If you’re craving a hearty yet light meal that bursts with Mediterranean flavors, this Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice Recipe is a total game changer. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts perfectly seasoned and nestled atop fluffy, lemon-infused rice, all cooked effortlessly in your Instant Pot. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, bringing together the bright zing of lemon, the earthy hint of oregano, and a subtle soy sauce depth, making weeknight dinners feel deliciously special and surprisingly easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the secret to this dish’s magic. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s the fresh garlic that unlocks aromatic depth or the lemon juice that brightens every bite.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs): Provides tender, protein-packed goodness that cooks evenly in the Instant Pot.
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory base that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: The perfect texture to soak up all the delicious broth and lemon flavors.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Infuses the rice with rich, savory moisture without overpowering the fresh flavors.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Brings that classic, earthy Greek aroma and taste to the dish.
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice: Injects vibrant, zesty brightness that balances the richness beautifully.
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce: Contributes subtle umami depth and a touch of saltiness.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing the garlic and browning the chicken, adding a silky richness.
How to Make Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heating the olive oil until shimmering. Toss in the minced garlic and cook just until it releases its wonderful fragrance—about one minute. This step wakes up the flavors and sets a tasty foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and that indispensable dried oregano. Place them in the pot and brown each side for about three minutes. This step isn’t just about color—it seals in juices and deepens the flavor profile you’re building.
Step 3: Combine Rice and Liquids
Once your chicken is nicely browned, stir in the long-grain rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and soy sauce. Mix everything gently so the rice is evenly distributed and starts soaking up all those vibrant, complex flavors.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens—the rice cooks to fluffy perfection while the chicken becomes tender and infused with the lemony broth.
Step 5: Natural Pressure Release
Once cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. This helps the dish settle and finish cooking evenly. Afterward, carefully release any remaining pressure manually to unlock the lid.
Step 6: Fluff and Serve
Use a fork to fluff the rice gently, making sure everything looks light and inviting. Plate your Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice Recipe while hot, and don’t forget to drizzle any remaining flavorful sauce over the top for that final flourish.
How to Serve Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Simple fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or dill make a wonderful contrast to the warm, savory dish, adding a pop of greenery and a fresh herbal note. A wedge of lemon on the side invites everyone to brighten up their plate even more.
Side Dishes
Pair this recipe with crisp Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or warm pita bread for a full Mediterranean meal experience. The simplicity of the chicken and rice lets you play around with bolder, fresher sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of the fluffy rice, maybe even layering it in a pretty bowl with some olives and feta cheese sprinkled on top for that authentic vibe. For a fun twist, turn leftovers into a tasty wrap with some tzatziki and crunchy veggies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your family has enjoyed this dish, store any leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow and come together beautifully next day.
Freezing
This Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice Recipe freezes well! Portion into freezer-safe containers, making sure everything has cooled completely first. It’s perfect for quick meals down the road and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dish and warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems a little dry. You’ll get that fresh-from-the-pot taste all over again.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it takes longer to cook, so the Instant Pot settings and cook time will need adjusting. Brown rice also absorbs liquid differently, so you might want to experiment a bit for perfect texture.
Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra richness and tend to stay juicy. They may require slightly different cooking times, but in the Instant Pot, they work beautifully in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so no adjustments necessary. If you want to add garnishes like feta cheese, just omit them or use dairy-free alternatives.
What can I add for extra veggies?
Sliced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini can be stirred in right after browning the chicken or added before pressure cooking for a more substantial meal packed with nutrients.
Does the lemon juice affect cooking time or texture?
The lemon juice brightens the flavor without changing cooking times or texture in a noticeable way. It’s the perfect touch to keep the dish fresh and lively.
Final Thoughts
You’re going to love how effortless and delicious this Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice Recipe is for bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy yet comes together in a flash, perfect for busy nights or anytime you want something comforting and flavorful. Give it a try—you might just find your new weeknight favorite!
Print
Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice recipe offers a deliciously tender and flavorful one-pot meal combining juicy chicken breasts with aromatic garlic, tangy lemon, and herbs. Utilizing the Instant Pot for quick pressure cooking, this dish perfectly infuses the rice with savory chicken broth and classic Mediterranean seasonings, making it an easy and wholesome dinner option for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Rice and Cooking
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat and Sauté Garlic: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Brown the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Place the chicken into the Instant Pot and brown on each side for about 3 minutes to lock in flavor and add texture.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the long-grain white rice, pour in the chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice, and mix the ingredients gently until well combined.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid, set it to pressure cook on high, and cook for 10 minutes. This will cook the chicken through and tenderize the rice by infusing it with the cooking liquids.
- Release Pressure: After cooking, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure carefully.
- Serve: Open the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains, and serve the chicken and rice hot. Drizzle with any remaining sauce in the pot to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs if preferred; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Make sure to rinse the rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- To add vegetables like spinach or tomatoes, stir them in after pressure cooking and allow them to wilt in the residual heat.
- Use low-sodium broth and soy sauce to control sodium levels.
