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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Introduce chopped onions and zucchini into the pot, gently sautéing until vegetables become translucent and slightly softened, releasing their aromatic qualities.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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