If you’re looking for a delicious, one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor, this Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy pieces of chicken seasoned with warm Mediterranean spices, perfectly cooked rice infused with lemon and herbs, and a scattering of fresh vegetables. This meal is like a trip to Greece on a plate, with all the comfort of a homemade dinner and none of the fuss. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, as it all comes together in the Instant Pot in under an hour from start to finish, and you only have one pot to clean up. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, with juicy chicken and fluffy, flavorful rice, making it perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions.
What makes this dish special is its balance of flavors and textures. The Greek-inspired seasonings bring a fragrant, zesty taste to the chicken and rice, while the rice cooks in the chicken juices, becoming tender and rich with flavor. A touch of lemon juice adds brightness, and optional add-ins like olives and feta cheese take this meal to the next level. The Instant Pot does all the hard work for you, locking in the moisture and creating perfectly cooked, fluffy rice and tender chicken without any need for multiple pots or stirring. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to make Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice, with tips on choosing the best ingredients, customizing the flavors, and achieving perfect texture every time.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this delicious and easy Greek-inspired dish in your Instant Pot. Grab your ingredients, set your Instant Pot, and let’s make a meal that’s both impressive and incredibly simple to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in the Instant Pot, meaning less mess and fewer dishes to wash.
Greek-Inspired Flavors: The combination of garlic, oregano, lemon, and herbs creates a taste that’s bright, savory, and Mediterranean.
Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot makes this recipe simple and efficient, perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to spend too long in the kitchen.
Customizable: You can easily add your favorite Greek-inspired ingredients like kalamata olives, feta cheese, or sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the flavor.
Great for Meal Prep: This dish reheats well and is ideal for meal prepping lunches or dinners for the week.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes (plus 10 minutes for natural pressure release)
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6
- Serving Size: 1 portion
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
Ingredients
For the Greek Chicken and Rice:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or basmati rice), rinsed well
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium if preferred)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 1-2 lemons)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, halved (optional)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
- Cut the Chicken: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the spices.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and season with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and paprika. Toss to coat the chicken thoroughly in the spices, making sure each piece is well seasoned.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables
- Set Up the Instant Pot: Turn the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and let it heat up. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot.
- Sear the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the Instant Pot. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s lightly browned. This helps lock in the flavors and adds depth to the dish. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through, as it will finish cooking under pressure. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the Instant Pot. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and zucchini. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Rice and Liquid
- Add the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps prevent it from becoming too sticky. Add the rinsed rice to the Instant Pot, stirring well to coat it in the remaining oil and vegetables.
- Add the Chicken Broth and Lemon Juice: Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, stirring to combine. The lemon juice adds a bright, zesty flavor that’s essential to Greek cuisine. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, as these add extra flavor and prevent the Instant Pot from giving a “burn” warning.
- Return the Chicken to the Pot: Place the seared chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Do not stir, as this helps the rice cook evenly without sticking.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Chicken and Rice
- Seal the Instant Pot: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the “Sealing” position.
- Set the Cooking Time: Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” function, set to high pressure, and set the timer for 8 minutes. It will take a few minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure before the timer starts.
- Natural Pressure Release: When the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. This ensures the rice finishes cooking gently and prevents it from becoming mushy. After 10 minutes, carefully turn the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the Lid: Once the pressure has been fully released, open the lid and give the chicken and rice a gentle stir to mix everything together. The rice should be fluffy, and the chicken should be tender.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches and Serve
- Add Optional Ingredients: If using, add the halved kalamata olives and stir them into the chicken and rice for a briny, salty flavor that complements the Greek-inspired spices.
- Garnish with Feta and Herbs: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the dish and garnish with fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the Greek chicken and rice into bowls, garnish with extra lemon wedges if desired, and enjoy!
How to Serve Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice
This dish is delicious as-is, but here are a few ideas to elevate it:
- With a Side Salad: Serve with a simple Greek salad of cucumber, tomato, red onion, olives, and feta for a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory rice.
- With Warm Pita Bread: Pita bread is perfect for scooping up the chicken and rice, adding a nice texture and extra carbs for a filling meal.
- With Tzatziki Sauce: Serve with a side of creamy tzatziki for a cool, tangy complement to the warm, spiced chicken and rice.
- With Extra Lemon Wedges: A few extra lemon wedges on the side let everyone add a touch more brightness and acidity to their meal.
Additional Tips for Success
- Use Long-Grain Rice: Long-grain rice or basmati rice works best for this recipe, as it doesn’t get too sticky and stays fluffy. Avoid using short-grain rice, which can become mushy in the Instant Pot.
