Instant Pot Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Greek Chicken Bowls
I adapted a favorite slow cooker recipe for this Instant Pot Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Greek Chicken Bowls, and this dinner has all the Greek flavors I love!
I adapted a favorite slow cooker recipe for this Instant Pot Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Greek Chicken Bowls, and this dinner has all the Greek flavors I love!
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 1 large green bell pepper finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon rgin olive oil
- salt and fresh-ground black pepper to taste
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 4 large chicken breasts trimmed and cut into lengthwise strips
- (check ingredients for gluten-free)
- 1/2 tsp. fresh-ground black pepper
- 3 medium cucumbers chopped
- 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
- (or black olives)
- 4 oz. crumbled feta cheese (about 1/2 cup)
- which has only 2 carbs in 1/4 cup.)
- 2 bags (10 oz. each) frozen cauliflower rice, take out of rice” sized pieces.)
- 1 tablespoon rgin olive oil
- Carbohydrate 16.9652000005968 g
- Cholesterol 365.613333333841 mg
- Fat 8.51516666686955 g
- Fiber 3.95858332733313 g
- Protein 148.146633333759 g
- Saturated Fat 2.25247333338761 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (928g)
- Sodium 444.020000024177 mg
- Sugar 13.0066166732637 g
- Trans Fat 2.29298333334753 g
- Calories 759 calories
Step-by-step
- Trim the chicken and cut each piece lengthwise into 2-3 strips, depending on how large the chicken breasts are. Put chicken strips into the Instant Pot.
- Grate the zest from the lemons (using a Lemon Zester is easiest). Then cut lemons in half and squeeze the juice.
- Whisk the zest and juice together with the Greek seasoning, olive oil, chicken stock, Greek oregano, and black pepper to make the cooking sauce.
- Pour the cooking sauce mixture over chicken in the Instant Pot.
- Set the Instant Pot to MANUAL, HIGH PRESSURE, 8 minutes. Then do NATURAL RELEASE for 10 minutes before you release the rest of the pressure.
- When the pressure has all been released, use a slotted spoon to remove chicken to a cutting board, leaving the flavorful sauce in the Instant Pot. (If it seems like there’s too much liquid in the Instant Pot, cook on SAUTE / HIGH HEAT for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.)
- Shred chicken apart with two forks, put it back in the Instant Pot, and stir gently so the chicken is coated with liquid. Keep chicken warm on the low setting while you prep the other ingredients.
- To make Greek Salsa, chop the cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamata olives (or black olives), and red onion. Put those chopped ingredients in a bowl, stir in the 1/4 cup Italian dressing, and then gently stir in the crumbled Feta.
- Chop the yellow onion and green pepper.
- If you’re using fresh cauliflower, trim the cauliflower and discard the leaves. If you’re using a food processor to chop up the cauliflower into “rice,” first cut the cauliflower (including the stems) into small pieces. Then pulse the cauliflower pieces using the steel blade in the food processor until it’s finely chopped. You can also make the “rice” by grating larger pieces of cauliflower with a large standing box grater.
- Heat the tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat, add the green pepper and onion, and cook about 3 minutes or until the vegetables are softened and starting to brown.
- Add the Greek seasoning and cook 1 minute more; then add the chopped semi-thawed frozen cauliflower (or fresh cauliflower) and cook, turning a few times, until the cauliflower is heated through and some liquid has evaporated, about 3-4 minutes. (Taste cauliflower to see when it’s hot and cooked through; fresh cauliflower will take a bit longer to cook.) Season the cauliflower rice with salt and fresh-ground black pepper.
- To assemble the bowl, put some of the hot cauliflower rice in the bottom of a serving bowl. On top of the rice put a generous scoop of the shredded lemon chicken from the slow cooker, and then top that with a scoop of the Greek salsa mixture. Serve right away.
- You can keep the shredded lemon chicken in the fridge for a day or two and reheat in a pan or in the microwave. For the Cauliflower Rice and the Greek salsa mixture, I would make that fresh each time when you’re eating the leftovers.
Instant Pot Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Greek Chicken Bowls: A Busy Woman's Delight
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, healthy, and satisfying, and this Instant Pot Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Greek Chicken Bowls recipe absolutely nails it. It’s become a weekly staple in our household, a testament to its ease and deliciousness. Forget takeout – this is far healthier, cheaper, and just as satisfying, if not more so!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. The Instant Pot does most of the work, allowing me to multitask while the chicken simmers to perfection. The vibrant Greek flavors are a welcome change from the usual weeknight dinners. The combination of tender shredded chicken, flavorful cauliflower rice, and refreshing Greek salsa is a taste explosion in every bite. It's light enough to feel healthy but substantial enough to leave you feeling full and energized.
My personal twist: I often adjust the vegetables based on what's fresh and available at the market. Sometimes I add bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach to the cauliflower rice for extra nutrients and color. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily make it your own by customizing the vegetables to your preference or adding other protein options.
I also love that this recipe encourages meal prepping. The shredded chicken can easily be stored and reheated throughout the week, making quick lunches or even another dinner a breeze. I'll often make a double batch on Sunday evening and know I've got delicious and healthy meals covered for the rest of the week. This saves me significant time and energy, which is invaluable when you are juggling work, family, and everything else in between.
The flavor profile is incredibly bright and refreshing. The lemon zest and juice in the chicken marinade add a delightful tanginess, while the Greek seasoning provides a well-rounded warmth. The creamy feta cheese in the salsa adds a lovely salty, tangy note that perfectly balances the overall dish. Honestly, I could eat the salsa on its own – it's that good!
Beyond the taste and ease of preparation, this recipe aligns perfectly with my desire to eat healthier. The cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional rice, and the abundance of fresh vegetables makes it a nutritional powerhouse. It’s a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
This recipe is a lifesaver for those busy evenings when you don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. It's a simple yet elegant meal that's sure to impress your family and friends without requiring advanced culinary skills or an enormous time commitment. It's the kind of dish that makes you feel good about what you're eating, and that feeling is priceless.
Serving Suggestions: Serve this dish warm. For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or parsley just before serving. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt can also add a nice creamy element to the dish.
Leftovers: Store leftover chicken and salsa separately. The chicken can be reheated in the microwave or a skillet, while the salsa is best enjoyed fresh.
Variations: Get creative! Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or other protein of your choice. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. Use different types of olives or add some artichoke hearts to the salsa.
Ultimately, this Instant Pot Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Greek Chicken Bowls recipe is a testament to the idea that delicious, healthy, and easy meals are absolutely achievable, even with the busiest of schedules. It’s a recipe that has become a comforting constant in my somewhat chaotic life, a dish that brings the family together, and one that I’m happy to share with you. Try it out; I'm certain you won't be disappointed!
