If you’re seeking a comforting, satisfying meal that all comes together with minimal effort, look no further than Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo. This dish weaves the wonderful flavors of tender chicken with fragrant herbs and perfectly cooked orzo pasta. You can set it in motion before your day gets busy and return home to a hearty meal, making it the ultimate recipe for busy families or anyone looking to simplify dinner time.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe
This slow cooker recipe has everything one could wish for in family-friendly fare: it’s simple, flavorful, and requires little hands-on time. The many herbs blended with fresh ingredients create an aroma that fills your kitchen, tantalizing your senses long before the dish even hits the table. Plus, the creamy texture of the orzo paired with juicy chicken will leave you feeling delighted and satisfied.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo
To create this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients, fresh for optimal flavor and texture. Don’t worry if you’re new to cooking; this recipe is very forgiving and perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- 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
- 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)
How to Make Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Directions
Now that you’ve gathered the ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delicious meal. You’ll find that getting everything together is straightforward, and the result is incredible!
- Searing the Chicken (Optional): If you wish to boost flavor, start by heating olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it achieves a delightful golden brown hue. This extra step adds depth to the dish, but it can be skipped if you’re short on time.
- Preparing the Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared chicken (or raw chicken if that’s your choice) to the bottom of your slow cooker. If you decided to sear the chicken, make sure to utilize the drippings left in the skillet. Add your finely diced onion to the skillet, sautéing it for about 3-4 minutes until softened, and then introduce the minced garlic for an additional minute.
- Adding Flavors: Once the onion and garlic mixture is fragrant, pour it over the chicken inside the slow cooker. Next, add the chicken broth, dried thyme, dried oregano, crushed rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to ensure the chicken is well-coated with the delicious herbs and aromatic ingredients.
- Slow Cooking: Once everything is combined, secure the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to cook on LOW for approximately 4-6 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, depending on your schedule. Once the cooking time is complete, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker using two forks. This method allows the chicken to soak in all that liquid goodness while you finish preparing the dish.
- Cooking the Orzo: Now it’s time to add the uncooked orzo pasta to the slow cooker. Stir it into the hot cooking liquid and turn the heat to HIGH again. You’ll want to let it cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Make sure the orzo is tender and cooked through before proceeding.
- Finishing Touches: Once the orzo has reached the desired consistency, return the shredded chicken back into the cooker. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the heavy cream or half-and-half if you chose to use it. Mix until everything is beautifully combined and creamy.
- Adding Freshness: Finally, fold in the chopped parsley and lemon juice or zest if you opted for that zesty addition. It’s all about layering flavors and adding brightness to this hearty dish. Taste your masterpiece and adjust any seasonings as necessary.
- Serving: Serve your Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo hot, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese for that extra touch.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo
This divine dish can stand alone as a meal, but you might also consider pairing it with some fresh vegetables or a light salad to round out the table. Imagine melting into the couch with a steaming bowl of this creamy chicken and orzo while watching your favorite show—it’s the perfect cozy night in!
As for presentation, serve it in deep bowls to capture the saucy goodness. A sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or herbs as a garnish can make the dish feel restaurant-worthy.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo
- Choosing Your Chicken: Thighs lend more moisture to the dish, making them ideal if you want a juicier result. However, chicken breasts work just as well and are lower in calories.
- Herb Substitutions: Fresh herbs can take your dish to the next level. If you’ve got fresh thyme, oregano, or rosemary on hand, feel free to use those instead—approximately three times the amount of dried herbs.
- Orzo Cooking: Keep an eye on the orzo while it cooks. It absorbs a lot of liquid and can become sticky if not stirred regularly.
- Use Leftovers Wisely: If you have any leftovers, they can be transformed into a delicious chicken soup. Just add extra broth and some more vegetables to the mixture.
- Cream Alternatives: You can leave out the heavy cream to make the dish lighter, or substitute it with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative if you’re looking for a healthy twist.
How to Store Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo
Storing this dish is simple. Once it has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for about 3-4 days.
If you’d like to freeze it, make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up if needed.
Variation of Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo
While the original recipe is delightful, experimenting can lead to wonderful variations. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate some fresh spinach, kale, or diced bell peppers into the slow cooker for added nutrition and flavor.
- Protein Pop: Use diced turkey or even grated beef for a different flavor profile.
- Herbal Twist: Try adding different spices or herbs such as basil, dill, or Italian seasoning to give your dish an entirely new personality.
- Elevated Creaminess: Add a dollop of cream cheese for extra creaminess or a splash of heavy coconut milk for a lightened version that’s still rich and satisfying.
- Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with adding a hint of mustard or a tablespoon of pesto for an unexpected burst of flavor.
FAQ
What makes Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo a good choice for dinner? This dish is perfect for dinner because it combines protein, carbs, and veggies in one pot, offering a well-rounded meal that is easy to prepare. The flavors meld beautifully as it cooks, resulting in a hearty and satisfying dish.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken; however, it may increase the cooking time by an hour or so. Just ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature.
How do I adjust the recipe to serve more people? To adjust the recipe for a larger gathering, simply scale up the ingredients in proportion. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity.
Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet
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
- 4 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried Rosemary Crushed
- 0.25 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- 1 cup Uncooked Orzo Pasta
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 0.25 to 0.5 cup Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half Optional
- 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Or zest of ½ lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Optional: Sear the chicken in olive oil or butter until golden brown.
- Transfer chicken to the slow cooker and add onion and garlic.
- Add chicken broth, dried thyme, oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Stir in uncooked orzo and turn the heat to HIGH for 20-30 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, mixing until combined.
- Fold in parsley and lemon juice or zest before serving.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!