Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo

A comforting dish combining tender chicken and flavorful orzo pasta, cooked in a savory broth with Parmesan cheese and herbs.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 6

Total Time 15

Servings: 4 servings

Here's what you'll need to make this delicious Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo Recipe:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or 4 to 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 teaspoons Italian seasoning divided
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
4 tablespoons melted butter
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 medium white or yellow onion finely chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
1/2 cup shaved or finely shredded Parmesan cheese
2/3 to 1 cup fresh spinach optional
Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
Freshly cracked black pepper for garnish

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken on both sides with some of the Italian seasoning plus the salt and black pepper.

Browning the Chicken

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes per side.

Transfer to Slow Cooker

Add Ingredients

Add the chicken broth melted butter, mushrooms, chopped onion, minced garlic, and the remaining Italian seasoning.

Cook the Chicken

Add the Orzo

Stir in the orzo cover again, and cook on high for 30 to 45 minutes, until the orzo is tender.

Combine and Finish

Remove the chicken carefully stir the orzo mixture, then return the chicken to the slow cooker.
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the chicken.
If using spinach stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking, until wilted.
Cover and cook for 5 to 10 minutes more until the Parmesan is melted.

Serve

Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and freshly cracked black pepper then serve warm.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to keep the orzo moist and prevent it from drying out.

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

Let us know how it was!