- Don’t Skip the Sauté Step: Searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables adds depth of flavor. The Instant Pot’s “Sauté” function makes this easy, so don’t skip this step.
- Deglaze the Pot: Scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot before pressure cooking helps prevent the “burn” warning and adds extra flavor to the dish.
- Natural Release for Fluffier Rice: Allowing the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes results in fluffier, perfectly cooked rice. Quick release can make the rice mushy, so be patient.
- Customize the Flavors: This recipe is versatile. You can add sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, or even roasted red peppers to give it your own spin.
Recipe Variations
- Greek Lemon Chicken and Orzo: Replace the rice with orzo pasta for a slightly different texture. Cook time and liquid ratios may vary, so check the Instant Pot manual for guidance on cooking orzo.
- Mediterranean Chicken and Rice with Vegetables: Add extra vegetables like spinach, chopped tomatoes, or artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist.
- Spicy Greek Chicken and Rice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth for a hint of heat.
- Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: Use fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and dill for a herby twist. Stir them in just before serving for a fragrant, aromatic dish.
- Garlic Butter Greek Chicken and Rice: Add a tablespoon of garlic butter or herb-infused butter to the rice before cooking for a rich, buttery flavor.
Freezing and Storage
- Storing Leftovers: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.
- Freezing: Let the cooked chicken and rice cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth if needed to prevent the rice from drying out.
Special Equipment
- Instant Pot: An Instant Pot or any electric pressure cooker is essential for this recipe. It allows for one-pot cooking with minimal hands-on time and yields perfectly tender chicken and fluffy rice.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Useful for stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just increase the cooking time to about 10 minutes, as bone-in chicken takes slightly longer to cook.
2. Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cook time and add more liquid. Brown rice typically requires 22-25 minutes of cook time, so adjust accordingly.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the feta cheese, as the recipe is naturally dairy-free otherwise. The dish will still be full of flavor.
4. How do I prevent the Instant Pot from showing a “burn” warning?
Make sure to deglaze the pot by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom after sautéing. This helps prevent the burn warning and adds flavor to the dish.
5. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but do not fill the Instant Pot past the maximum fill line. Cook time should remain the same.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice recipe brings together bold Mediterranean flavors in a quick, one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy nights. With juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a tangy burst of lemon, each bite feels like a trip to the Greek isles. This recipe is easy, customizable, and perfect for serving family or guests, and the Instant Pot makes it possible to achieve amazing flavor with minimal effort and clean-up. Add your favorite garnishes and side dishes to complete the meal, and enjoy the rich, savory flavors of Greece at your own table. Try this recipe the next time you’re craving something delicious yet easy to prepare. Happy cooking!
Print
Pot Greek Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
Ingredients
For the Greek Chicken and Rice:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or basmati rice), rinsed well
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium if preferred)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 1–2 lemons)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, halved (optional)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
- Cut the Chicken: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the spices.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and season with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and paprika. Toss to coat the chicken thoroughly in the spices, making sure each piece is well seasoned.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables
- Set Up the Instant Pot: Turn the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and let it heat up. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot.
- Sear the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the Instant Pot. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s lightly browned. This helps lock in the flavors and adds depth to the dish. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through, as it will finish cooking under pressure. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the Instant Pot. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and zucchini. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Rice and Liquid
- Add the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps prevent it from becoming too sticky. Add the rinsed rice to the Instant Pot, stirring well to coat it in the remaining oil and vegetables.
- Add the Chicken Broth and Lemon Juice: Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, stirring to combine. The lemon juice adds a bright, zesty flavor that’s essential to Greek cuisine. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, as these add extra flavor and prevent the Instant Pot from giving a “burn” warning.
- Return the Chicken to the Pot: Place the seared chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Do not stir, as this helps the rice cook evenly without sticking.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Chicken and Rice
- Seal the Instant Pot: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the “Sealing” position.
- Set the Cooking Time: Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” function, set to high pressure, and set the timer for 8 minutes. It will take a few minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure before the timer starts.
- Natural Pressure Release: When the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. This ensures the rice finishes cooking gently and prevents it from becoming mushy. After 10 minutes, carefully turn the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the Lid: Once the pressure has been fully released, open the lid and give the chicken and rice a gentle stir to mix everything together. The rice should be fluffy, and the chicken should be tender.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches and Serve
- Add Optional Ingredients: If using, add the halved kalamata olives and stir them into the chicken and rice for a briny, salty flavor that complements the Greek-inspired spices.
- Garnish with Feta and Herbs: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the dish and garnish with fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the Greek chicken and rice into bowls, garnish with extra lemon wedges if desired, and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (plus 10 minutes for natural pressure release)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g