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Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 124 reviews

This Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta. Easy to prepare and ideal for a hassle-free dinner, this dish features a rich blend of parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and optional cream for extra indulgence, making it a satisfying meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs (about 680g) Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs (or a mix)

Aromatics

  • 1 Medium Yellow Onion, finely diced
  • 4–5 Cloves Garlic, minced

Fat

  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil or Butter (optional, for searing/sautéing)

Liquid

  • 4 cups (approx. 950ml) Low-Sodium Chicken Broth

Herbs & Spices

  • 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)

Pasta

  • 1 cup (about 200g) Uncooked Orzo Pasta

Dairy/Cheese

  • 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)

Fresh Finish

  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Optional Brightness

  • 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice or Zest of ½ Lemon (stirred in at the end)

Instructions

  1. Sear Chicken (Optional): Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove and place in the slow cooker.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet drippings, add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Transfer the mixture into the slow cooker over the chicken. If skipping searing, simply add raw, seasoned chicken with raw onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
  3. Add Broth and Herbs: Pour low-sodium chicken broth over the chicken and aromatics. Sprinkle in dried thyme, oregano, crushed rosemary, optional red pepper flakes, and initial salt and pepper. Gently stir to combine.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
  5. Shred Chicken: Remove chicken carefully from the slow cooker to a cutting board and shred into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Cook Orzo: Turn the slow cooker to HIGH if not already. Stir in uncooked orzo, making sure it is mostly submerged in liquid. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes, checking at 15 minutes, until orzo is tender.
  7. Finish Dish: Stir the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Add grated Parmesan cheese and optional heavy cream, stirring until creamy and melted. Mix in chopped parsley and optional lemon juice or zest.
  8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed. If the dish is too thick, stir in warm broth or cream to loosen.
  9. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Searing the chicken before slow cooking enhances flavor but is optional.
  • Be careful when stirring the orzo to prevent sticking on sides of the slow cooker.
  • Monitor broth level; add more if it reduces too much during cooking.
  • Substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes or rice if preferred.
  • Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or carrots in the last 10-15 minutes for extra nutrition and color.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat with added broth if too thick.
  • For crunch, toast pine nuts or walnuts and sprinkle on top when serving.
  • Can use frozen chicken but expect longer cooking time.
  • Cheese can be omitted for a lighter dish; consider extra seasoning for flavor.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, parmesan herb chicken, creamy chicken and pasta, orzo recipes, easy slow cooker meals, comforting dinner recipes

Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/slow-cooker-parmesan-herb-chicken-and-orzo-recipe-2/