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–+ servings

Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo

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A comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, creamy Parmesan, and perfectly cooked orzo, ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main 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
Herbs & Spices
  • 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

Method
 

Preparation
  1. If desired, sear the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil or butter for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Scrape this mixture into the slow cooker.
  3. Pour chicken broth over the chicken. Add thyme, oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until chicken is easily shredded.
  2. 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, checking occasionally and adding broth if necessary.
Finish Off
  1. 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.
  2. Serve the mixture into bowls, garnished with more Parmesan and parsley, and enjoy right away!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Notes

For a more elevated dining experience, pair the dish with a simple side salad or crusty bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
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