBQ sauce and reheat in the oven or microwave. Reheated wings will be tasty but less crispy.
How to Steam Chicken Wings in the Instant Pot
Steam wings by placing them on a trivet inside the Instant Pot with 1 cup of water in the insert. Pressure-cook as directed above to steam the wings before saucing and broiling.
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings
Summary: Sticky, sweet and spicy honey BBQ wings made from frozen chicken, steamed in the Instant Pot and finished under the broiler for a crisp, caramelized exterior.
Cook time: 15 minutes (pressure cook) • Broiling: 3–5 minutes • Total time: about 20 minutes
Servings: 2 (adjust as needed)
Calories: 634 kcal (per serving, approximate)
Author: Meghna
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken wings (bone-in, skin-on; about 12 wings — frozen)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (hickory or original)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup water (for steaming)
Instructions
- Steam frozen wings: Place a trivet in the Instant Pot, add 1 cup water and arrange frozen wings on the trivet. Close lid, seal valve and pressure cook on HIGH for 15 minutes. Quick-release pressure and remove wings carefully.
- Prepare the BBQ sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine BBQ sauce, honey, butter, paprika, garlic powder and cayenne. Simmer 2–3 minutes, stirring until blended and slightly thickened.
- Toss wings in sauce: Transfer steamed wings to a large bowl, pour the sauce over them and toss until evenly coated.
- Broil to finish: Arrange sauced wings on a wire rack over a foil-lined sheet pan. Broil on the top rack for 3–5 minutes until the edges caramelize and become crisp. Watch closely to avoid burning. Serve hot.
Notes
- Spice level: Omit cayenne if you prefer milder wings, or substitute ground black pepper for a gentler heat.
- Scaling: You can double the recipe; pressure-cook time remains the same. Double all ingredients.
- Honey substitute: If you prefer not to use honey, replace it with 3–4 tablespoons brown sugar.
Nutrition information is an estimate and provided for guidance only.
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