Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo 30 Minutes Easy Delicious

What is Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo?

Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo is a delightfully creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and a rich, cheesy orzo pasta. This one-pot wonder is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, as the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

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Why Slow Cooking?

The magic of slow cooking lies in its ability to infuse the chicken and orzo with a medley of flavors that simply can’t be achieved through faster cooking methods. As the ingredients simmer away in the slow cooker, the herbs and spices have ample time to meld and permeate every bite, resulting in a dish that’s both meltingly tender and bursting with taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need: Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo

• 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

Orzo Pasta Creamy Cheesy Sauce:

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, 1/4 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)

Preparation Steps: Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo

Optional Sear:

If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, you can sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. Heat the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, season the chicken with salt and pepper, and sear it for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step is optional but can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Prepare Slow Cooker:

Start by placing the diced onion, minced garlic, and uncooked orzo in the slow cooker. Nestle the chicken on top of the aromatic base.

Add Liquid & Herbs:

Pour the chicken broth over everything, then sprinkle in the thyme, oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. This liquid and herb mixture will infuse the dish with incredible flavor as it cooks.

Cook:

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the orzo is soft and creamy.

Shredding and Finishing Touches: Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo

Shred Chicken:

Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Add Cheese & Cream:

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the heavy cream (if using) until the mixture is well combined and creamy.

Finish & Serve:

Finally, stir in the fresh parsley and the optional lemon juice or zest. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve the Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.

Tips for Perfecting Your Dish: Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo

Ingredient Substitutions:

If you don’t have chicken breasts or thighs, you can use a combination of both. For the orzo, you can substitute another small pasta shape, such as ditalini or acini di pepe. If you’re looking to make this dish dairy-free, you can omit the heavy cream and use a non-dairy milk alternative.

Storage and Reheating:

Leftover Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to reheat, simply transfer the dish to a saucepan and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or milk to thin out the consistency if it has thickened too much.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
• Ranch Chicken Crock Pot
• Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
• Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this dish and can add an extra layer of juiciness and flavor. If using thighs, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as they tend to take a bit longer to become fork-tender.

How long should the dish cook in the slow cooker for best results?

For the best results, cook the Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. This gives the chicken time to become meltingly tender and the orzo to achieve a creamy, perfectly cooked texture.

Can I use dried orzo, and does it need pre-cooking?

Yes, you can use dried orzo for this recipe. No pre-cooking is necessary – the uncooked orzo will cook directly in the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. The broth and long cooking time will ensure the orzo becomes perfectly tender.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time and reheat it later?

Absolutely! This Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo is an excellent make-ahead meal. Simply prepare the dish, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to reach the desired consistency.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo is a comforting and creamy dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and indulgent cheesy orzo, this one-pot wonder is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Give this recipe a try and experience the magic of slow-cooked goodness for yourself!

Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!

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