Will Chicken and Rice Cook Evenly in the Instant Pot?

Yes — and it’s not just possible, it’s genius. Imagine juicy, bite-sized chicken simmering alongside rice that doesn’t just sit there — it absorbs every drop of citrus, garlic, and herb essence in the pot. No layering after the fact, no stovetop juggling. Instead of rice being a bland base, it becomes part of the flavor story — rich, fragrant, and full of depth. The Instant Pot acts like a pressure-packed flavor chamber, turning simple ingredients into a one-pot Mediterranean masterpiece without breaking a sweat.

What type of rice works best with Greek chicken?

Jasmine rice is the best type of rice for making Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice , thanks to its lightly fragrant aroma and ability to hold up well under pressure cooking. It absorbs the lemony broth without turning mushy, resulting in a light and fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the seasoned chicken. Other suitable options include basmati rice and long-grain white rice , which also complement the herbs and spices commonly used in Greek chicken recipes. Avoid using short-grain or sticky rice, as it can lead to clumping and throw off the texture of this otherwise balanced and refreshing Greek chicken and rice dish .

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken when preparing Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice , but you’ll need to slightly adjust the cooking time. Add an extra 2 to 3 minutes under high pressure to ensure the chicken cooks through completely. Frozen chicken can get the job done when you’re short on time, but for maximum flavor, thaw it first and let it soak up the marinade. A good rest in lemon juice, garlic, and oregano gives the chicken a chance to truly absorb those bright, bold Greek flavors. Skip the marinating step, and you’ll still get tender, tasty results — just with a milder punch. Either way, your Instant Pot will deliver a satisfying, fuss-free meal.

Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice – The Best 1 Pot Mediterranean Dinner

Name: Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; ¼ cup olive oil; 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 3 garlic cloves, minced; Juice of 2 lemons (plus zest from 1); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 medium red onion, chopped; 1 medium zucchini, quartered; 1 ¼ cups jasmine rice, rinsed; 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional); ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Description

Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice is a quick and flavorful Mediterranean one-pot dinner made with juicy marinated chicken, fluffy jasmine rice, fresh herbs, and tangy lemon. This Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice comes together effortlessly in the pressure cooker, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or meal prep meals that never compromise on taste.

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
¼ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 2 lemons (plus zest from 1)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 medium zucchini, quartered
1 ¼ cups jasmine rice, rinsed
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Sauté Vegetables: Set Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’. Heat olive oil and add onion and zucchini. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
Add Chicken and Rice: Add marinated chicken (with marinade) to the pot. Stir in the broth, lemon zest, and rice. Stir gently to combine without overmixing.
Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set to high pressure for 6 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then release remaining pressure manually.
Fluff and Finish: Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in feta and parsley if using. Serve warm and enjoy your Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice!

Notes

Use chicken thighs for a juicier bite. Rinse jasmine rice thoroughly to remove excess starch. Don’t skip the natural release — it helps the rice finish cooking without becoming mushy. For more citrus flavor, garnish with lemon wedges or extra zest before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Instant Pot
Cuisine: Greek