Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice with Greek Salad & Tzatziki

Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice

To make this delicious Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 cups long-grain rice (such as Basmati or Jasmine)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 4 cups chicken broth

Ingredients for Greek Salad

For a refreshing Greek salad to accompany your Chicken Souvlaki Rice, gather these ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber, diced
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• Feta cheese, crumbled (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredients for Tzatziki Sauce

This creamy and tangy tzatziki sauce is the perfect complement. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 medium cucumber, grated and drained
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried dill or a few sprigs of fresh dill
• Salt, to taste

Preparing the Chicken Souvlaki

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare the chicken souvlaki. Follow these steps:

1. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
2. Add the chicken to the marinade and ensure all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours for more flavor).

Cooking the Chicken in the Instant Pot

Once your chicken is marinated and ready, follow these steps to cook it in the Instant Pot:

1. Turn on the Instant Pot and select the ‘Sauté’ function. Add a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the marinated chicken to the pot, sauté for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to avoid a burn warning.
6. Stir in the rice and make sure it is submerged in the broth.
7. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
8. Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
9. Fluff the rice with a fork and mix in the chicken pieces before serving.

Making the Greek Salad

While your chicken souvlaki rice is cooking, you can prepare the Greek salad:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Top with crumbled feta cheese just before serving.

Whipping Up the Tzatziki Sauce

The last component is the tzatziki sauce, which is easy to whip up while your main dish is cooking:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to drain it well to avoid a watery sauce), minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
2. Add the dill and salt, mixing well to incorporate.
3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serving Your Meal

Now that everything is prepared, it’s time to serve your meal:

1. In a bowl or on a plate, layer the chicken souvlaki rice as the base.
2. Add a generous helping of Greek salad on the side.
3. Drizzle tzatziki sauce over the chicken and rice, or serve it on the side for dipping.
4. Garnish with extra lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice comes out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:

• Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better.
• Rice Type: Choose a rice variety that cooks well under pressure. Basmati and Jasmine are excellent choices.
• Pressure Cooking: Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot well before sealing to prevent the burn notice.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other veggies to your Greek salad, such as radishes or avocados, to suit your taste.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them properly to maintain freshness:

• Place the chicken souvlaki rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• The Greek salad is best eaten fresh but can be stored for a day; however, it may become soggy.
• The tzatziki sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, making it great for snacking or adding to other dishes.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice with Greek Salad and Tzatziki is not only a delicious and satisfying meal, but it’s also easy to prepare and packed with flavors that transport you to the sunny shores of Greece. With this simple recipe, you can bring the taste of Mediterranean cuisine to your home kitchen. Enjoy this wholesome dish for a family dinner, meal prep, or a gathering with friends. No matter the occasion, it’s sure to impress!

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Variations to Try

If you want to switch things up a bit, consider these delicious variations to your Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with marinated and grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. This keeps the Mediterranean flavor intact while making it suitable for vegetarians.
• Spicy Twist: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick. You can also serve with spicy feta spread for an extra layer of flavor.
• Grain Alternatives: Swap out rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice to lighten the dish while still enjoying the same great flavors.
• Herbs & Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade, such as thyme, parsley, or smoked paprika for a unique twist.

Pairing Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and beverages. Here are some ideas to enhance your meal:

• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé complements the flavors of the chicken and salad beautifully.
• Sides: Serve with pita bread or warm flatbreads to scoop up the tzatziki and chicken, or add hummus for a creamy contrast.
• Desserts: Finish off your meal with something light and refreshing like Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts or a slice of baklava for a sweet touch.

Meal Prep Friendly

This Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice is a fantastic option for meal prepping. Here’s how to make it work for your weekly meal prep:

• Prepare a larger batch of chicken souvlaki rice and portion it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
• Keep the Greek salad ingredients separate until ready to eat to maintain freshness and crunch.
• Make extra tzatziki sauce and store it in smaller containers to pair with other meals throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Cooking with the Instant Pot not only saves time but also locks in flavors, making your dishes incredibly delicious and satisfying. With this Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice with Greek Salad and Tzatziki Recipe, you’re set for a flavorful journey to Greece right from your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking!

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Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers or want to prepare this dish in advance, proper storage is essential to maintain freshness:

• Refrigeration: Store the chicken souvlaki rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Portion the rice and chicken into freezer-safe containers and they can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Greek Salad: For the salad, store the ingredients separately to keep the vegetables crisp. Combine them just before serving. The tzatziki can also be kept in the fridge for about a week.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Souvlaki

To ensure your chicken souvlaki turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Marinate the Chicken: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but ideally overnight in the refrigerator.
• Use Chicken Thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result. They stay tender and flavorful during cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: If you are making a large batch, cook in two separate rounds to ensure even cooking and browning.

Serving Suggestions

When it’s time to serve your Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice, presentation can elevate the dining experience:

• Garnish: Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill can add a nice touch of color and flavor.
• Plating: Create a colorful plate with a generous portion of chicken souvlaki rice, a scoop of Greek salad, and a dollop of tzatziki on the side.

Conclusion

Your journey to enjoy a taste of Greece is just a meal away with this Instant Pot Chicken Souvlaki Rice with Greek Salad and Tzatziki Recipe. With its vibrant flavors, easy preparation, and flexibility for variations, it’s bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the deliciousness and feel the Mediterranean vibes right at home!

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