Greek Chicken Instant Pot Recipe

When I need a flavorful dinner that tastes like it took all day—but only takes 30 minutes—this Greek Chicken Instant Pot recipe is my go-to. It’s packed with juicy chicken thighs, fragrant oregano, garlic, and fresh lemon juice, all pressure-cooked to perfection with fluffy rice that soaks in every drop of those rich Mediterranean juices. I’ve made this Greek Chicken Instant Pot dish more times than I can count, and it never disappoints—comforting, vibrant, and ridiculously easy.

Whether you’re new to pressure cooking or looking for a fresh family favorite, this Greek Chicken Instant Pot recipe brings home that sun-drenched Greek flavor without the fuss. Trust me, once you try it, Greek Chicken Instant Pot night will become a regular in your kitchen too.

Why This Greek Chicken Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

What I love most about this Greek Chicken Instant Pot recipe is how it brings the heart of Mediterranean cooking into my own kitchen with hardly any effort. Inspired by the flavors I grew up loving—olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon—this one-pot wonder captures everything I adore about Greek cuisine.

The Greek Chicken Instant Pot method makes it so easy to enjoy those bold, wholesome flavors even on the busiest nights. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and warm spices, it’s the kind of meal that feels just right year-round—light and zesty in the summer, cozy and satisfying when it’s cold out. Whether I serve it with a crisp Greek salad or simple roasted veggies, this Greek Chicken Instant Pot dinner always feels like a little escape to the Aegean.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Health Benefits and Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Variations and Substitutions
• Equipment
• Storage Instructions
• The Secret That Changed My Greek Chicken Instant Pot Forever
• FAQ
• Bringing It All Home: Why This Greek Chicken Instant Pot Recipe Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation
• Related
• Pairing
• Greek Chicken Instant Pot Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• Chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on (or boneless for quicker cooking)
• Olive oil
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Dried oregano
• Dried thyme
• Fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt
• Black pepper

For the Rice and Vegetables:

• Long-grain white rice (or brown rice for healthier option)
• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Fresh dill (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• Crumbled feta cheese

Optional Substitutions:

• Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free
• Dairy-free: Skip the feta cheese or use dairy-free alternative
• Low-carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice (add in final 5 minutes)
• Vegetarian protein: Swap chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas

The lemon herb chicken instant pot combination creates the foundation of flavor, while the rice absorbs all those delicious Mediterranean seasonings.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken and Aromatics

1. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and half the oregano.
2. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil until shimmering.
3. Brown the chicken thighs skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until golden, then flip and brown the other side for 3 minutes. This step creates incredible flavor depth that sets this Greek chicken thighs instant pot recipe apart.
4. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
5. Add diced onions to the same pot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. The fond (brown bits) from the chicken will add amazing flavor to your base.
6. Add minced garlic and remaining oregano, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Build the Flavor Base

1. Pour in lemon juice and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot using a wooden spoon. This step prevents the dreaded "burn" notice and creates a flavorful foundation for your pressure cooker Greek chicken.
2. Add the rice, stirring to coat with the aromatic mixture.
3. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes – this prevents mushy rice and gives better texture.
4. Pour in chicken broth and add diced tomatoes, stirring gently to combine.
5. Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the pot, skin-side up. The liquid should come about halfway up the chicken pieces.

Pressure Cook and Release

1. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set valve to sealing position.
2. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes for bone-in thighs (12 minutes for boneless). This 30-minute Greek chicken instant pot timing includes the pressure build-up time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
3. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
4. Carefully remove chicken pieces and check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Final Assembly and Serve

1. Stir Kalamata olives, fresh herbs, and lemon zest into the rice. The residual heat will warm the olives and brighten the herbs.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
3. Return chicken to the pot or arrange on serving plates.
4. Top with crumbled feta cheese and additional fresh herbs.
5. The healthy instant pot Greek chicken is now ready to serve!

Helpful Cooking Tips

Let your chicken come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking for more even results. This simple step makes a noticeable difference in texture and cooking time.

For extra crispy skin, place cooked chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes after pressure cooking. This adds a restaurant-quality finish to your instant pot Greek chicken and rice.

Health Benefits and Serving Suggestions

This Greek Chicken Instant Pot recipe provides lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from rice, and heart-healthy fats from olive oil and olives. The Mediterranean diet pattern has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved heart health.

Each serving delivers approximately 450 calories with 35 grams of protein, making it perfect for active families or anyone focusing on balanced nutrition. The low carb dinner chicken variation using cauliflower rice reduces calories to around 320 per serving.

Serve alongside warm pita bread, cucumber yogurt sauce (tzatziki), or a crisp Greek village salad. For a complete Mediterranean feast, add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Greek Chicken and Potato Version

Replace rice with 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved. This creates the classic Greek chicken and potatoes combination that's beloved throughout Greece. Add ¼ cup chicken broth and cook for the same time.

Soup Style Adaptation

Transform this into Greek lemon chicken soup instant pot by adding 2 extra cups of broth and finishing with beaten eggs whisked into the hot liquid for traditional avgolemono soup.

Protein Alternatives

Try this method with lamb shoulder, pork tenderloin, or even firm white fish for variety. Each protein brings its own character while maintaining those authentic Greek flavors.

Vegetarian Version

Create a plant-based version using chickpeas and vegetable broth. Add the chickpeas in the final 5 minutes to prevent overcooking. This healthy gluten free recipes variation is equally satisfying.

Equipment

The Instant Pot is obviously crucial, but a 6-quart model works best for this Greek Chicken Instant Pot recipe size. An 8-quart model works too but may require slightly longer pressure build-up time.

A good wooden spoon helps scrape up fond during the sauté step, while tongs make turning chicken pieces safer and easier. A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of doneness, especially important for food safety with chicken.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the rice absorbs more of the Mediterranean seasonings.

For freezing, portion into individual containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore moisture.

Reheat in the microwave at 70% power to prevent the rice from drying out, or warm gently in a covered skillet with a tablespoon of broth.

FAQ

Bringing It All Home: Why This Greek Chicken Instant Pot Recipe Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation

This Greek Chicken Instant Pot recipe proves that fast and flavorful can absolutely go hand in hand. With simple steps and real ingredients, you’ll have a wholesome Mediterranean-inspired dinner on the table in just 30 minutes—and it’s one your family will actually ask for again and again. It’s meals like this that make me love pressure cooking all over again. If you’re craving more global flavors made easy, don’t miss our bold and cozy Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken or the juicy, flavor-packed Instant Pot Birria Tacos. But tonight, let Greece take the spotlight—you’ve got something truly special simmering in your Instant Pot.

Related

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Greek Chicken Instant Pot recipe: