Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe

If you’re looking for a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dinner that’s weeknight easy but bursting with flavor, this Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice delivers every time. In one pot, you get juicy, marinated chicken, fragrant lemony rice, and the option to round everything out with zingy Greek salad and homemade tzatziki—all in less than an hour!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of making Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice is just how approachable the ingredients are. Each one brings something special: rich savory notes, citrusy brightness, a pop of color, or creamy tang to round out the finished dish.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and diced for tenderness and speedy cooking.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly grated or minced for punchy flavor in both the marinade and tzatziki.
• Dried oregano & rosemary: Provides that unmistakable Greek aroma and herbal backbone.
• Sweet or mild paprika: Adds subtle warmth and beautiful golden color to the chicken.
• Olive oil: Keeps everything juicy and blends the marinade together—also works as an extra drizzle for serving.
• Lemon juice & zest: Juice brings brightness to the marinade, while zest perfumes the rice itself.
• Salt & black pepper: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors—don’t skimp!
• Long-grain rice: Rinsed for fluffiness; the grains absorb all the chicken and herb goodness.
• Vegetable or chicken stock: Adds extra depth and seasoning to the rice base.
• Tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion: These bring fresh crunch and color to your Greek salad.
• Parsley & mint: Fresh herbs that make the salad pop and tie in with the classic souvlaki flavors.
• Red wine vinegar: The perfect tangy lift for the salad dressing (lemon juice also works well).
• Kalamata olives & dried oregano: Salty, briny, and deeply Mediterranean—don’t skip these!
• Greek yogurt: The base for creamy, cooling tzatziki to balance the aromatic chicken and rice.
• Cucumber & garlic (for tzatziki): Grated cucumber and a little garlic make the sauce fresh, zesty, and irresistible.

Variations

The beauty of Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice is just how adaptable it is—think of it as a delicious canvas for your favorite flavors, protein swaps, or dietary adjustments. Here are some tried-and-true ways to make it completely your own.

• Swap the Protein: Try boneless chicken thighs for richer flavor, or toss in cubes of halloumi for a vegetarian spin.
• Go Grain-Free: Substitute cauliflower rice for long-grain rice for a lighter, lower-carb option (just reduce the liquid!)
• Add Veggie Power: Stir in spinach, sliced zucchini, or cherry tomatoes before cooking for even more color and nutrients.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Use your favorite dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki and opt for extra herbs or a drizzle of tahini for a creamy, tangy finish.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by dicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes and toss them in a generous mix of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it all mingle for about 5–10 minutes; those few minutes of marination make a world of difference as the flavors soak in fast.

Step 2: Prep the Rice and Instant Pot

Rinse your long-grain rice under cold water at least 4–5 times to remove excess starch—this keeps each grain perfectly fluffy after cooking. Add it to your Instant Pot, then pour in the vegetable or chicken stock and stir in the lemon zest for irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Layer the Chicken Over the Rice

Spoon the marinated chicken pieces right over the rice, making sure to pour in any leftover marinade—this not only flavors the chicken but helps infuse the rice with all those beautiful seasonings and juices as everything cooks together.

Step 4: Cook Under Pressure

Seal the lid on your Instant Pot and set the valve to Sealing. Use the Manual or Pressure Cook setting for 5 minutes at high pressure—don’t worry, the cooking starts even as the pressure builds. Once the timer is up, let the pot naturally release for 5 minutes before quickly venting any remaining steam.

Step 5: Prepare the Salad and Tzatziki

While the Instant Pot does its magic, whip up a refreshing Greek salad by tossing tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, parsley, and mint with salt, pepper, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. For the tzatziki, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed dry), garlic, lemon juice, salt, and a pinch of pepper for a creamy, zesty topping.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once you open the Instant Pot, the rice should be fluffy and packed with flavor, and your chicken juicy and tender. Finish with a generous drizzle of olive oil and extra lemon juice, then serve the Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice in bowls, topped with salad and a big dollop of tzatziki. Dig in while everything’s fresh and fragrant!

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice

Garnishes

Finish your bowls of Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice with a flourish of fresh herbs (parsley, mint, or dill), a sprinkle of extra dried oregano, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Add a lemon wedge on the side for custom tang, and give your plate a final dusting of cracked black pepper for a flavor and color boost.

Side Dishes

This dish is already complete with vibrant Greek salad and creamy tzatziki, but I love serving it alongside warm pita or grilled flatbread for scooping. A handful of crumbled feta or marinated artichokes on the side can take things straight over-the-top on a dinner party table.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice into a playful Mediterranean rice bowl bar: serve everything family-style, and invite everyone to build their own bowl with their favorite mix-ins and toppings. Or, stuff the chicken and rice mixture into pita pockets for grab-and-go souvlaki wraps—don’t forget a smear of tzatziki!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftover Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—it stays moist and flavorful, and is perfect for next-day meal prep.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well! Portion cooled chicken and rice (minus tzatziki and salad) into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay flat for easier thawing and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions with a splash of water or stock to loosen the rice, or gently warm them in a covered skillet on the stovetop. Add fresh salad and tzatziki after reheating for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice a place in your dinner rotation! It’s a celebration of sunny Greek flavors made accessible for any day of the week—light on effort, huge on comfort. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and you’ll have a table full of happy faces. Opa!

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