Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that practically makes itself, then this Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe is just what you need! This dish has become a family favorite in my house, and I can’t wait to share it with you. The tender chicken mingles beautifully with the orzo pasta, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s sure to warm hearts and fill bellies.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. Simply throw everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic! You’ll come home to a delicious aroma and a meal that feels like a big hug. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll want to keep it on repeat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything in your slow cooker and relax while it cooks!
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The creamy sauce and tender chicken make this dish a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep; enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
• Customizable Ingredients: Adapt the recipe easily based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Comforting Warmth: This dish is like a warm embrace on chilly days – perfect for cozying up at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating that delightful flavor and creamy texture we all crave. Let’s gather our goodies!

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, trimmed of excess fat.

Aromatics

• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced (use more or less to your preference)

Herbs (The Heart of the Flavor!)

• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (if not using in Italian blend)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (if not using in Italian blend)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, divided (half for cooking, half for garnish)
• Optional: 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary to lay on top during cooking

Liquids & Sauce Base

• 4 cups (32 fl oz or approx 950ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup dry white grape juice (optional; can be substituted with more broth)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil

Pasta

• 1.5 cups (about 10 oz or 280g) uncooked orzo pasta

Dairy (For Creaminess & Richness)

• 4 oz (1/2 block or 113g) cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup (about 3 oz or 85g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Seasoning & Garnish

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh lemon zest from 1/2 lemon (optional)

Variations

This recipe is super flexible! Feel free to tailor it according to your taste or dietary needs.

• Swap the Protein: Use turkey breast or chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for added moisture.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition.
• Switch Up the Pasta: If you’re feeling adventurous, try a different type of pasta like penne or fusilli.
• Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!

How to Make Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

If your slow cooker has a sear function, heat the olive oil right inside it over medium-high heat. If not, grab a large skillet! Searing the chicken creates beautiful color and deepens the flavor—this step is optional but highly recommended.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot/skillet used for searing the chicken, add your chopped yellow onion. Sauté over medium heat until it’s softened and translucent—this usually takes about 4-5 minutes. The sweetness from sautéed onions adds such depth to our dish!

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Next up is adding minced garlic along with your chosen herbs. Cook everything together until fragrant—just about a minute will do! Stir constantly so you don’t burn that lovely garlic goodness.

Step 4: Deglaze with Grape Juice

If you’re using white grape juice, pour it into the pot and scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck at the bottom. Let it simmer briefly; this will intensify all those flavors!

Step 5: Layer It All Together

Place your beautifully seared chicken on top of that aromatic onion mixture. Pour in your low-sodium chicken broth evenly over everything.

Step 6: Add Parsley and Herbs

Sprinkle half of your chopped fresh parsley over the top and lay any fresh herb sprigs if desired! These will infuse even more flavor as they cook.

Step 7: Cooking Time!

Cover your slow cooker and set it on LOW for about 5-7 hours or HIGH for about 3-4 hours. Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker model—your goal is tender chicken that shreds easily.

Step 8: Shred That Chicken

Once cooked through at an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker—it mixes perfectly with all those flavors!

Step 9: Stir In Orzo

Now it’s time to stir in uncooked orzo pasta directly into that delicious liquid! It’ll soak up all those wonderful flavors while cooking.

Step 10: Creamy Finish

Return shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and mix well! Now stir in cubed cream cheese until it’s fully melted and smooth—this gives us that irresistible creaminess we love.

Step 11: Add Parmesan Cheese

Gently fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted; this adds even more richness!

Step 12: Final Touches

Mix in remaining fresh parsley along with optional lemon zest for brightness before tasting and adjusting seasonings as needed.

Step 13: Serve It Up!

Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired. Serve immediately while it’s still warm—enjoy every comforting bite!

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe

This recipe is sure to impress, and with a few helpful tips, you’ll elevate your dish to the next level!

• Use Quality Ingredients: Choosing high-quality chicken broth and fresh herbs can make a significant difference in flavor. It’s often the little things that lead to big taste improvements.
• Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your dish. While it’s an extra step, it’s worth it for that rich, golden-brown crust.
• Adjust Cooking Time Based on Your Slow Cooker: Not all slow cookers are created equal! Keep an eye on your chicken as it cooks; you want it to be tender but not mushy. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for best results.
• Customize with Your Favorite Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some chopped carrots, spinach, or peas during the last hour of cooking. This not only adds nutrition but also enhances the color and texture of the final dish.
• Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish reheats wonderfully and makes for quick lunches!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe

Serving this delicious meal can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas on how to present your dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of additional fresh parsley or basil right before serving adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Extra Parmesan: Grate some extra Parmesan cheese over each serving for an irresistible cheesy finish.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side so guests can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright flavor boost.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: A loaf of warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. The crunchiness contrasts beautifully with the soft orzo.
• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli adds a healthy touch and complements the flavors of the chicken well without overpowering it.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing provides a crisp counterpoint that balances out the richness of the main dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots complement the flavors while adding more nutrients and color to your meal.

Now you’re all set to enjoy a cozy evening filled with delightful aromas and flavors from your Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe is perfect for meal prep! It not only tastes better the next day, but it also makes weeknight dinners a breeze. Here’s how you can store and preserve this delicious dish.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

• Transfer cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers.
• Label each container with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• For individual servings, consider using freezer bags for easy thawing.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious slow cooker dish!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in the Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic choice and will yield even more tender results. Just follow the same cooking instructions, and you’ll enjoy a rich flavor.

How can I make the Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe healthier?

To lighten this recipe, consider reducing the amount of cream cheese or replacing it with Greek yogurt. You can also increase vegetable content by adding spinach or zucchini during cooking.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe?

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. You could also serve it alongside crusty bread for a heartier meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe as much as I do! It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re meal prepping or enjoying it fresh from your slow cooker, this recipe is sure to bring warmth to your table. Happy cooking!