Miley Instant Pot Mediterranean Chicken, a bright, rustic dinner or “One-Pot Wonder” in my kitchen, is a hearty, flavorful dish made with chicken and vegetables pressure cooked in a tomato sauce rich with herbs and spices. Simple, cosy, downright tasty homemade comfort food!
I have a soft spot for Instant Pot recipes (proof here and here and here) because you get all the stewy-goodness that usually takes hours on the stove in just minutes. Because, thank you pressure cooker, you cook fast and we don’t need to stand over the pot to get tender perfection!
Today’s chicken dinner is Instant Pot Mediterranean Chicken. “Mediterranean” refers to the bright flavors of the region and in cooking it commonly refers to a meal made with tomatoes, olives, herbs and usually healthy fats in which a protein is braised, typically chicken or fish, though I’ve also seen beef and vegetarian versions.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish delivers big flavor with very little effort, which always feels like a win.
Fast cooking: The Instant Pot speeds everything up without losing flavor.
Juicy chicken: Boneless thighs stay soft and full of moisture.
Mediterranean flavors: Herbs, olives, and tomatoes bring balance and depth.
One pot meal: Fewer dishes make cleanup easy.
Great for leftovers: The flavors deepen after resting.
Weeknight friendly: Perfect when time feels short but cravings feel big.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds chicken thighs skinless and boneless
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons ghee or olive oil
For the Mediterranean Sauce:
- 2 cups white onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander seed
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
- ½ cup black olives sliced
Step by Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Instant Pot
Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add ghee or olive oil and let it warm until shimmering. This step builds flavor right from the start and helps soften the onions evenly.
2. Cook the Onions
Add chopped onions to the pot and stir well. Cook for about five minutes until they soften and turn slightly golden. Stir often so they do not stick to the bottom. The onions should smell sweet and savory.
3. Add the Spices
Sprinkle smoked paprika, ground coriander, dried parsley, onion powder, chili pepper, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper over the onions. Stir constantly for one minute. This wakes up the spices and releases their aroma into the oil.
4. Add Chicken and Tomatoes
Place the chicken thighs directly into the pot, turning them so they coat in the spiced onion mixture. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices. Use a spoon to gently press the chicken into the sauce so everything sits evenly.
5. Pressure Cook
Cancel sauté mode and secure the lid. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for ten minutes. Once cooking finishes, allow a natural release for five minutes before carefully releasing remaining pressure.
6. Finish With Olives
Open the lid and stir in the black olives. Let the dish rest on warm mode for a few minutes so the flavors settle. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Tips and Variations
- Small tweaks can shift the flavor while keeping the base intact.
- Add sliced bell peppers for extra color and sweetness.
- Use Kalamata olives for a stronger bite.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice before serving for brightness.
- Replace ghee with olive oil for a lighter finish.
- Let the dish rest longer so the sauce thickens naturally.
Serving Suggestions
Instant Pot Mediterranean Chicken works beautifully with simple sides. Serve it over fluffy rice, couscous, or warm flatbread to soak up the sauce. Roasted vegetables or a cucumber salad add freshness and crunch.
When making this for guests, I enjoy setting it out family style with extra olives and herbs on top. Everyone ends up going back for seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes, though thighs stay more tender. Reduce cook time to eight minutes for breasts.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat stays mild. Adjust chili pepper to your taste.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store in an airtight container for up to two months.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Use sauté mode after cooking and simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
Does this work without olives?
Absolutely. Skip them or replace with capers.
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot Mediterranean Chicken brings comfort, ease, and bold flavor together in one pot. The chicken stays tender, the sauce turns rich, and the whole meal feels satisfying without feeling heavy.
I love how this recipe fits busy nights and relaxed weekends alike. Serve it warm, spoon plenty of sauce over the top, and enjoy a dish that feels hearty, colorful, and deeply comforting.
Instant Pot Mediterranean Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds chicken thighs skinless and boneless
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons ghee or olive oil
For the Mediterranean Sauce:
- 2 cups white onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander seed
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
- ½ cup black olives sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add ghee or olive oil and let it warm until shimmering. This step builds flavor right from the start and helps soften the onions evenly.
- Cook the Onions: Add chopped onions to the pot and stir well. Cook for about five minutes until they soften and turn slightly golden. Stir often so they do not stick to the bottom. The onions should smell sweet and savory.
- Add the Spices: Sprinkle smoked paprika, ground coriander, dried parsley, onion powder, chili pepper, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper over the onions. Stir constantly for one minute. This wakes up the spices and releases their aroma into the oil.
- Add Chicken and Tomatoes: Place the chicken thighs directly into the pot, turning them so they coat in the spiced onion mixture. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices. Use a spoon to gently press the chicken into the sauce so everything sits evenly.
- Pressure Cook: Cancel sauté mode and secure the lid. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for ten minutes. Once cooking finishes, allow a natural release for five minutes before carefully releasing remaining pressure.
- Finish With Olives: Open the lid and stir in the black olives. Let the dish rest on warm mode for a few minutes so the flavors settle. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
