If you are craving a vibrant and hearty meal that combines fresh Mediterranean flavors with the convenience of modern cooking, then this Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender, marinated chicken bursting with oregano and garlic, paired perfectly with fluffy lemon-scented rice, all cooked effortlessly in the Instant Pot. This recipe delivers a beautiful balance of herbs, bright citrus, and classic Greek ingredients that will make every bite feel like a sunny day in the Mediterranean, even if you’re cooking indoors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity and the careful selection of ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color to elevate your meal from everyday to extraordinary.
- 2 chicken breasts, skinless, diced into cubes: Using skinless chicken keeps the dish lean while allowing the marinade to deeply infuse the meat with flavor.
- 5 garlic cloves, peeled and minced or grated: Garlic adds a wonderful aromatic depth that’s essential for classic Greek dishes.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: This herb delivers that unmistakable earthy and slightly peppery note seen in authentic souvlaki.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Brings a woodsy fragrance that complements the oregano beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika or mild: Adds subtle warmth and a rich color without overpowering the other elements.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and rice.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used in both the marinade and finishing drizzle for richness and a silky mouthfeel.
- Juice of ½ lemon: Brightens everything with fresh acidity.
- A pinch of pepper: Adds just the right touch of spice.
- 1.3 cups long-grain rice, rinsed 4-5 times with cold water: Rinsing removes excess starch for perfectly fluffy rice.
- 1.5 cups vegetable stock or chicken stock: Provides savory depth to the rice while cooking.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Infuses the rice with a subtle citrus fragrance.
- 2 tomatoes, sliced into wedges: Fresh and juicy, these bring vibrant color and balanced sweetness.
- ½ bell pepper, sliced: Adds a crunchy, fresh bite and lovely color contrast.
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced: Brings cooling crispness, perfect for the accompanying salad.
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced: Mildly sharp, adding tangy notes to the salad.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley: Fresh and bright, parsley freshens each bite.
- 2 tablespoons chopped mint: Lends a cool, refreshing lift typical of Greek sides.
- 1.5 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Adds brightness and acidity to the salad dressing.
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil: Creates a luscious dressing for the salad.
- A generous pinch of salt and pepper: To season the salad perfectly.
- â…“ cup Kalamata olives: Salty and tangy, giving little bursts of flavor throughout the salad.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: A sprinkle in the salad to tie all flavors together.
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or plain unsweetened: Base for the creamy tzatziki sauce.
- ½ medium cucumber, grated: Adds moisture and crunch to the tzatziki.
- 2 small cloves garlic, minced: Gives the tzatziki a pungent garlic kick.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Lightens and brightens the tzatziki.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the yogurt mixture.
- A pinch of pepper: Adds a subtle heat to the sauce.
- A little olive oil drizzle (optional): Adds shine and extra richness when serving.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the diced chicken with garlic, oregano, rosemary, paprika, salt, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of pepper. This quick marinade only needs about 5 to 10 minutes to infuse the chicken with incredible flavors, helping it stay tender and juicy during cooking. Trust me, even this short marination time makes a big difference!
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Base
Rinse the long-grain rice thoroughly under cold water 4 to 5 times. This step is key for removing excess starch and ensuring that your rice cooks up fluffy and beautifully separated. Pour the rinsed rice into the Instant Pot, then add your vegetable or chicken stock along with the lemon zest, which will impart a fresh citrus aroma to the rice as it cooks.
Step 3: Add the Marinated Chicken on Top
Place the marinated chicken pieces gently over the rice layer in the Instant Pot. Avoid stirring; keep the layers distinct so that the chicken cooks perfectly atop the rice, allowing the juices to meld into the grains below for a truly harmonious dish.
Step 4: Pressure Cook in the Instant Pot
Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. This quick cook time keeps the chicken tender and juicy while perfectly steaming the rice infused with lemon zest and chicken stock flavors. While the meal cooks, it’s the perfect moment to whip up the light salad and creamy tzatziki sauce to accompany the main dish.
