What kind of chicken is best for slow cooker parmesan herb chicken orzo?

You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in this slow cooker parmesan herb chicken orzo recipe. If you prefer leaner meat, go with chicken breasts; if you like richer flavor and more moisture, thighs work beautifully. Make sure the pieces are relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly in your slow cooker.

When should I add the orzo to avoid mushy pasta?

To keep the orzo from turning mushy, stir it into the cooker about 30 minutes before you're ready to serve. Since the orzo absorbs liquid quickly, inserting it toward the end helps it maintain a pleasant bite while still soaking up all that flavorful broth and Parmesan.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

You certainly can use frozen chicken in a slow-cooker meal like this, but it’s better to thaw it first. Starting from frozen may cause uneven cooking where the exterior is overcooked by the time the interior reaches safe temperature. Thawing ensures the chicken becomes tender and the orzo cooks properly.

How do I store leftovers of the slow cooker parmesan herb chicken orzo?

Let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer into airtight containers. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. If freezing, portion into freezer-safe containers and store up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to restore the creamy texture of the orzo.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time or adapt it for meal-prep?

Yes — you can combine everything except the orzo and Parmesan the night before, refrigerate, then start the slow cooker on the designated day. Add the orzo and cheese later in the cooking process. This approach makes the slow cooker parmesan herb chicken orzo a perfect candidate for a meal-prep dinner that’s virtually ready when you walk in the door.

Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken Orzo – 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Comfort Dish

Description

Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, this slow cooker parmesan herb chicken orzo is an easy one-pot dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, creamy orzo, and rich Parmesan blend together into a dish that feels homemade and effortless.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

1 small yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ cup heavy cream (optional)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional: sliced mushrooms, spinach, or peas

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. (Optional) Sear chicken in olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side for extra flavor.

3. Add diced onion, garlic, and chicken to the slow cooker.

4. Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle in herbs.

5. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1½–2 hours.

6. About 30–40 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked orzo.

7. Once the orzo is tender and most liquid absorbed, stir in Parmesan and cream.

8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Add orzo later in the cooking process to prevent it from becoming mushy.

For a lighter version, use olive oil and skip the cream.

Store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT4H
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 520
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 710
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 10
Unsaturated Fat: 10
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 2
Protein: 38
Cholesterol: 105