Description
Delicious and comforting, this Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken Orzo is a creamy and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Tender shredded chicken, fragrant herbs, and creamy Parmesan cheese combine with orzo pasta to create a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
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, 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: 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. 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.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: 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.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Secure the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the slow cooker and shred them into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Orzo: Stir the uncooked orzo into the hot broth in the slow cooker. Cook for 20-30 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Combine and Finish: Stir the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Add Parmesan cheese and optional cream. Stir in parsley and lemon juice or zest.
- Taste and Adjust: Adjust seasonings as needed, and consistency with warm broth or cream if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with Parmesan and parsley, and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 500-600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
