Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken Orzo

A Creamy, Comforting One-Pot Dinner for Busy Weeknights

If you’re looking for a cozy, hands-off dinner that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort, this recipe for Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken Orzo is the answer. This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, buttery orzo, and a fragrant mix of Italian herbs and parmesan cheese, all slowly simmered to perfection in your slow cooker.

This dish is perfect for:

• Busy weeknights
• Family dinners
• Meal prepping comfort food
• Anyone who loves creamy, cheesy pasta dishes

If you enjoy other creamy slow cooker chicken recipes, this dish is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken Orzo

Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that becomes luxuriously creamy when cooked in broth, especially in a slow cooker. It’s often mistaken for rice, but it cooks like pasta and pairs beautifully with chicken, cheese, and vegetables.

Key benefits of using orzo:

• Quick-cooking (even in a slow cooker)
• Absorbs flavors like a sponge
• Creamy texture similar to risotto
• Kid-friendly and easy to eat

Ingredients Needed For Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken Orzo

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious slow cooker chicken orzo:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier meat)
• 3 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1½ cups orzo pasta
• 4 tbsp melted butter (or olive oil for a lighter version)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional, but adds umami)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup grated or shaved Parmesan cheese
• Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley) and black pepper for garnish

How I Make Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken Orzo

1. Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

• Season the chicken with half the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Brown both sides in a skillet (1-2 mins per side).
• This step locks in flavor and adds a golden crust.

2. Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Add to the crockpot:

• Chicken
• Chicken broth
• Melted butter
• Mushrooms, onion, and garlic
• Remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper

Cover and cook:

• On low for 3–4 hours
• Or high for 1.5–2 hours

3. Add the Orzo

• Stir in the orzo about 45 minutes before the cooking time is done.
• Re-cover and continue cooking until orzo is tender.

Pro Tip: Some people find orzo becomes too mushy in the slow cooker. You can cook it separately in broth and stir it in just before serving for better texture.

4. Finish and Serve

• Pull out chicken, stir contents, return chicken on top.
• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
• Cover and let it melt for 5–10 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Use boneless chicken thighs for richer flavor.
• For less sodium, use homemade or low-sodium broth.
• Swap butter with olive oil for a heart-healthier version.

Variations of Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken Orzo

Customize this dish to suit your taste or dietary needs:

Ingredient Substitutions

• Rice or quinoa instead of orzo (adjust liquid)
• Zucchini, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes instead of mushrooms
• Mozzarella or gruyère in place of parmesan for a twist

Flavor Variations

• Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat
• Try a Mediterranean version with olives, lemon, and feta
• Add fresh spinach or kale at the end for extra greens

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Parmesan Herb Chicken Orzo with:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette
• Roasted seasonal vegetables (e.g., carrots, Brussels sprouts)
• A crisp side salad with vinaigrette
• White wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken Orzo

Make your week easier by cooking a batch and storing:

• Fridge: Keeps well for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers (without orzo if texture matters)
• Reheat: Add a splash of broth to maintain creaminess

For other freezer-friendly ideas, check out this make-ahead chicken casserole.

FAQs About Parmesan Herb Chicken Orzo

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken Orzo is a comfort food classic that’s easy, hearty, and full of flavor. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is:

• Perfect for weeknights
• Ideal for families
• Easily customizable
• Budget-friendly and freezer-safe

Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken Orzo

---

• Author: MERIEM
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A cozy and flavorful dish, Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken Orzo blends creamy orzo, tender chicken, and fragrant herbs for an easy, hands-off dinner perfect for busy nights.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
3 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1½ cups orzo pasta
4 tablespoons melted butter
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly cracked black pepper and chopped thyme or parsley for garnish

---

Instructions

Season chicken with 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on both sides
Sear chicken in a skillet for 1 to 2 minutes per side until browned
Transfer chicken to slow cooker
Add chicken broth, melted butter, mushrooms, onion, garlic, and remaining Italian seasoning
Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or high for 1½ to 2 hours
Stir in orzo and re-cover
Cook an additional 30 to 45 minutes until orzo is tender
Gently stir everything, return chicken to top, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese
Cover for 5 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted
Serve hot, garnished with herbs and cracked black pepper

Notes

For firmer orzo, cook it separately in chicken broth and stir in just before serving
Boneless chicken thighs add more flavor and moisture
Mushrooms are optional but add great umami
Adjust herbs and salt to taste based on broth used

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 585
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 1689mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 53g
• Cholesterol: 119mg

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, parmesan chicken orzo, creamy chicken orzo, crockpot chicken dinner