Name: Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 260 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (or a mix) (680g); 1 medium yellow onion (finely diced); 4-5 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (optional, for searing/sautéing); 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (950ml); 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta (200g); 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving) (100g); ¼ to ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional) (60-120ml); ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped, plus more for garnish); 1 tablespoon lemon juice or zest from ½ lemon (optional) (for brightness); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (slightly crushed); ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); to taste salt and black pepper (start with ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper)

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Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo: A Comforting Delight

There’s something truly magical about coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo. As the day winds down, and the cooking is taken care of, all that’s left is to indulge in this cozy dish. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual family gathering, this recipe combines tender chicken, creamy Parmesan, and perfectly cooked orzo in one pot. What makes it even better? Minimal effort for maximum flavor!

Why Cook This Delicious Dish at Home

You might wonder, why invest your time in this recipe? Well, let me tell you—it’s a hit for numerous reasons! Not only is it budget-friendly, but it also makes enough to feed the whole family without breaking the bank. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner—simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. The result? A hearty, comforting meal that even the pickiest eaters will love.

"This dish has become a staple in our house! The chicken is so tender, and the flavors are just right. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!"

Step-by-Step Overview of Preparing Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo

This recipe is straightforward and can be broken down into a few easy steps:

Sear the Chicken: For enhanced flavor, you can sear the chicken before placing it in the slow cooker, but if you’re short on time, simply toss it in raw.
Add Aromatics: Incorporate onions and garlic for a delicious foundation.
Combine Ingredients: Pour in the broth, herbs, and seasonings.
Slow Cook: Let it cook until the chicken is tender.
Add Orzo: Stir in uncooked orzo and let it soak up the flavor.
Finish Off: Mix in the Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and fresh herbs for a luscious finish!

Gather These Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Meal

Here’s what you’ll need to throw together this delightful dish:

Chicken: 1.5 lbs (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 (950ml) low-sodium chicken broth
Herbs & Spices:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (slightly crushed)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste (start with ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper)
Pasta: 1 cup (200g) uncooked orzo pasta
Cheese & Cream:
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- ¼ to ½ cup (60-120ml) heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
Finishing Touches:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or zest from ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)

Directions to Follow for a Perfectly Creamy Dish

Optional Searing: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic, cooking for another minute. Scrape this mixture into the slow cooker over the chicken.
Add Broth and Spices: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken. Add thyme, oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is easily shredded.
Prepare the Orzo: Carefully remove the chicken and shred it. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH, stir in uncooked orzo, cover, and cook for 20-30 minutes until tender. Check occasionally, adding broth if necessary.
Finish it Off: Once the orzo is cooked, return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Mix in Parmesan cheese and optional heavy cream until creamy. Stir in parsley and lemon juice or zest.
Serve: Ladle the mixture into bowls, garnish with more Parmesan and parsley, and enjoy right away!

Best Ways to Enjoy This Comforting Dish

To elevate your dining experience, consider serving your Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo with a simple side salad or crusty bread. A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the dish’s richness, while warm bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is common because this dish is so satisfying!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy texture.

For longer storage, this dish can also be frozen. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. It will maintain quality for up to 3 months!

Pro Chef Tips for Success

Don’t Skip the Sear: If you have a few extra minutes, searing the chicken adds depth of flavor.
Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or herbs at the end to suit your palate.
Blend of Chicken Cuts: Using both breasts and thighs offers a nice contrast of textures, with breasts being leaner and thighs adding more juiciness.

Creative Twists and Flavor Variations

Feel free to make this recipe your own! Here are some easy variations to try:

Swap Proteins: Use turkey or even a plant-based protein alternative.
Vegetable Additions: Toss in spinach, kale, or peas during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes for heat or throw in diced jalapeños.

Common Questions You Might Have

What is the prep time for this recipe?

This recipe requires about 15-20 minutes of prep time, making it fantastic for busy days.

Can I substitute orzo with another type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use other small pasta shapes like or acini di pepe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly as they may vary.

How do I know if the chicken is cooked properly?

The chicken should shred easily when it’s done. You can use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (75°C).

Now that you’re ready with all the info, plan for a cozy meal with this Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo. It’s bound to become a beloved dish in your household!