Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs
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Total Time
4 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
585 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo
Description
The recipe begins with seasoning and quickly browning chicken pieces to develop color. These are placed in the slow cooker with chicken broth, melted butter, chopped mushrooms, onion, garlic, and additional Italian seasoning. Cooking on low or high heat softens the vegetables and infuses the broth with flavor. Orzo pasta is stirred in later to cook through and absorb the cooking liquid, resulting in a creamy risotto-like consistency.
After orzo finishes cooking, the chicken is returned on top and grated or shaved Parmesan cheese is scattered over the dish. The slow cooker is covered again briefly to melt the cheese, adding richness and depth. Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley along with black pepper garnish the dish for brightness and herbal notes.
The result is a warm, satisfying meal combining tender meat with pasta in a subtly herbaceous, buttery Parmesan sauce. It pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a full dinner. The recipe’s step of browning meat first enhances flavor, and the option to cook orzo separately can adjust pasta texture to preference.
To avoid mushy orzo, some cooks prepare it separately and add it near the end. Leftovers reheat well and the dish is suitable for easy weeknight cooking or batch preparation.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast OR 4-6 boneless skinless chicken thighs, boneless skinless
- 3 teaspoon Italian seasoning divided
- 3 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta (see note)
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 medium white onion finely chopped, or yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese shaved or finely shredded
- black pepper freshly cracked black pepper and herbs such as thyme or parsley for garnish
- thyme
- parsley
Instructions
- Season chicken with a bit of the Italian seasonings and salt and pepper on both sides. Cook in a large nonstick skillet on the stove over medium-high heat 1-2 minutes on each side until browned on the outsides.
- Transfer chicken to a greased slow cooker. Add chicken broth, butter, mushrooms, onions, garlic, remaining Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 1-2 hours or on low for 3-4 hours. Stir in orzo, cover and cook for another 30-45 minutes on high.
- Uncover and use a fork to pull chicken out of the slow cooker. Stir contents of slow cooker, then return chicken to slow cooker, on top of the orzo mixture.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese over chicken. Cover and cook until cheese is melted, about 5-10 minutes. Serve with fresh herbs and cracked black pepper if desired.
Notes
- To prevent mushy orzo, cook it separately and stir in at the end if desired; use less broth in the slow cooker when doing so.
- If cooking orzo separately, prepare it with chicken broth for added flavor.
- Browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker enhances taste and texture.
- Serve garnished with fresh herbs and cracked black pepper for best presentation and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 585 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 585kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 49g | 16% |
| Protein | 53g | 106% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 119mg | 40% |
| Sodium | 1689mg | 70% |
| Potassium | 962mg | 20% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 182IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 227mg | 23% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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