Name: Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490152H27M33S
Total time: PT-490152H27M33S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs (about 680g) Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs (or a mix); 1 Medium Yellow Onion, finely diced; 4-5 Cloves Garlic, minced; 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil or Butter (optional, for searing/sautéing); 4 cups (approx. 950ml) Low-Sodium Chicken Broth; 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme; 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano; ½ teaspoon Dried Rosemary, crushed slightly; ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a hint of warmth); Salt and Black Pepper, to taste (start with ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper); 1 cup (about 200g) Uncooked Orzo Pasta; 1 cup (about 100g) Grated Parmesan Cheese, plus more for serving; ¼ to ½ cup (60-120ml) Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half (optional, for extra creaminess); ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish); 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice or Zest of ½ Lemon (stirred in at the end)

Introduction

Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pot meal that combines tender chicken with flavorful herbs and cheesy orzo. Perfect for busy days, this recipe makes an easy and satisfying dinner with minimal hands-on time.

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with yellowish rice mixed with small green herbs and bits of vegetables or spices. On top of the rice are two pieces of grilled chicken with brown char marks, covered by a dollop of creamy white sauce with a slightly rough texture. A silver fork rests inside the bowl to the right. The overall dish looks warm and hearty. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 lbs (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (or a mix)
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (optional, for searing/sautéing)
4 cups (approx. 950ml) low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed slightly
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste (start with ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper)
1 cup (about 200g) uncooked orzo pasta
1 cup (about 100g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
¼ to ½ cup (60-120ml) heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
1 tablespoon lemon juice or zest of ½ lemon (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Optional: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and place chicken in the slow cooker.
Step 2: If you seared the chicken, add diced onion to the skillet drippings and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more. Scrape onion and garlic into the slow cooker over the chicken. If skipping searing, place raw seasoned chicken in the slow cooker and scatter onion and garlic on top.
Step 3: Pour chicken broth over chicken and aromatics in the slow cooker. Add dried thyme, oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Secure the lid and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Step 5: Remove chicken carefully from slow cooker and shred into bite-sized pieces.
Step 6: Turn slow cooker to HIGH. Stir in uncooked orzo, making sure it’s mostly submerged in liquid. Cover and cook 20-30 minutes, checking after 15 minutes, until orzo is tender.
Step 7: Stir shredded chicken back into slow cooker. Add grated Parmesan cheese and optional heavy cream, stirring until melted and creamy. Mix in chopped parsley and optional lemon juice or zest.
Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed. If dish is too thick, add warm broth or cream to loosen.
Step 9: Serve immediately in bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Searing the chicken first enhances flavor, so consider this step for more depth.
Be mindful when stirring in orzo to prevent sticking to slow cooker sides.
Add fresh herbs or substitute dried with fresh if available for brighter flavor.
For crunch, top with toasted pine nuts or walnuts when serving.
Substitute orzo with small pasta shapes or rice, or add vegetables like spinach or peas in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if the dish thickens too much.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with cooked rice mixed with herbs, showing a light brown color with green specks. On top of the rice is a piece of grilled chicken breast, browned with visible grill marks, covered by a layer of melted white cheese with a slightly golden crust. A silver fork is placed inside the bowl on the right side, resting against the bowl’s edge. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may require a longer cooking time to ensure it is fully cooked and tender.

Can I make this without cheese?

Absolutely! Skip the Parmesan for a lighter version, and consider adding extra herbs or seasoning to boost the flavor.

Can I add veggies?

Yes, add vegetables like spinach, carrots, or bell peppers during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to add color, nutrition, and flavor.