Name: Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs; 1 Medium Yellow Onion, finely diced; 4-5 Cloves Garlic, minced; 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil or Butter (optional); 4 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth; 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme; 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano; ½ teaspoon Dried Rosemary, crushed; ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional); Salt and Black Pepper, to taste; 1 cup Uncooked Orzo Pasta; 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese; ¼ to ½ cup Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half (optional); ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped; 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice or Zest of ½ Lemon (optional)

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Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo is a cozy and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines tender chicken, savory herbs, and creamy orzo pasta, all cooked together in a slow cooker. It not only simplifies meal prep but also provides an incredibly flavorful dinner that’s sure to please the whole family. With just a few ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal.

How to Make Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo

Ingredients:

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:
- 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)

Directions:

For maximum flavor, you can perform this optional step. Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, just until golden brown (it doesn’t need to be cooked through). Remove the chicken and place it in the bottom of your slow cooker insert (minimum 4-quart size, 6-quart recommended).
If you used the skillet, add the diced onion to the remaining drippings and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Scrape the onion and garlic mixture into the slow cooker over the chicken. If skipping the searing step, simply place the raw, seasoned chicken in the slow cooker and scatter the raw onion and garlic over the top.
Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and aromatics in the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried oregano, dried rosemary, optional red pepper flakes, and your initial amount of salt and black pepper. Gently stir to combine the liquids and seasonings around the chicken.
Secure the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shredded.
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board or in a large bowl. Leave the cooking liquid in the slow cooker insert. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Turn the slow cooker setting to HIGH (if it wasn’t already). Stir the uncooked orzo directly into the hot broth remaining in the slow cooker. Ensure the orzo is mostly submerged in the liquid. Place the lid back on and cook for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until the orzo is tender (al dente) and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Once the orzo is cooked to your liking, stir the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and the optional heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir everything together gently until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and the optional lemon juice or zest.
Sample the dish and adjust seasonings as needed. If the mixture seems too thick, you can stir in a splash more warm broth or cream.
Ladle the creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo into bowls. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo

Serve this delicious dish hot in bowls, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. It pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy it with your favorite bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

How to Store Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the dish has thickened too much.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo

For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken in herbs and spices a few hours before cooking.
You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor and more tender texture.
If you prefer a lighter dish, feel free to reduce the amount of heavy cream.
Make sure to stir the orzo occasionally during cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.

Variation

You can add vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. Simply stir them in during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to extend the cooking time by 1-2 hours on LOW.

Can I substitute the orzo with another type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Certainly! Use gluten-free orzo or a gluten-free pasta alternative to make this dish gluten-free.

Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo