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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onions and zucchini for 2-3 minutes, releasing their aromatic qualities and creating a flavor foundation.
- 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.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid, set to high pressure, and cook for precisely 7 minutes to achieve perfectly tender chicken and fluffy rice.
- Immediately release pressure by shifting the valve to venting position, allowing steam to escape quickly.
- Gently fluff the rice with a fork, creating light and separated grains.
- 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