Description
This Lemon Dijon Chicken Drumstick recipe combines tangy lemon juice and sharp Dijon mustard with garlic and olive oil to create a flavorful marinade. The chicken is first marinated for at least two hours, then pressure cooked to lock in moisture, and finally air crisped in the Ninja Foodi to achieve a crispy, golden exterior. Perfectly tender and packed with bright, savory flavors, this easy-to-make dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner serving four.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 8 chicken drumsticks
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken drumsticks into a bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the drumsticks, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Set up the pressure cooker: When ready to cook, pour 2 cups of water into the bottom of your Ninja Foodi pressure cooker pot. Remove the drumsticks from marinade, gently shaking off excess sauce.
- Place chicken in Cook & Crisp Basket: Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer inside the Cook & Crisp Basket. Save the leftover marinade sauce for later use.
- Pressure cook the chicken: Insert the basket into the pot. Secure the pressure lid, ensuring the valve is set to 'seal'. Select the PRESSURE function on HIGH and set the timer for 12 minutes. Start the cooking process.
- Release pressure safely: Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to 'vent' position, using the end of a wooden spoon to avoid steam burns. Remove the lid carefully after pressure has fully released.
- Prepare for air crisping: Remove the drumsticks onto a plate. Lightly spray the Cook & Crisp Basket with non-stick cooking spray. Place chicken back in a single layer in the basket. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the drumsticks with the reserved marinade sauce.
- Air crisp to finish: Close the crisping lid. Select AIR CRISP mode, set temperature to 400°F (204°C), and set timer for 10 minutes. Press START to begin air crisping, which will give the chicken a crispy, golden skin.
- Serve: When done, carefully remove the chicken and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to penetrate, but overnight marination will yield the best taste.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- If you don't have a Ninja Foodi, this recipe can be adapted by pressure cooking in an Instant Pot and finishing under a broiler or in an air fryer.
- Leftover sauce can be gently simmered and served as a dipping sauce or drizzled over the chicken for extra flavor.
- Be cautious when releasing pressure to avoid burns from steam.