Easy Greek Chicken & Rice Recipe: Instant Pot Magic

Crafting a mouthwatering instant pot greek chicken and rice dish brings Mediterranean flavors right to your kitchen table.

Aromas of herbs and spices will soon fill your home with warmth.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among fluffy rice grains, creating a comforting meal.

Oregano, lemon, and garlic dance together in a delightful symphony of taste.

Mediterranean cooking feels surprisingly simple when you follow this straightforward recipe.

Zesty and bright, this one-pot wonder promises to become a quick weeknight favorite.

You’ll savor every single bite of this delicious culinary adventure.

Variations to Try with Greek Chicken and Rice

• Mediterranean Seafood Splash: Replace chicken with shrimp or white fish, using similar Greek-inspired seasonings and maintaining the rice cooking method.
• Vegetarian Mediterranean Bowl: Swap chicken with chickpeas or cubed tofu, keeping the original herb and spice profile for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Greek-Inspired Creation: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, and extra garlic to create a hot and zesty version with increased heat levels.
• Mediterranean Lamb Fusion: Use lamb chunks instead of chicken, adjusting cooking time slightly while preserving the core rice and herb combination.

What Goes Well with Greek Chicken and Rice

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Choose a crisp, light white wine like Assyrtiko from Greece, which mirrors the recipe's Mediterranean flavors and cuts through the richness of chicken and feta.
• Complementary Side Salad: Whip up a quick Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onions, and olives dressed in olive oil and oregano to enhance the main dish's herbal notes.
• Refreshing Beverage Companion: Serve chilled tzatziki as a cooling drink alongside the meal, offering a tangy yogurt-based complement that balances the dish's warm, savory profile.
• Mediterranean Texture Contrast: Add a small portion of warm pita bread to provide a soft, pillowy texture that helps soak up the delicious cooking juices from the chicken and rice.

How to Store Greek Chicken and Rice Safely

• Place leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled meal to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dishes with fresh herbs or feta cheese.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons water to prevent drying, cover with microwave-safe lid, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the rice from burning in the Instant Pot?

Make sure to scrape and deglaze the bottom of the pot after searing the chicken to remove any browned bits. This prevents scorching and ensures even cooking.

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes and ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

• What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is ideal as it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well in the Instant Pot. Avoid brown rice, which requires longer cooking times.

• Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

While not mandatory, marinating enhances flavor and helps tenderize the meat. Even a short 15-minute marinade can significantly improve the dish’s taste.

Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice Tips

• Savor Speedy Preparation: Dive into a meal that comes together quickly with minimal prep work, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave delicious home-cooked food.
• Embrace One-Pot Convenience: Eliminate multiple dishes and cleanup hassles with this streamlined Instant Pot recipe that combines protein, rice, and vegetables in a single cooking vessel.
• Celebrate Flavor-Packed Nutrition: Enjoy a balanced meal bursting with Greek-inspired flavors, featuring protein-rich chicken, fresh vegetables, and zesty lemon that keeps your taste buds dancing.
• Master Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Discover a foolproof recipe that guides even novice cooks through simple steps, ensuring a restaurant-quality dish without complex techniques or intimidating instructions.

Ingredients for Greek Chicken and Rice

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that forms the core of this Greek-inspired one-pot meal.

• Rice: A fluffy and absorbent base that soaks up the delicious cooking liquids and provides a satisfying texture.

• Onions, Zucchini: Aromatic and fresh vegetables that add depth of flavor and nutritional value to the dish.

• Broth, Lemon Juice: A combination that creates a bright and savory cooking liquid for the chicken and rice.

• Olive Oil: A classic Mediterranean ingredient that helps sear the chicken and adds rich flavor.

• Parsley, Feta Cheese, Lemon: Fresh herbs and tangy cheese that provide a burst of freshness and additional flavor to the finished dish.

• Marinade Ingredients: Seasonings that infuse the chicken with traditional Greek-inspired flavors and tenderize the meat.

Stepwise Instructions for Greek Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prep the Protein

Place chicken in a large zip-top bag with a flavorful marinade. Let the chicken soak up delicious Mediterranean flavors for at least 15 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator for maximum taste.

• Greek yogurt
• Lemon juice
• Dried oregano
• Garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage the marinade into the chicken to ensure even coating.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Fire up your Instant Pot on saute mode.

Drizzle olive oil and carefully place chicken pieces, creating a beautiful golden-brown crust. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until perfectly caramelized.

Transfer chicken to a temporary plate.

Step 3: Veggie Magic

In the same pot, toss in chopped onions and zucchini.

Saute until they become soft and slightly translucent, releasing their wonderful aromas.

Step 4: Build the One-Pot Wonder

Return the seared chicken to the pot.

• Chicken broth
• Lemon juice
• Uncooked rice

Stir everything together to create a harmonious mixture. Secure the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.

Step 5: Release and Fluff

Quickly release the pressure by turning the valve. Open the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork, allowing steam to escape.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top the dish with fresh chopped parsley, an extra splash of lemon juice, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese. Dive into this Greek-inspired comfort meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors!

Helpful Advice for Instant Pot Greek Chicken

• Allow chicken to marinate longer for deeper, more intense Greek-inspired flavors that penetrate every bite.
• Pat chicken dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy tenderness.
• Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping for fluffy, separated grains.
• Add extra lemon zest for a bright, citrusy punch that elevates the entire dish's Mediterranean profile.
• Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a delicious plant-based version that maintains the recipe's authentic Greek essence.

Instant Pot Greek Chicken And Rice Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor Mediterranean magic with this Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice, where tender chicken nestles into fragrant herbed rice. Zesty lemon, oregano, and garlic create a perfect one-pot meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Protein:

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

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Marinade Ingredients:

• 0.25 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Juice from 1 lemon

Rice and Vegetables:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium red onion, chopped into large chunks
• 1 medium zucchini, quartered
• 1.25 cups jasmine rice
• 1.5 cups chicken broth or bone broth

Optional Garnish:

• 0.5 cup chopped parsley
• 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by combining it with marinade ingredients in a sealed container, allowing flavors to penetrate for a minimum of 15 minutes or refrigerate overnight for deeper infusion.
2. Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté function at medium-high heat, drizzle olive oil, and carefully brown chicken pieces in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden exterior develops. Transfer seared chicken to a holding plate.
3. In the same pot, sauté chopped onions and zucchini for 2-3 minutes, releasing their aromatic qualities and creating a flavor foundation.
4. Reintroduce the seared chicken to the pot, pour in broth and lemon juice, then layer rice evenly across the ingredients. Ensure thorough mixing without disturbing the bottom layer.
5. Secure the Instant Pot lid, set to high pressure, and cook for precisely 7 minutes to achieve perfectly tender chicken and fluffy rice.
6. Immediately release pressure by shifting the valve to venting position, allowing steam to escape quickly.
7. Gently fluff the rice with a fork, creating light and separated grains.
8. Elevate the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley, an additional lemon squeeze, and optional crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean finish.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, allowing herbs and spices to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
• Sear chicken in batches to ensure proper browning and avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of caramelization.
• Use high-quality broth or homemade stock to enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Customize the recipe for dietary needs by substituting rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version or using gluten-free broth for sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (or up to overnight)
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 318 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg