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Home » Chicken

Instant Pot Greek Chicken & Rice - Easy 30 minute meal

Published: Jun 23, 2025 · Modified: Jul 16, 2025 by Lori Carlson · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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Are you looking for a quick and delicious dinner that won’t heat up your kitchen? If so, this Instant Pot Greek Chicken & Rice is exactly what you need. Not only is it light, flavorful, and family-approved, but it’s also bursting with lemony, herb-packed Mediterranean flavor—thanks to my Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Seasoning Packet.

Best of all, it cooks in just 15 minutes and requires only a few minutes of prep time.

Instant Pot Greek Chicken & Rice in a bowl with peppers on the side

During the summertime especially, I love having dinner ready without turning on the oven or heating up the whole house. That’s exactly why I created this Instant Pot Greek Chicken & Rice recipe.

Additionally, one of my favorite things about this meal is that the chicken and rice cook together in one pot. As a result, there are fewer dishes to wash and cleanup is a breeze. Whether I’m feeding my family of five or doubling the recipe for guests, this meal always delivers.

Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love this Instant Pot Greek Chicken & Rice Meal
  • Equipment Needed
  • Ingredients for Instant Pot Greek Chicken & Rice
  • Instructions
  • Easy Greek Chicken & Lemon Rice Variations
  • Delicious Side Dishes
  • Cooking With Lori Quality Seasonings
  • Using Brown Rice & Directions
  • Helpful Tips for Instant Pot Greek Chicken & Rice
  • Storing, Re-heating, and Freezing
  • FAQs
  • More Delicious Meals to Try:
  • Related
  • Instant Pot Greek Chicken & Rice

Why You'll Love this Instant Pot Greek Chicken & Rice Meal

  • It’s quick and easy – which makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
  • It doesn’t heat up the house – so it’s an ideal choice for warm weather or summer days.
  • It’s healthy and light – packed with protein and fresh, vibrant flavors that make you feel good.
  • Kids love it – the flavors are mild, yet still delicious enough to keep everyone coming back for more.
  • It’s meal prep friendly – It stores beautifully and even freezes well for future meals.

Equipment Needed

Before you begin, gather these kitchen essentials:

  • First, you’ll need an Instant Pot – It’s the star of the show and cuts cooking time in half, making dinner fast and easy.
  • Next, grab a knife and cutting board – These are essential for dicing the onion and trimming the chicken to your desired size.
  • Finally, use a wooden spoon – It’s perfect for stirring ingredients during the sauté step and won’t scratch your Instant Pot.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Greek Chicken & Rice

Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need for this Greek chicken and rice recipe and how you can swap if needed:

Ingredients for Instant Pot Greek Chicken & Rice
  • First, fresh lemon juice – It adds brightness and tang to the dish. If needed, you can substitute with bottled lemon juice.
  • Next, olive oil – This helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly. Alternatively, avocado oil works just as well.
  • Then, Lori’s Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Seasoning Packet – It infuses Greek flavor into every bite. Truly, this is your flavor powerhouse!
  • After that, boneless, skinless chicken thighs – They’re juicy and flavorful. While you can use chicken breast, thighs stay more tender in the Instant Pot.
  • In addition, finely diced onion – It adds a savory depth to the dish. Yellow, white, or even red onions will all work here.
  • Furthermore, chicken broth – This helps the rice cook perfectly and adds richness. For a vegetarian option, you can use veggie broth instead.
  • Finally, white jasmine or basmati rice – Both are aromatic and cook quickly. However, brown rice can also be used with a few simple modifications (see below).

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

IP Greek Chicken and Rice marinade
  1. Step 1: First, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and seasoning packet in a large bowl.
IP Greek Chicken & Rice pieces of chicken
  1. Step 2: Next, cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and toss in the marinade.
IP Greek Chicken & Rice raw chicken in Instant pot
  1. Step 3: Then, chop the onion and set the Instant Pot to sauté. Add ½ T olive oil, followed by the onion, and cook until translucent. Now, stir in the marinated chicken.
Instant Pot Greek Chicken & Rice close up with tzatziki on top
  1. Step 4: After that, pour in the broth and gently sprinkle the rice on top—don’t stir! Finally, cancel sauté, secure the lid, set to high pressure for 10 minutes, and be sure the valve is set to sealing. Once done, allow a 5-minute natural release, then quick release. Let the dish sit uncovered for 5 minutes before serving.
Instant Pot Greek Chicken & Rice on a fork

Optional: Add a dollop of tzatziki on each plate for cool, creamy flavor.

Easy Greek Chicken & Lemon Rice Variations

To make this dish your own, try one of these ideas:

  • For a kid-friendly version, skip the tzatziki and instead add a sprinkle of shredded cheese. This keeps the flavors simple and fun.
  • To make it spicy, simply add red pepper flakes to the marinade. This gives the dish a little kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
  • For extra protein, you can add a can of drained white beans before cooking. This boosts the nutrition and makes the meal even more filling.

