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Chicken & Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 134 reviews

This comforting slow cooker Chicken & Orzo recipe combines tender, shredded chicken simmered in flavorful herbs and broth with creamy, al dente orzo pasta. Finished with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and optional lemon brightness, this easy-to-make dish delivers rich, satisfying flavors perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.

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)

Optional Brightness

  • 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice or Zest of ½ Lemon (stirred in at the end)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base (Optional Searing/Sautéing): Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and place in the slow cooker insert. In the same skillet, sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Transfer onion and garlic mixture into the slow cooker over the chicken. If skipping searing, place raw, seasoned chicken in slow cooker and scatter onion and garlic on top.
  2. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour chicken broth over the chicken and aromatics in the slow cooker. Add dried thyme, oregano, crushed rosemary, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Gently stir to combine seasonings and liquid around the chicken.
  3. Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until chicken is very tender and easily shredded. Cooking time varies based on slow cooker and chicken cut used.
  4. Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove chicken from slow cooker and place on a cutting board or bowl. Leave cooking liquid in slow cooker. Use two forks to shred chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Cook the Orzo: Turn slow cooker to HIGH. Stir uncooked orzo into the 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, especially around edges. Add ½ cup hot broth or water if liquid seems low.
  6. Combine and Finish: Stir shredded chicken back into slow cooker. Add grated Parmesan and optional heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir gently until cheese melts and sauce is creamy. Mix in chopped fresh parsley and optional lemon juice or zest.
  7. Taste and Adjust: Sample and adjust seasoning as desired—add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes. If too thick, add a splash of warm broth or cream to loosen.
  8. Serve: Ladle creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo into bowls. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For richer flavor, searing the chicken before slow cooking is recommended but optional.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more tender and flavorful results; breasts cook faster and leaner.
  • Monitor orzo cooking carefully to avoid overcooking and sticking; stir occasionally.
  • Adjust cream quantity to preference or omit for a lighter dish.
  • Adding lemon juice or zest brightens the flavors beautifully just before serving.
  • Slow cooker size of minimum 4-quarts, preferably 6-quarts, works best for this recipe.

Keywords: chicken and orzo, slow cooker chicken, creamy chicken pasta, one pot chicken dinner, easy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/chicken-and-orzo-recipe/