Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice

Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice is a delightful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken pieces with flavorful rice, all infused with a zesty olive oil and herb marinade. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, as it cooks in just 10 minutes in your Instant Pot. With its gluten-free and dairy-free qualities, it’s suitable for various dietary needs while delivering delicious Mediterranean flavors that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 27 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy days.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in the Instant Pot, reducing cleanup time and effort.
• Flavorful Marinade: The olive oil and herb marinade infuse the chicken with mouthwatering flavors.
• Versatile Meal Prep: Great for preparing healthy lunches or dinners ahead of time; simply store in portions.
• Diet-Friendly: Gluten-free and dairy-free, catering to various dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools that make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowl

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: The star of the show! This multi-cooker allows for quick pressure cooking, ensuring perfectly cooked rice and chicken in no time.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Essential for safely chopping vegetables and chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements are crucial in cooking; they help maintain the right balance of flavors.

Ingredients

This instant pot greek chicken is covered in an olive oil and herb marinade and cooked in 10 minutes with the rice for a one-pot meal. This recipe is so easy and great for meal prep greek chicken bowls. It’s gluten-free and dairy-free too!

For the Marinade

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red grape juice vinegar
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• Juice from one lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

For Cooking

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium red onion (chopped into large chunks)
• 1 medium zucchini (quartered)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or bone broth
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 1 1/4 cups jasmine rice

Optional Garnishes

• 1/2 cup chopped parsley (optional)
• 1/2 cup feta (optional)

How to Make Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken to enhance its flavor.
1. In a freezer bag or container, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, red grape juice vinegar, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Seal the bag or container tightly. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes or overnight if possible.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Next, get your Instant Pot ready to sear the marinated chicken.
1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil once it’s hot.
2. Add the marinated chicken (discarding excess marinade) in batches if necessary. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Step 3: Cook Vegetables & Combine Ingredients

Once seared, add onions and zucchini to enhance flavor before cooking rice.
1. After browning all chicken pieces, return them to the pot along with chopped onion and zucchini. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
2. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice; stir well.
3. Add jasmine rice evenly over the mixture without stirring it again.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Now it’s time to cook everything together under pressure!
1. Close the lid of your Instant Pot ensuring it’s sealed properly.
2. Set it to high pressure for 7 minutes.

Step 5: Quick Release & Serve

Finish off your meal with fresh garnishes!
1. Once cooking is complete, carefully turn the valve from sealing to venting using a wooden spoon for a quick release of pressure.
2. Open the lid when safe; add fresh parsley on top along with an extra squeeze of lemon juice and crumbled feta if desired before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice!

How to Serve Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice

Serving Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice can be a delightful experience, as it offers numerous ways to enjoy this flavorful dish. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your meal.

Serve with Fresh Salads

• Greek Salad: Combine diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and olives with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice for a refreshing side.
• Tzatziki Salad: A cool yogurt-based cucumber salad adds a creamy texture that complements the chicken.

Wrap it Up

• Pita Wraps: Fill warm pita bread with the chicken and rice mixture, adding lettuce and tomatoes for a handheld meal.
• Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to create low-carb wraps filled with chicken, rice, and your favorite toppings.

Add Some Crunch

• Pine Nuts or Almonds: Toasted nuts sprinkled on top add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to each bite.
• Chips or Crackers: Serve with pita chips or whole-grain crackers for added crunch alongside the dish.

Garnish Creatively

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or dill on top just before serving for a burst of freshness.
• Extra Lemon Wedges: Provide wedges for guests who love an extra squeeze of citrus.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice

To achieve the best results with your Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Marinade Time: Allowing the chicken to marinate longer (up to overnight) enhances the flavors significantly.
• Bold Searing Technique: Sear the chicken in batches to achieve that delicious crispy crust without steaming.
• Bold Broth Choice: Using homemade chicken broth can intensify the flavor profile of your dish.
• Bold Rice Variety: Jasmine rice is recommended, but you can also use basmati for a different aromatic experience.
• Bold Pressure Release Method: Use quick release for perfectly cooked rice without becoming mushy.
• Bold Serving Options: Experiment with toppings like olives, feta cheese, or even spicy peppers for added flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options:

1. Bold Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies roasted until tender goes perfectly alongside this dish.
2. Bold Quinoa Salad: A chilled quinoa salad tossed with cherry tomatoes, parsley, and lemon dressing adds lightness.
3. Bold Hummus Platter: Serve with an assortment of fresh vegetables and pita for dipping; it’s healthy and satisfying.
4. Bold Couscous Salad: Fluffy couscous mixed with diced bell peppers, herbs, and lemon zest complements the main dish well.
5. Bold Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus grilled until tender provides a delightful crunch.
6. Bold Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread as an indulgent accompaniment that’s always popular at dinner tables.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken can result in bland flavor. Allow at least 15 minutes or overnight for maximum taste.
• Overcrowding the Pot: Adding too much chicken at once can cause steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches to achieve that crispy crust.
• Ignoring the Liquid Ratio: Using too little broth can lead to burnt rice. Ensure you follow the recommended liquid-to-rice ratio for perfect cooking.
• Not Quick Releasing Pressure Correctly: Forgetting to use a wooden spoon for quick release can result in a messy kitchen. Always be cautious when releasing steam.
• Skipping Fresh Herbs: Neglecting fresh parsley or lemon juice at the end can reduce freshness. These ingredients elevate the dish’s flavor profile significantly.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the chicken and rice to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice

• Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
• Portion into individual servings for easier thawing later.

Reheating Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warm, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a skillet with a splash of broth, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice?

Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice is a flavorful one-pot meal featuring marinated chicken cooked with rice and vegetables, all made quickly in an Instant Pot.

Can I use different types of rice?

Yes, you can substitute jasmine rice with basmati or long-grain rice. Adjust cooking times as necessary.

How do I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. You can also adjust herbs according to your taste preferences for more variety.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor. This versatile recipe allows for customization based on your preferences. Try it today for a delicious meal that’s perfect any night of the week!