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Instant Pot Greek Chicken with Orzo Recipe

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4.1 from 51 reviews

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Tender Greek-seasoned chicken cooked with orzo, lemon, garlic, spinach, and feta in the Instant Pot for a flavorful one-pot Mediterranean dinner that is quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 600 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Orzo and Vegetables

  • 1 1/2 cups orzo
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken thighs with dried oregano, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, ensuring the chicken is well coated with the spices for robust flavor.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Sear the seasoned chicken thighs for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
  4. Add Broth and Scrape Pot: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits, enhancing flavor and preventing a burn notice.
  5. Add Orzo and Tomatoes: Stir in the orzo pasta and cherry tomatoes, mixing well to combine the ingredients evenly.
  6. Cook Under Pressure: Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the orzo mixture. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes.
  7. Release Pressure and Stir: Carefully perform a quick pressure release once cooking is complete. Remove the chicken thighs and give the orzo a good stir to separate the grains.
  8. Add Spinach and Lemon: Stir fresh spinach leaves, lemon juice, and lemon zest into the orzo while it is hot so the spinach wilts nicely and the lemon brightens the flavors.
  9. Slice Chicken and Combine: Slice the cooked chicken thighs and return them to the pot, combining all elements together.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley over the dish before serving to add the classic Greek finishing touch.

Notes

  • Stir the orzo well after cooking to prevent it from sticking together and ensure even texture.
  • Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs if preferred, but avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy.
  • For extra Mediterranean flavor, add Kalamata olives during the cooking process.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course, One-Pot
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Find it online: https://justsosweet.com/instant-pot-greek-chicken-with-orzo-recipe/