Step 5: Release Pressure and Finish
Once cooking completes, carefully release the pressure. Drizzle a little extra olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the chicken and rice immediately for a final hit of richness and brightness that brings the whole dish together.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley and mint are your friends here; sprinkle them generously over the finished dish for an herbaceous punch that brightens every forkful. A few Kalamata olives placed on top add a salty, tangy surprise that makes each bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a simple Greek salad consisting of tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, and a light vinaigrette of olive oil and red wine vinegar. The crispness and acidity of the salad balance the warm, comforting chicken and rice perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe in individual shallow bowls layered with tzatziki drizzled over the top and a wedge of lemon on the side for an extra citrusy burst. Alternatively, wrap your chicken and rice in warm pita bread with extra tzatziki and salad for a handheld souvlaki experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen with time, making for delightful next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, pack the cooled chicken and rice separately from the salad and tzatziki. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to keep the rice moist. Add fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice after warming to revive those vibrant flavors. Avoid reheating the salad or tzatziki; serve them fresh for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice can be substituted, but it will require a longer cooking time and a different liquid ratio. This recipe is optimized for long-grain white rice to achieve the perfect texture in just 5 minutes.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
No worries! You can cook the chicken and rice separately on the stovetop, though you won’t get the same layered flavor infusion. Marinate and pan-sear the chicken while cooking lemon rice on the side for a similar taste.
Is Greek yogurt necessary for the tzatziki sauce?
Greek yogurt provides the creamy, tangy base essential to classic tzatziki. Plain unsweetened yogurt can work in a pinch, but Greek yogurt gives the best texture and flavor.
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes! Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if your pieces are larger or bone-in.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms marinated similarly and cooked on top of the rice. While not souvlaki chicken, it still captures the vibrant herb and lemon flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day. With minimal fuss and maximum flavor, it brings the essence of Greek cooking straight to your table with ease and joy. I can’t wait for you to try it and add your own personal touches. Trust me, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a beloved favorite in your home.
Print
Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (including pressure build and release time)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
This Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice recipe is a flavorful and easy one-pot meal combining marinated chicken, fragrant lemon-infused rice, and fresh Greek salad with creamy tzatziki. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, the dish brings traditional Mediterranean flavors straight to your table with minimal effort and in under an hour.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 chicken breasts, skinless, diced into cubes (about 1 lb. of meat)
- 5 garlic cloves, peeled and minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika or mild
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- A pinch of pepper
For the Rice
- 1.3 cups long-grain rice, rinsed 4-5 times with cold water
- 1.5 cups vegetable stock or chicken stock
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Greek Salad
- 2 tomatoes, sliced into wedges
- ½ bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped mint
- 1.5 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- A generous pinch of salt and pepper
- â…“ cup Kalamata olives
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or plain unsweetened yogurt
- ½ medium cucumber, grated
- 2 small cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- A pinch of pepper
- A little olive oil drizzle (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the diced chicken breasts with minced garlic, dried oregano, dried rosemary, sweet paprika, salt, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated and set aside to marinate for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse the long-grain rice thoroughly 4-5 times under cold water to remove excess starch. Drain well, then add the rinsed rice to the Instant Pot along with the vegetable or chicken stock and lemon zest for added citrus aroma.
- Add Chicken to Instant Pot: Place the marinated chicken evenly on top of the rice and stock mixture in the Instant Pot. Do not stir to keep the layering intact for even cooking.
- Cook Under Pressure: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. While the chicken and rice cook, prepare the Greek salad and tzatziki sauce to serve fresh alongside.
- Prepare the Greek Salad: In a large bowl, combine sliced tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, chopped parsley, chopped mint, Kalamata olives, red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to mix and set aside.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed of excess water), minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and drizzle with a bit of olive oil if desired. Chill until ready to serve.
- Release Pressure and Finish: After cooking, carefully release the pressure from the Instant Pot. Open the lid and drizzle additional olive oil and lemon juice over the chicken and rice for enhanced flavor and moisture.
- Serve: Plate the chicken souvlaki rice alongside the fresh Greek salad and tzatziki sauce for a complete and balanced Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- Rinsing rice multiple times is key to prevent it from becoming sticky and mushy.
- Marinating the chicken even briefly intensifies the flavors.
- Feel free to substitute chicken breasts with thighs if preferred, adjusting cooking time slightly.
- Ensure the cucumber in tzatziki is well-drained to avoid watery sauce.
- Fresh herbs like parsley and mint add authentic taste; dried can be used but fresh is preferred.
- This recipe can be adapted to use chicken stock or vegetable stock for different flavor profiles.
