Delicious Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice Made Simple

Greek cuisine boasts a rich tradition of hearty and flavorful one-pot meals that combine succulent meats with aromatic grains.

The Instant Pot revolutionizes home cooking by transforming classic Mediterranean recipes into quick and effortless culinary experiences.

Home cooks can now enjoy authentic Greek-inspired dishes without spending hours in the kitchen preparing complex meals.

This delectable chicken and rice combination captures the essence of traditional Greek flavors with minimal preparation and cooking time.

Oregano, lemon, and garlic create a vibrant taste profile that transports diners to the sunny landscapes of Greece.

The Instant Pot method ensures tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice infused with robust Mediterranean seasonings.

Why Instant Pot Greek Chicken And Rice Saves Time

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delicious Greek chicken and rice dish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: The Instant Pot does most of the work, allowing you to marinate chicken ahead of time and let the appliance handle the cooking, reducing active prep time and kitchen stress.
• One-Pot Convenience Champion: Streamline your dinner routine with a single pot that sears, sautés, and pressure cooks, minimizing cleanup and making this recipe a go-to for efficient home cooks.
• Flavor-Packed Meal Prep Star: Easily batch cook this versatile recipe, with options to marinate overnight and store leftovers, ensuring delicious lunches and dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients List For Instant Pot Greek Chicken And Rice

• Chicken: Lean protein source that forms the main dish, choose boneless skinless chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Create a bright and tangy flavor base for the chicken, Mediterranean-style seasoning with fresh citrus notes.

• Onions, Zucchini: Add depth and texture to the dish, fresh and crisp vegetables that complement the chicken.

• Rice, Chicken Broth: Provide the foundation for a hearty one-pot meal, long-grain white rice works best for even cooking.

• Fresh Parsley, Lemon, Feta Cheese: Bright garnishes that add freshness, tanginess, and a salty finish to the dish, optional but recommended for authentic Greek flavor.

How To Make Instant Pot Greek Chicken And Rice

Step 1: Prepare Flavorful Chicken Marinade

• Combine chicken with marinade ingredients in a sealed container
• Allow flavors to meld for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate overnight

Step 2: Brown Chicken To Perfection

• Set Instant Pot to sauté mode
• Heat olive oil until shimmering
• Sear chicken pieces in batches
• Cook each side until golden brown and develop rich color
• Transfer browned chicken to a side plate

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Add chopped onions and zucchini to the Instant Pot
• Cook until vegetables become soft and slightly translucent

Step 4: Create One-Pot Chicken Rice Masterpiece

• Return browned chicken to the pot
• Pour in chicken broth
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice
• Add rice
• Stir ingredients thoroughly
• Close Instant Pot lid securely
• Cook on high pressure for 7 minutes

Step 5: Release and Fluff

• Quickly release pressure by turning valve
• Open lid carefully
• Gently fluff rice with a fork

Step 6: Serve with Delicious Garnishes

• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley
• Add extra lemon squeeze
• Top with crumbled feta cheese
• Serve hot and enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired meal

Tips To Help Instant Pot Greek Chicken And Rice

• Maximize Flavor Depth: Marinate chicken overnight for maximum taste absorption and tenderness, allowing herbs and spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Perfect Searing Technique: Pat chicken dry before searing to ensure a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in juices and develops rich caramelization.
• Rice Liquid Ratio: Use precise broth measurements to prevent soggy or undercooked rice, ensuring fluffy and perfectly cooked grains every time.
• Quick Release Magic: Perform immediate pressure release to stop cooking process and prevent rice from becoming mushy, maintaining ideal texture and preventing overcooking.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas for vegetarian version, and use cauliflower rice for low-carb alternative without compromising flavor profile.

How To Store And Reheat Instant Pot Greek Chicken And Rice

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping contents fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Transfer cooled meal to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen portions remain delicious for up to 3 months.
• Reheating in Microwave: Place portion on microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few tablespoons water over top, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warm, stirring midway.
• Reheating on Stovetop: Warm chicken and rice in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of broth or water to prevent drying, stirring gently until heated completely and maintaining original moisture.

Great Pairings For Instant Pot Greek Chicken And Rice

• Savor Mediterranean White Wine: Choose a crisp, light Assyrtiko or Moschofilero from Greece that complements the zesty lemon and herbal notes of the chicken and rice.
• Match Fresh Greek Salad: Create a side of chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and kalamata olives dressed with olive oil and oregano to echo the dish's Mediterranean flavors.
• Complement with Tzatziki: Prepare a cool, tangy yogurt sauce with grated cucumber, garlic, and dill to balance the warm, savory chicken and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Enhance with Herb-Infused Bread: Serve warm pita or crusty sourdough brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with za'atar to soak up the delicious cooking juices.

Ways To Adjust Instant Pot Greek Chicken And Rice

• Vegetarian Greek Rice Bowl: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, marinate in same Greek-style seasonings for protein-packed alternative.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap rice with cauliflower rice, maintaining authentic Mediterranean flavor profile while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce, and verify broth ingredients.
• Dairy-Free Mediterranean Adaptation: Omit feta cheese, substitute with nutritional yeast or dairy-free herb cashew cheese for similar tangy Mediterranean taste.

Instant Pot Greek Chicken And Rice FAQ

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but increase cooking time to 10-12 minutes and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

• Do I need to rinse the rice before cooking?

Yes, always rinse rice to remove excess starch, which helps prevent clumping and creates a better texture in the final dish.

• What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice like jasmine or basmati is ideal, as they maintain a fluffy texture and absorb flavors well in the Instant Pot.

• Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe for stovetop or oven cooking, adjusting liquid amounts and cooking times accordingly.

Easy Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Greek-inspired Instant Pot Chicken and Rice brings Mediterranean comfort straight to your dinner table. Fragrant herbs, tender chicken, and fluffy rice combine in a simple yet flavorful one-pot meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium red onion, chopped into large chunks
• 1 medium zucchini, quartered
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) red wine vinegar
• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) chicken broth or bone broth
• Juice from 1 lemon
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Rice and Optional Toppings:

• 1.25 cups jasmine rice
• ½ cup chopped parsley (optional)
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by combining it with marinade ingredients in a sealed container, allowing flavors to infuse for a minimum of 15 minutes or ideally overnight for deeper taste development.
2. Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté function and warm olive oil. Carefully brown chicken pieces in sequential batches, ensuring each side develops a rich golden exterior, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer seared chicken to a temporary holding plate.
3. Introduce chopped onions and zucchini into the pot, gently sautéing until vegetables become translucent and slightly softened, releasing their aromatic qualities.
4. Strategically return chicken pieces to the pot, nestling them among the vegetables. Pour in broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice, then evenly distribute rice throughout the mixture, ensuring all ingredients are well integrated.
5. Secure the Instant Pot lid, setting the pressure valve to sealing position. Cook on high pressure for precisely 7 minutes to achieve perfectly tender chicken and fluffy rice.
6. Once cooking completes, immediately execute a quick pressure release by shifting the valve to venting. Gently open the lid and delicately fluff the rice using a fork to separate grains.
7. Elevate the dish’s presentation by scattering fresh parsley, adding an extra citrusy splash of lemon, and crumbling feta cheese over the top for a classic Greek finishing touch.

Notes

• Marinating overnight intensifies the chicken’s flavor, allowing herbs and spices to penetrate deeply into the meat.
• Pat chicken dry before searing to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and creates delicious caramelization.
• Choose short-grain or medium-grain rice for better absorption of liquid and a creamier texture in the final dish.
• For gluten-free adaptation, confirm all ingredient labels and use tamari instea

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg