Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice

Let’s talk about a dish that’s not only packed with flavor but is also ready in no time—Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice! If you’re craving something fresh, savory, and satisfying, this is your answer. Imagine tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked with a medley of Mediterranean-inspired spices, all nestled in a bed of fluffy rice. The Instant Pot makes it super easy to bring this dish to life, saving you time without sacrificing flavor. The garlic, lemon, oregano, and a touch of feta cheese give this meal that delicious Greek flair. It’s comfort food with a Mediterranean twist—light, flavorful, and just plain irresistible. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a go-to in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice

Quick and Easy: This one-pot meal is a total game-changer, with minimal prep time and just one pot to clean. You’ll have a flavorful, hearty meal in under 40 minutes!

Bright and Fresh: The tangy lemon, fresh garlic, and oregano make the chicken and rice so vibrant, it feels like a mini vacation to the Mediterranean with every bite.

Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Thanks to the Instant Pot, the chicken turns out so tender and juicy—it practically melts in your mouth.

One-Pot Wonder: Less mess, less stress. Everything cooks together in one pot, so you can focus on enjoying the meal instead of worrying about a pile of dishes.

Customizable: Want to add more veggies? Toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or olives. You can tweak the recipe to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The tender protein base of your dish, packed with flavor and ready to soak up all the delicious seasonings.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing the chicken and building up that beautiful base flavor.
• 1 onion, chopped – Adds a mild sweetness that balances the tangy lemon and savory herbs.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – The aromatic backbone of this dish, giving it a deep, savory note.
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice – Fluffy rice that soaks up all the flavorful broth and spices.
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth – The liquid base that infuses the rice and chicken with all the savory goodness.
• 1 tsp dried oregano – A classic Mediterranean herb that gives this dish its signature flavor.
• 1 tsp dried thyme – A warm, earthy complement to the oregano.
• 1/2 tsp salt – Enhances the other flavors.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – Adds a little kick without overpowering the dish.
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon – For that bright, citrusy pop of flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken and rice.
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled – Optional but highly recommended for a creamy, tangy finish.

For the Garnish (optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped – Adds a pop of freshness and color.
• Extra lemon wedges – For an extra squeeze of zesty goodness right before serving.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Chicken:
Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and heat olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and brown them on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). You’re not cooking them all the way through, just getting a nice sear. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Rice and Broth:
Stir in the rice, making sure to coat it in the oil and aromatics for a minute. Then add the chicken broth, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Stir everything together.

4. Layer the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice. Do not stir. Close the Instant Pot lid, making sure the valve is set to “Sealing.”

5. Cook:
Set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook on high for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release to let out any remaining steam.

6. Shred or Slice the Chicken:
Once the pressure is released, open the lid. You can either shred the chicken using two forks or slice it. Either way, it will be juicy and tender.

7. Fluff the Rice and Serve:
Fluff the rice with a fork and gently mix it with the chicken. Squeeze in the lemon juice and give everything a good stir.

8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken and rice in bowls, topped with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Add extra lemon wedges on the side for those who like an extra citrusy burst.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 420
Total Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 34g
Vitamin A: 4%
Vitamin C: 20%
Calcium: 8%
Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice

On Its Own: This dish is hearty enough to serve as a main course by itself, thanks to the chicken, rice, and delicious Greek flavors.

With a Side Salad: Pair it with a refreshing Mediterranean salad like a Greek Salad or a Cucumber and Tomato Salad to keep the fresh, bright flavors going.

With Roasted Vegetables: For a more filling meal, serve with roasted veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers drizzled with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice.

With Pita or Flatbread: Serve with warm pita bread or flatbread on the side to soak up any extra sauce and feta. It’s like getting a little Greek restaurant experience at home!

Additional Tips

Add Veggies: You can toss in some spinach, peas, or olives along with the rice to make this a more colorful, nutrient-packed dish.

Use Brown Rice: If you prefer brown rice, it will work, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to about 22-25 minutes on high pressure.

Make it Creamy: If you want a creamier dish, stir in a little Greek yogurt or a splash of heavy cream after cooking for extra richness.

Meal Prep: This recipe stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can also be frozen for future meals.

Adjust the Spice: Feel free to add some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne if you like a little extra heat in your food.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time to 12 minutes for thighs.

Q2: Can I use a different type of rice?
A2: Yes, you can substitute with jasmine rice or even brown rice, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.

Q3: Can I make this dish in advance?
A3: Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the chicken and rice. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?
A5: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth if the rice has dried out a bit.

Q6: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
A6: Yes! If you want to skip the chicken cooking step, you can shred rotisserie chicken and mix it with the rice and sauce after pressure cooking. Just warm it up for a couple of minutes in the Instant Pot.

Q7: How do I prevent the rice from being too sticky?
A7: Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps prevent it from becoming sticky during cooking.

Q8: Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
A8: Absolutely! Add veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q9: Can I use lemon juice instead of lemon zest?
A9: Yes, you can use lemon juice, but zest adds an extra layer of citrus flavor that’s hard to replicate. You can use both if you like!

Q10: What can I serve this with?
A10: This dish is perfect with a side of Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or pita bread to round out your meal.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice recipe is a flavorful, one-pot meal that’s quick, easy, and totally satisfying. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and all those Mediterranean flavors, it’s bound to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress! Enjoy!

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