Description
This Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken and Orzo is the ultimate cozy comfort food. Juicy chicken slow-cooked with herbs, garlic, and creamy Parmesan sauce comes together with tender orzo pasta for a hearty, family-friendly dinner that feels gourmet but is so easy to make.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (or a mix)
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
4–5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil or butter (optional, for searing)
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried rosemary, crushed slightly
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper (to start)
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
¼–½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
1 tbsp lemon juice or zest of ½ lemon (optional, stirred in at the end)
Instructions
Optional Sear: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil or butter for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to slow cooker. Sauté onion and garlic in pan drippings, then add to slow cooker. (If skipping, place raw seasoned chicken, onion, and garlic directly into slow cooker.)
Add Liquids & Seasonings: Pour in chicken broth. Stir in thyme, oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until chicken is very tender.
Shred Chicken: Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and set aside. Leave broth in slow cooker.
Cook Orzo: Turn slow cooker to HIGH. Stir in orzo and cover. Cook for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Add extra broth if needed.
Combine: Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in Parmesan and optional cream until melted and creamy. Add parsley and optional lemon juice/zest.
Taste & Serve: Adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley before serving.
Notes
Too thick? Stir in more broth or cream.
Too thin? Let it sit uncovered for a few minutes to thicken.
Add greens: Stir in spinach at the end for extra veggies.
Make-ahead tip: Store in fridge up to 3 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours (LOW)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg