Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings made with frozen wings—both drumettes and flats—are ready in under 30 minutes. These honey BBQ wings are coated in a rich, homemade-style BBQ sauce and briefly broiled for a crisp exterior and juicy interior. Make a large batch: these easy Instant Pot BBQ chicken wings disappear fast.
Instant Pot BBQ Wings from Frozen
Instant Pot wings are simple and satisfying. You don’t need to thaw frozen wings; the Instant Pot steams and cooks them perfectly in about 15 minutes. After steaming, toss the wings in a flavorful honey-BBQ sauce and broil briefly to develop a beautifully crisp, sticky coating.
The BBQ sauce for these honey BBQ wings is sweet, smoky and slightly spicy, giving plenty of robust flavor. It clings to the wings to create a glaze you’ll want to lick from your fingers.
Tips & Tricks
- Best Results: Do not cook the wings in the Instant Pot with the BBQ sauce. Steam the wings first, then coat them in the sauce and broil for 3–5 minutes to crisp the edges. This gives you a sticky glaze and a crisp exterior while keeping the meat juicy.
- Boosted BBQ Sauce: Enhancing store-bought BBQ sauce with honey, butter and a few seasonings lifts it dramatically. Don’t skip those additions; they balance sweetness, richness and heat.
- Get Them Crispy: After tossing the steamed wings in sauce, broil them on the top rack for 3–5 minutes. Times vary by oven, so watch closely to avoid burning. The quick broil crisps the skin and caramelizes the sauce.
Easy Instant Pot BBQ Wings – Ingredients
See the detailed ingredient list with measurements in the recipe section below. The short reference list here highlights the main components.
- Chicken Wings: Use frozen drumettes and flats straight from the freezer. If using fresh wings, see the notes for adjusted cook time.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose a robust, smoky sauce. A hickory-style BBQ sauce works well but use your favorite brand.
- Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps the glaze cling to the wings. Adjust the amount to taste.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the sauce shine.
- Seasonings: Paprika, garlic powder and cayenne (optional for heat).
How to make Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings
A full step-by-step recipe with exact measurements and optional video guidance appears in the recipe block below.
Step #1 — Pressure Cook the Wings
- Frozen wings: Place the Instant Pot metal trivet inside the insert and add 1 cup water. Arrange frozen wings on the trivet in a single layer if possible. Close the lid, set the valve to seal and pressure cook on HIGH for 15 minutes. Perform a quick release at the end of the cooking cycle. Use oven mitts to lift the trivet and transfer the wings to a bowl.
- Fresh or thawed wings: Follow the same process but pressure cook on HIGH for 8 minutes, then quick release. For fresh wings you can rub a light seasoning of paprika, cayenne and salt before cooking.
Step #2 — Broil with BBQ Sauce
- Make the sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine BBQ sauce, butter, honey, garlic powder, paprika and cayenne (if using). Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes until warm and slightly thickened.
- Toss the wings: Transfer the steamed wings to a large bowl, pour the warm sauce over them and toss with a spatula until each piece is well coated.
- Broil: Line a baking tray with foil and set a metal rack on top. Arrange the sauced wings in a single layer and broil on the top rack for 3–5 minutes. Watch carefully—broiling times vary by oven. The result should be glossy, sticky wings with slightly crisped edges.
Instant Pot Chicken Wings Without an Oven
If you don’t have an oven, skip the broiling step. Toss the steamed wings in the honey-BBQ sauce and serve. They will be saucy and flavorful but won’t have crisp outer edges.
Storage
- Fridge: Store cooled 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 their crispness; brush with extra sauce before reheating for better flavor.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat chilled wings in the microwave until warmed through. For frozen wings, thaw first, brush with extra BBQ sauce, then reheat in the oven or microwave. Reheated wings rarely regain the original crispiness but remain tasty and saucy.
How to Steam Wings in the Instant Pot
To steam wings in the Instant Pot, place them on a trivet or steaming rack above 1 cup of water. Pressure cook on HIGH for the time recommended above, then quick release to remove them immediately and preserve texture.
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken wings (bone-in, skin-on; frozen, about 12 wings)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (choose a smoky, robust variety)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp butter
Seasonings
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Liquid
- 1 cup water (for steaming in the Instant Pot)
Instructions
- Steam frozen wings: Place a metal trivet in the Instant Pot insert and add 1 cup water. Set frozen wings on the trivet. Seal and pressure cook on HIGH for 15 minutes. Quick release and carefully lift out the trivet.
- Make the sauce: While the wings steam, combine BBQ sauce, honey, butter, garlic powder, paprika and cayenne in a small saucepan. Simmer on medium for 2–3 minutes, stirring, then remove from heat.
- Toss wings in sauce: Place steamed wings in a large bowl, pour over the warm sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Broil: Line a baking tray with foil and set a metal rack on top. Arrange wings in a single layer and broil on high for 3–5 minutes until the sauce is sticky and edges are slightly crisp. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Notes
- Spice level: Omit cayenne if you prefer mild wings or substitute with black pepper for a milder bite.
- Doubling: You can double the recipe; cooking times in the Instant Pot remain the same. Double the ingredients.
- Honey substitute: Omit honey or use 3–4 tablespoons brown sugar if preferred.
Calorie and nutrition details are estimates provided by a third-party tool and should be used for guidance only.
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