Name: Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice with Greek Salad and Tzatziki Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 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 paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Juice of ½ lemon; A pinch of pepper; 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; A drizzle of olive oil; Extra lemon juice to taste; 2 tomatoes sliced into wedges; ½ bell pepper sliced; 1 medium cucumber sliced; ½ red onion sliced thinly; 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; ⅓ cup Kalamata olives; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ cup Greek yoghurt or plain unsweetened yogurt; ½ medium cucumber, grated; 2 small cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ¼ teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 44 reviews

If you’re craving a vibrant and satisfying meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors, then this Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice with Greek Salad and Tzatziki Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining tender, marinated chicken cubes cooked flawlessly alongside fragrant lemon-zested rice, paired with a fresh, herb-packed Greek salad and cooling, creamy tzatziki, this dish delivers a harmonious and colorful feast on your plate. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress your family or friends, making it a favorite in my kitchen and, I’m sure, soon in yours too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a woman's hand holding a serving spoon filled with cooked white rice mixed with small pieces of golden-brown spiced meat. The rice looks fluffy with a light and slightly textured appearance, while the meat pieces are evenly distributed throughout. The dish is inside a black pot with a shiny metal rim, and the background is a white marbled texture. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that come together effortlessly. From aromatic herbs and spices in the marinade to crisp veggies in the salad, every component plays its part in making this dish unforgettable.

Chicken breasts (skinless, diced): Cubing the chicken allows for quick, even cooking and excellent marinade absorption.
Garlic cloves: Adds a savory punch and depth to the marinade and tzatziki.
Dried oregano: A classic Greek herb that brings an earthy, minty note.
Dried rosemary: Infuses the chicken with a subtle piney aroma.
Sweet paprika: Offers mild warmth and a beautiful reddish hue.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning each element just right.
Olive oil: Adds richness, helps with marinading, and finishes the dish with silkiness.
Lemon juice and zest: The fresh citrus cuts through richness and brightens flavors spectacularly.
Long-grain rice: Absorbs all the savory juices turning fluffy and flavorful.
Vegetable or chicken stock: Provides a savory base for cooking the rice and melding flavors.
Tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion: Form a crisp, refreshing Greek salad foundation.
Parsley and mint: Bring herbal brightness and complexity to the salad.
Red wine vinegar: Adds tang and balances the salad’s freshness.
Kalamata olives: Offer briny, savory bursts that elevate the salad.
Greek yogurt: Forms the creamy base of the tzatziki, cooling and luxurious.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice with Greek Salad and Tzatziki Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing your diced chicken breasts into a bowl and combining them with the garlic, dried oregano, rosemary, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. This simple but flavorful marinade not only tenderizes the chicken but ensures every bite bursts with classic Mediterranean zest. Let it sit while you prepare the rest, giving those herbs and spices time to infuse the meat.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice

Rinsing the rice 4 to 5 times with cold water removes excess starch and helps create a fluffy texture. Once rinsed, add it to your Instant Pot along with vegetable or chicken stock and the zest of one lemon. The lemon zest imparts a bright, fragrant note that lifts the entire dish.

Step 3: Combine and Cook

Place the marinated chicken cubes atop the rice in the Instant Pot, pouring any leftover juices over to spread the flavor evenly. This layering method lets the rice absorb the marinade essence as it cooks. Seal your Instant Pot lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. The chicken cubes’ small size ensures they cook perfectly alongside the rice.

Step 4: Prepare the Tzatziki and Greek Salad

While the Instant Pot does its magic, grate the cucumber for tzatziki and squeeze out excess water. Mix it with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, adding a drizzle of olive oil for richness. In a separate bowl, combine the sliced tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion with chopped parsley and mint, then dress lightly with red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and Kalamata olives — a vibrant, refreshing companion to the warm main.

Step 5: Release Pressure and Finish

When cooking ends, allow a 5-minute natural pressure release before venting the remaining steam. Open the lid to reveal the perfectly cooked rice and tender chicken. A final drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice brightens everything right before serving.

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice with Greek Salad and Tzatziki Recipe

On a white plate, there is a bed of light yellow rice topped with browned, seasoned chicken pieces on the right half. On the left half, there is a fresh, colorful salad made of red tomato wedges, green cucumber slices, dark olives, bright red bell pepper strips, thin purple onion slices, and green herbs scattered on top. A dollop of white, creamy sauce with green herbs and cracked black pepper is placed in the center, partly on the rice and salad. Around the plate, there are extra tomato wedges and olives. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a blue and white checkered cloth partially visible at the bottom left. A small white bowl with creamy white sauce sits at the top left, and a white bowl filled with the same colorful salad is partially shown at the top right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or mint to add that final pop of color and fragrance. A wedge of lemon on the side invites everyone to add a squeeze of brightness for a truly authentic flavor experience that pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken and rice.

Side Dishes

Though this recipe stands beautifully on its own, you can add some crusty pita bread or warm, spiced roasted potatoes to make the meal even heartier. A glass of chilled white wine or a light rosé also pairs superbly, cleansing the palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve everything family-style with vibrant bowls so guests can build their own plates, or layer the chicken and rice with salad and tzatziki in a pretty glass container for a picnic-ready Greek-inspired feast. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving will always up the wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice with Greek Salad and Tzatziki Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to develop even more after resting, so it’s perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the chicken and rice, be sure to cool it completely before transferring into a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 2 months, but keep the salad and tzatziki separate to maintain freshness and texture.

Reheating

Reheat the rice and chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to keep the rice moist. Add fresh tzatziki and salad after reheating to retain their cool, crisp qualities.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and richness to the dish. Just dice them similarly and follow the same marinating and cooking instructions for best results.

Do I need an Instant Pot to make this recipe?

The recipe is designed for the Instant Pot to save time and layers flavors efficiently, but you can adapt it to a stovetop method by cooking the chicken marinade separately and steaming the rice with stock and lemon zest.

Can I make the tzatziki without garlic?

Yes! If you prefer a milder flavor or have a garlic sensitivity, simply omit the garlic or reduce the amount to taste. The cucumber and lemon juice still provide refreshing notes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice with Greek Salad and Tzatziki Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty option for those with gluten intolerances or celiac disease.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mild and focuses more on herbs and citrus for flavor rather than heat. If you like a little kick, feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne to the marinade.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly joyful about a recipe that marries ease with incredible flavor, and this Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice with Greek Salad and Tzatziki Recipe does just that. It’s a wonderful way to bring a taste of Greece right into your home without any fuss. I hope you find as much pleasure in making and sharing this dish as I do. Give it a whirl, and let your kitchen be filled with the aromas of fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic—your new favorite meal awaits!