Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe
This Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo recipe is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful one-pot meal combining tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and tender orzo pasta. Perfect for busy days, this dish utilizes the slow cooker for ease and maximum flavor, delivering an all-in-one satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare and delicious to enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
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
- Optional Searing: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and place in the slow cooker.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion to the remaining drippings and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Scrape the mixture into the slow cooker over the chicken. If skipping searing, place raw seasoned chicken in slow cooker and scatter raw onion and garlic on top.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Pour chicken broth over the chicken and aromatics. Sprinkle dried thyme, oregano, crushed rosemary, optional red pepper flakes, and initial salt and pepper. Gently stir to combine.
- Slow Cook: Secure the lid and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred into bite-sized pieces on a cutting board.
- Cook Orzo: Turn slow cooker to HIGH if not already. Stir uncooked orzo into the liquid ensuring it is mostly submerged. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes, checking at 15 minutes, until orzo is tender.
- Final Touches: 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.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the dish and add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed. If too thick, stir in warm broth or cream.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy chicken and orzo into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Searing the chicken enhances flavor but is optional for convenience.
- Be cautious stirring the orzo as it can stick to the slow cooker sides.
- Check broth level during cooking and add more if needed to keep orzo submerged.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days; add broth when reheating if thickened.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or peas during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
- For extra crunch, top with toasted pine nuts or walnuts when serving.
Keywords: chicken and orzo, Easy Dinner Ideas, herb chicken recipes, Parmesan Herb Chicken, Slow Cooker Recipes
