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Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe

Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken: Easy & Flavorful Orzo Delight

This Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe is an easy and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, orzo pasta, and aromatic herbs for a comforting meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs 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 Low-Sodium Chicken Broth

Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon Dried Rosemary crushed slightly
  • 0.25 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional, for a hint of warmth
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt to taste
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper to taste

Pasta

  • 1 cup Uncooked Orzo Pasta

Dairy/Cheese

  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese plus more for serving
  • 0.25-0.5 cups Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half optional, for extra creaminess

Fresh Finish

  • 0.25 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
 

Preparation

  • For maximum flavor, perform the optional step of searing the chicken. Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and place it in the bottom of the slow cooker. If using the skillet, add the diced onion to the drippings and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Scrape onion and garlic into the slow cooker.
  • If skipping the searing step, simply place the raw, seasoned chicken in the slow cooker and scatter the raw onion and garlic over the top.
  • Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and aromatics. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, oregano, rosemary, optional red pepper flakes, and initial salt and pepper. Gently stir to combine.
  • Secure the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
  • Once cooked, remove chicken and shred into bite-sized pieces.
  • Turn slow cooker to HIGH and stir in uncooked orzo. Ensure orzo is mostly submerged. Cook for approximately 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Once orzo is tender, stir shredded chicken back in, add Parmesan cheese and optional cream, stirring gently until melted and creamy. Stir in parsley and optional lemon juice or zest.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.
  • Ladle the dish into bowls and garnish with extra grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Notes

For additional creaminess, consider adding more heavy cream. Always taste and adjust the seasonings before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcal
Keyword chicken, Herb, Orzo, Parmesan, Slow Cooker
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