Name: Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Juice of 1 lemon; 1½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; ½ red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup crumbled feta cheese; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley; Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you love Mediterranean flavors but want a dinner that comes together practically on autopilot, you need this Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe. Juicy marinated chicken, perfectly fluffy rice, bright tomatoes, briny feta, and aromatic herbs all get mingled together in one pot for a dish that’s as comforting as it is vibrant. This recipe gives you that authentic Greek souvlaki experience without the need for skewers or a grill, making it weeknight-friendly but special enough for guests. Trust me, after one bite, this is sure to head straight into your regular dinner rotation!

Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe brings something fundamental to the table, from the punchy marinade to the colorful veggie mix-ins. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each star is truly essential for getting big, bold Greek flavor and the perfect bowl of rice every time.

Boneless skinless chicken thighs (1½ pounds): The perfect cut for juicy, tender bites that soak up all the marinade.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps develop flavor when sautéing the chicken.
Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Foolproof aromatic power for that unmistakable Greek edge.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Essential for classic souvlaki flavor that feels sun-drenched and herbaceous.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds earthiness and blends beautifully with oregano.
Paprika (½ teaspoon): Brings gentle warmth and a hint of smokiness.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances and amplifies all the flavors.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A subtle kick to round out the spices.
Lemon juice (from 1 lemon): Brightens everything and tenderizes the chicken.
Long-grain white rice, rinsed (1½ cups): Fluffy, separate grains anchor the whole dish.
Low-sodium chicken broth (2 cups): Adds depth and keeps the rice moist and delicious.
Red onion, thinly sliced (½): Adds crunch and a sweet, sharp note right at the end.
Cherry tomatoes, halved (1 cup): Bursts of juiciness and sweetness to contrast the savory chicken and rice.
Feta cheese, crumbled (½ cup): Salty, creamy goodness for those classic Greek vibes.
Fresh parsley, chopped (¼ cup): Adds freshness, color, and a subtle herb lift.
Lemon wedges for serving (optional): That last squeeze makes the flavors pop even more.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

This is where all the magic starts! In a large bowl, toss your chicken thigh pieces with olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Give it a good stir to make sure every piece is coated in those savory, herby flavors. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 to 30 minutes—enough time for the spices to really seep into the meat, making every bite pop. Use this time to prep your other ingredients and convince yourself you’re in a sunny Greek kitchen!

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Fire up your Instant Pot and switch it to Sauté mode. Once it’s hot, add your marinated chicken and let it sear for 3 to 4 minutes. You’re not cooking it all the way through here—just letting the outsides get golden and locking in those juicy flavors. The sautéed bits on the bottom? Those are flavor gold for the next step!

Step 3: Add Rice and Broth

Pour the rinsed rice right into the pot with the chicken and give everything a gentle stir. Now pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck at the bottom. This prevents a burn notice, but more importantly, adds even more savory depth to your Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Cancel Sauté mode, lock on the lid, and set your Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (Manual) on high for just 6 minutes. This short cook time is all you need thanks to chicken thigh’s quick-cooking nature and the magic of the Instant Pot. Once the timer beeps, let it naturally release for 5 minutes to keep everything nice and tender, then quick release any remaining steam.

Step 5: Fluff and Finish

Carefully open the lid and use a fork to fluff up the rice—it should be fluffy, not mushy! Now comes the best part: stir in your sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and chopped parsley. The warm rice and chicken soften the onions just enough, while the tomatoes and feta melt slightly for bursts of flavor in every bite. Finish with an extra squeeze of lemon if you like—trust me, it’s worth it!

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe

Garnishes

A dish this bright and zesty practically begs for those extra little touches. Try sprinkling on more fresh parsley, extra crumbled feta, or a generous drizzle of creamy tzatziki. Lemon wedges on the side let everyone add their perfect amount of tang, and for real Greek flair, a few Kalamata olives never hurt.

Side Dishes

The Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe is practically a meal in itself, but you can round it out beautifully with lightly toasted pita, a crisp Greek salad, or a plate of grilled or roasted vegetables. Bonus points for serving with homemade hummus or some cucumber spears for that ultra-fresh vibe!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a little fancy, try serving this dish in colorful bowls, topping each portion with a dollop of tzatziki, and a sprinkle of sumac or smoked paprika for flair. Or, pile it into pita pockets for a fun souvlaki-inspired handheld meal—kids and adults both love this twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The flavors in this Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe actually deepen as it sits, so leftovers are a real treat. Cool the rice quickly and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—perfect for easy lunchboxes or another quick dinner later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this for seriously easy future meals, let the dish cool entirely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep its flavor and texture well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, just pop individual servings in the microwave or warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep everything moist and fluffy. Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or an extra squeeze of lemon to wake up the flavors!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! If you prefer a slightly leaner cut, boneless skinless chicken breasts can be swapped in for thighs. Just be mindful that breasts cook a bit faster, so don’t skip the natural release to ensure moist, tender chicken in your Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe.

What kind of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice stays fluffy and soaks up all the delicious flavors without turning mushy. If you substitute with brown rice, you’ll need more liquid and a longer cook time, so adjust accordingly for the perfect Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Definitely! Just skip the feta or use a plant-based feta alternative. Everything else in the Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe is naturally dairy-free, so you can enjoy big Mediterranean flavor no matter your dietary needs.

How spicy is this dish?

The paprika offers a gentle warmth without real heat, so the Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe is totally family-friendly. If you love a little kick, consider a pinch of cayenne or some sliced pepperoncini as a topping!

Do I need to rinse the rice before cooking?

Yes, rinsing the rice removes excess starch and helps guarantee you get those lovely, separate grains that make this recipe shine. Just a quick rinse until the water runs mostly clear will do the trick for your Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner that’s full of color, fresh flavor, and minimal cleanup, you truly can’t go wrong with this Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe. It’s one of those crowd-pleasing meals that feels both hearty and healthy—and it might just transport you straight to the Greek islands with each bite. Give it a try and let it bring a little Mediterranean sunshine into your day!

Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice recipe brings the flavors of Greece to your table with tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and creamy feta cheese combined with fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade:

1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Juice of 1 lemon

For the Rice:

1½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Additional Ingredients:

½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes.
Cook in Instant Pot: Sauté marinated chicken, then add rice and broth. Pressure cook for 6 minutes. Allow natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release. Fluff rice and add onion, tomatoes, feta, and parsley.
Serve: Garnish with lemon wedges.