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Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe

Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 8 reviews

This Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo recipe offers a comforting, creamy one-pot meal packed with tender chicken, flavorful herbs, and al dente orzo pasta. Perfect for busy days, this recipe combines slow-cooked savory chicken broth infused with garlic, onion, and aromatic herbs, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a deliciously rich yet easy-to-make dish.

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 & Seasonings

  • 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. Prepare the Base (Optional Searing/Sautéing): Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown but not cooked through. Remove chicken and place in slow cooker. Add diced onion to drippings, sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook 1 more minute. Scrape mixture into slow cooker over chicken. Alternatively, skip searing and place raw chicken and raw aromatics directly into the slow cooker.
  2. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour chicken broth over chicken and aromatics. Sprinkle in dried thyme, oregano, rosemary, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Gently stir to combine and distribute seasonings.
  3. Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, depending on chicken cut and slow cooker model. Chicken should be tender and shred easily.
  4. Shred the Chicken: Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Leave cooking liquid in slow cooker.
  5. Cook the Orzo: Set slow cooker to HIGH. Stir uncooked orzo into hot broth, making sure it is mostly submerged. Cover and cook 20-30 minutes until orzo is tender and broth mostly absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add extra ½ cup broth or water if liquid is low.
  6. Combine and Finish: Stir shredded chicken back in. Add Parmesan cheese and optional heavy cream/half-and-half. Mix until cheese melts and sauce is creamy. Stir in fresh parsley and optional lemon juice or zest.
  7. Taste and Adjust: Sample dish and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired. Add more broth or cream if too thick.
  8. Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Searing the chicken and sautéing aromatics adds depth of flavor but can be skipped for a quicker prep.
  • Use chicken thighs for more tender, flavorful meat; breasts will cook faster and leaner.
  • If the orzo absorbs too much liquid before fully cooked, add warm broth or water as needed.
  • The optional heavy cream adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired level of heat or omit if preferred mild.
  • Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, parmesan chicken, orzo pasta, creamy chicken recipe, easy slow cooker meal, chicken and pasta, one pot meal

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