Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo is a comforting and creamy one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with garlic, herbs, and savory broth combine effortlessly with orzo pasta and Parmesan for a rich, satisfying dish. It’s simple to prepare and great for hearty family dinners.

Ingredients

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp mixed dried herbs (thyme, basil)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by mincing the garlic and measuring out the chicken broth and orzo.
2. Step 2: Generously season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on all sides.
3. Step 3: Place the chicken, minced garlic, chicken broth, and mixed dried herbs into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Step 5: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the orzo pasta, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Replace the lid and continue cooking until the orzo is tender.
6. Step 6: Once everything is cooked through and creamy, serve warm with extra sauce drizzled on top.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or lemon juice before cooking.
• Swap the orzo for risotto rice or small pasta shapes if desired.
• Add fresh spinach or peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition.
• Use fresh herbs like thyme and basil if available, adding them at the end to preserve their fragrance.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream and pasta.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay tender and juicy through slow cooking.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can cook the chicken and broth in a covered pot on low heat, then add orzo, cream, and cheese near the end. Cooking times will be shorter, so keep an eye on texture.

Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe

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4.4 from 98 reviews

This Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo recipe is a comforting and creamy one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with garlic and mixed dried herbs soak up the rich flavors of chicken broth, then are finished with creamy heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and orzo pasta for a deliciously hearty dish.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Broth

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tsp mixed dried herbs (thyme, basil)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta and Sauce

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the garlic finely and measure out the chicken broth and orzo pasta to ensure everything is ready for the slow cooking process.
2. Season the Chicken: Generously season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
3. Combine Ingredients: Place the seasoned chicken breasts, minced garlic, low-sodium chicken broth, and mixed dried herbs into the slow cooker. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
5. Add Orzo and Creamy Ingredients: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the orzo pasta, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Cover and continue cooking until the orzo is tender and the sauce is creamy.
6. Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken and slice or shred as desired. Serve warm with extra sauce drizzled on top for a comforting, flavorful meal.

Notes

• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content in the dish.
• You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes if desired.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• If you prefer more herb flavor, increase dried herbs to 3 teaspoons.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, parmesan herb chicken, creamy chicken and orzo, easy slow cooker recipes, one pot meals