Description

This Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo is a comforting and creamy one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts or thighs slow-cooked with aromatic herbs, garlic, and onions, combined with orzo pasta, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of cream for a rich, flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious.

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 (Optional for Searing/Sautéing)

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil or Butter

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 black 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

Prepare the Base (Optional Searing/Sautéing): Heat the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown but not cooked through. Remove the chicken and place it in the slow cooker. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Scrape the onion and garlic into the slow cooker over the chicken. If skipping searing, simply place raw, seasoned chicken, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken mixture. Sprinkle in dried thyme, oregano, rosemary, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Leave the cooking liquid in the slow cooker.
Cook the Orzo: Turn the slow cooker to HIGH. Stir the uncooked orzo into the hot broth, ensuring it is mostly submerged. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed. Add extra broth or water if needed.
Combine and Finish: Stir the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Add grated Parmesan cheese and optional cream or half-and-half. Mix gently until creamy and cheese is melted. Stir in fresh parsley and optional lemon juice or zest.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and adjust seasonings with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired. Add extra broth or cream if the mixture is too thick.
Serve: Serve the Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo in bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds extra flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
If the orzo absorbs too much liquid, add additional hot broth or water to maintain creaminess.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control heat.
The dish can be made with chicken breasts for a leaner option or thighs for more richness.
Optional heavy cream or half-and-half adds creaminess but can be omitted for a lighter version.
Fresh parsley and lemon juice brighten the final flavors but are optional.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, plus 20-30 minutes for orzo
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 recipe)
Calories: 620
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, parmesan chicken, herb chicken, orzo recipe, one-pot meal, creamy chicken pasta