Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice

Get ready to fall in love with your Instant Pot all over again—this Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice is absolutely bursting with zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and juicy chicken in every bite. The rice cooks up perfectly fluffy, soaking in all those savory Mediterranean flavors, making each spoonful simply irresistible.

This is the one-pot wonder you’ll turn to when you crave something flavorful but don’t want to spend all night in the kitchen. It’s fast, fuss-free, and cleanup is a breeze! Perfect for weeknight family dinners, meal prep, or even impressing guests with something easy yet special.

Inspired by classic Greek comfort food and my own love for tangy, vibrant meals, this dish is a staple in my house. Grab your Instant Pot and let’s bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table tonight!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off, one-pot magic—minimal prep and cleanup!
• Juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every time thanks to pressure cooking.
• Bright, bold Greek flavors with lemon, oregano, and feta.
• Family-friendly and great for meal prep or leftovers.

Key Ingredients for Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs bring incredible juiciness and flavor to this recipe, staying moist under pressure. I recommend trimming any excess fat and cutting them into large chunks for even cooking. You can substitute with chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat—just be careful not to overcook, as breasts can dry out more quickly.

Long Grain White Rice

This is the backbone of the dish, absorbing all those delicious Greek seasonings and chicken juices. Rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness. Basmati rice works beautifully here, but avoid short-grain or sticky rice, as they tend to get too mushy.

Lemon Juice and Zest

Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the signature Greek tang and brightness. Always use freshly squeezed lemon if possible for the best flavor. In a pinch, bottled juice will work, but you’ll miss out on the zingy freshness from the zest.

Kalamata Olives

These deeply savory olives add pops of briny flavor and authentic Mediterranean flair. Slice them in half or leave whole, as you like. If you’re not a fan, try substituting with green olives or simply omit for a milder dish.

Feta Cheese

Crumbled feta brings creamy, salty richness, perfectly finishing each serving. Goat cheese or even a sprinkle of parmesan can work if you’re out of feta, but for true Greek flavor, feta is king.

Instructions for Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken

Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the chicken chunks and cook just until lightly browned on all sides—about 3-4 minutes. Don’t worry about fully cooking the chicken; it’ll finish under pressure.

Add Seasonings and Rice

Sprinkle in the oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken and aromatics. Add the rinsed rice, making sure the grains are evenly distributed throughout the pot, then stir in the lemon zest.

Pour in Broth and Layer Flavors

Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom (this prevents the “burn” warning). Scatter the Kalamata olives and roasted red peppers (if using) over the top—do not stir at this point to prevent the rice from sticking.

Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Once the cycle is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.

Fluff, Garnish, and Serve

Open the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Sprinkle crumbled feta and chopped parsley over the top. Serve hot with extra lemon wedges for squeezing and enjoy your homemade Greek feast!

Recipe Variations

Make It Dairy-Free

Skip the feta or swap it for a plant-based feta alternative. You’ll still get plenty of flavor from the lemon, herbs, and olives.

Low-Carb Option

Replace the rice with riced cauliflower. Add it after pressure cooking and use the “Sauté” function to gently warm it through. This keeps the dish low-carb while still loaded with Greek flavor.

Vegetarian Greek Rice

Omit the chicken and double up on veggies like zucchini, artichoke hearts, or spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For protein, add a can of drained chickpeas before cooking.

Add Extra Veggies

Feel free to stir in a cup of baby spinach or chopped kale after cooking—the residual steam will wilt them perfectly. You can also try adding diced tomatoes or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition.

Spice It Up

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili when sautéing the aromatics.

Serving Suggestions

Turn this Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice into a complete meal by serving it with a crisp Greek salad, warm pita bread, or homemade tzatziki sauce (see this classic tzatziki recipe from Serious Eats). Garnish each plate with extra fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and a generous sprinkle of feta. For more Mediterranean inspiration, try pairing it with homemade hummus and roasted veggies.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep the rice moist. You can also reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. This dish freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice (FAQ)

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. Increase the pressure cooking time to 22 minutes and add an extra 1/2 cup broth to prevent sticking.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! This recipe keeps well in the fridge and tastes great reheated, making it perfect for meal prep lunches or dinners.

Q: What if I don’t have Kalamata olives?
A: You can substitute with green olives or simply omit them—the dish will still be deliciously flavorful.

Love bold, zesty flavors and easy cleanup? This Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice is the ultimate weeknight dinner you’ll crave over and over. Try it soon, and don’t forget to leave a comment or rating below to let me know how it turned out for you!