Delicious Side Dishes

For a complete meal, serve this Greek Chicken & Rice dish with:

  • First, try my easy Greek Salad Recipe – It’s crisp, refreshing, and complements the flavors of the main dish perfectly.
  • Next, serve fresh sliced cucumbers – They add a cool, crunchy contrast and are always a kid-friendly option.
  • Finally, round out the plate with hummus and raw veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers – These make a colorful and nutritious side everyone will enjoy.
Instant Pot Greek Chicken & Rice side angle

Cooking With Lori Quality Seasonings

When I created these flavorful seasoning packets, I knew from the beginning they had to be made with only the best ingredients. That’s exactly why they contain no anti-caking agents, no MSG, and no preservatives—just pure seasonings and herbs. Moreover, this is extremely important to me because I want every meal to be as clean and wholesome as possible. With that in mind, my seasoning packets allow you to enjoy bold flavors without the unnecessary additives often found in store-bought mixes. As a result, every blend—including this Mediterranean Chicken & Rice—is carefully crafted to bring out the best in your dishes. Ultimately, they make home cooking easier, healthier, and more delicious. Use the code WELCOME15 to receive 15% off your first order!

IP Greek Chicken and Rice seasoning packet

Using Brown Rice & Directions

If you prefer to use brown rice in your Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice with Tzatziki, you absolutely can—just keep in mind it requires a few adjustments.

  • First, increase the cooking time to 22 minutes on high pressure. Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice, so this step is key.
  • Next, increase the liquid slightly. Add an additional ¼ cup of chicken broth to ensure the brown rice cooks thoroughly.
  • Then, keep the layering the same—pour the broth over the chicken and gently sprinkle the brown rice on top without stirring.
  • After that, do a natural pressure release for 10 minutes instead of 5. This helps the rice finish cooking without becoming mushy.
  • Finally, let it sit uncovered for at least 5 minutes to absorb any extra moisture before serving.

Helpful Tips for Instant Pot Greek Chicken & Rice

For the best results, keep these tips in mind:

  • First, use jasmine or basmati rice – These varieties cook quickly and turn out light and fluffy every time.
  • Next, don’t stir the rice into the liquid – Simply layer it gently on top of the chicken and broth to prevent sticking or mushy texture.
  • Finally, let the dish rest after cooking – This allows the rice to absorb all the flavorful juices, making each bite even more delicious.

Storing, Re-heating, and Freezing

First, once the Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice with Tzatziki has cooled, store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3–5 days.

Next, if you want to freeze it for later, this meal also freezes beautifully! I highly recommend using Souper Cubes to portion it into 1–2 cup servings. These handy containers make it easy to freeze, stack, and reheat individual portions.

When you're ready to reheat from the refrigerator, you have two easy options:

  • Microwave: Place your portion in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of broth or water, cover loosely, and heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Stovetop: Warm it in a small skillet or saucepan over medium heat with a splash of broth or water, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Finally, keep in mind that the rice may become slightly softer after freezing, but the flavor will still be delicious.

FAQs

Can I double this Instant Pot Greek Chicken & Rice Recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure not to go past the Instant Pot’s max fill line.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Just keep the pieces similar in size for even cooking.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the broth to 2.5 cups and cook on high pressure for 22 minutes. Natural release for 10 minutes.

More Delicious Meals to Try:

  • Easy Rotisserie Chicken Pot Pie
  • Simple Old Fashioned Crock Pot Beef Stew
  • Cheesy Mexican Casserole
  • Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos

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Instant Pot Greek Chicken & Rice side angle
Print Pin

Instant Pot Greek Chicken & Rice

Quick and healthy Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice with Tzatziki. Easy summer dinner that kids and adults love!
Course Main Course
Keyword chicken and rice, instant pot chicken and rice, greek chicken
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
Servings 6

Equipment

  • 1 Instant Pot

Ingredients

Marinade Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Lori's Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Seasoning Packet
  • 7 boneless skinless chicken thighs

Other Ingredients

  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ C onion finely diced
  • 1 ½ C chicken broth
  • 1 C white jasmine rice or white basmati rice
  • Tzatziki sauce - optional

Instructions

  • First, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and seasoning packet in a large bowl.
  • Next, cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and toss in the marinade.
  • Then, finely chop the onion and set the Instant Pot to sauté. Add ½ T olive oil, followed by the onion, and cook until translucent (apx 2 minutes).
  • Now, stir in the marinated chicken in the Instant Pot.
  • After that, pour in the broth and gently sprinkle the rice on top—don’t stir!
  • Finally, cancel sauté, secure the lid, set to high pressure for 10 minutes, and be sure the valve is set to sealing. Once done, allow a 5-minute natural release, then quick release. Let the dish sit uncovered for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
  • Optional: Add a dollop of tzatziki on each plate for cool, creamy flavor.

Notes

To order this seasoning packet (Lori's Mediterranean Chicken & Rice) visit c3bros.com. Use the code WELCOME15 to receive 15% off your first order. 
For a complete meal, serve this dish with:
  • My easy Greek Salad Recipe found at c3bros.com
  • Fresh sliced cucumbers
  • Extra tzatziki for dipping
  • Hummus and raw veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers

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Instant Pot Greek Chicken & Rice
Ingredients for Instant Pot Greek Chicken & Rice