Print

Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe

Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 18 reviews

This Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo recipe is a comforting and creamy one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breast or thighs are slow-cooked with aromatic onions, garlic, and a blend of dried herbs in low-sodium chicken broth. Uncooked orzo pasta is then added to the flavorful broth and cooked until tender, creating a luscious and satisfying dish. Finished with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and optional cream and lemon for brightness, this recipe delivers rich, delicious flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

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 & Seasonings

  • 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, ¼ 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)
  • 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice or Zest of ½ Lemon (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base (Optional Searing/Sautéing): Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden but not cooked through. Transfer chicken to the bottom of the slow cooker. Add diced onion to skillet drippings and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Scrape mixture into slow cooker over chicken. If skipping searing, place raw seasoned chicken into slow cooker and scatter onion and garlic over the top.
  2. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour chicken broth over chicken and aromatics. Add dried thyme, oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Gently stir to distribute seasonings without disturbing the chicken too much.
  3. Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender and easily shredded. Timing varies based on slow cooker and cut of chicken.
  4. Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove chicken from slow cooker and place on cutting board or bowl. Leave cooking liquid in slow cooker. Use two forks to shred chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Cook the Orzo: Set slow cooker to HIGH. Stir uncooked orzo into hot broth, ensuring it’s mostly submerged. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes, until orzo is tender and has absorbed most liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add extra ½ cup broth or water if liquid is low.
  6. Combine and Finish: Stir shredded chicken back into slow cooker. Add grated Parmesan cheese and optional heavy cream or half-and-half. Mix gently until cheese melts and sauce is creamy. Stir in fresh parsley and optional lemon juice or zest.
  7. Taste and Adjust: Sample the dish and season with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired. If mixture is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream.
  8. Serve: Spoon the creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • For best flavor, sear the chicken and sauté aromatics before slow cooking, but this step can be skipped for convenience.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and adjust seasoning after cooking.
  • Cooking times may vary based on slow cooker model and chicken cut used; breasts cook faster than thighs.
  • Orzo cooks in the slow cooker broth, no pre-cooking needed.
  • If the orzo absorbs too much liquid and becomes too thick, add extra broth or water to loosen the dish.
  • Optional heavy cream or half-and-half adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
  • Fresh lemon juice or zest at the end brightens the flavor and balances richness.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken recipe, parmesan chicken, herbed chicken and orzo, creamy chicken pasta, easy slow cooker dinner

Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/slow-cooker-parmesan-herb-chicken-and-orzo-recipe/