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Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken with Orzo – Creamy, Comforting & Effortless Dinner

There’s nothing better than walking into your kitchen after a long day and being greeted by the aroma of a comforting, homemade meal. This Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken with Orzo is the perfect weeknight dinner—juicy chicken slow-cooked with garlic, herbs, a hint of spice, and finished with cream and Parmesan for richness. The orzo cooks directly in the flavorful broth, soaking up every bit of garlicky, herby goodness. It’s a one-pot wonder that combines tender chicken, creamy pasta, and simple pantry staples into a dish that feels gourmet but is incredibly easy to make. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of comfort and convenience, making it ideal for busy families, cozy dinners, or meal prep for the week.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables & Herbs
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
Seasonings
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Pantry
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
Dairy
  • ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish (Optional)
  • Fresh parsley or basil chopped

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (crockpot)
  • Large skillet (optional for searing chicken)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board & knife
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Cheese grater (for fresh Parmesan)

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the chicken
  1. Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
  2. (Optional) Sear in a skillet with olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side for extra flavor.
Step 2: Add to the slow cooker
  1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
  2. Add garlic, oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth.
Step 3: Cook the chicken
  1. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender.
Step 4: Add the orzo
  1. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in orzo pasta.
  2. Cover and cook until orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Make it creamy
  1. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
  2. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Finish and serve
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
  3. Serve warm with garlic bread or a side salad.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Not ideal, as orzo may become mushy.
Reheat: Warm on stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
🥄 Variations
Protein Swap: Use boneless chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
Veggie Boost: Add spinach, peas, or mushrooms in the last 30 minutes.
Cheese Twist: Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago instead of Parmesan.
Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter sauce.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes—stir shredded chicken in at the end, just before adding cream and Parmesan.
Can I make this with gluten-free pasta?
Yes, but add it at the end and watch closely as it cooks faster.
Do I need to sear the chicken first?
No, but it adds extra flavor.
Can I cook the orzo separately?
Yes, and then stir it into the finished sauce before serving.
What broth works best?
Low-sodium chicken broth is ideal for flavor control.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a larger slow cooker and adjust broth slightly.
How do I prevent orzo from sticking?
Stir occasionally during the last 30 minutes.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely—it’s creamy, mild, and full of comforting flavors.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan.
What sides go well with this dish?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
🏁 Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken with Orzo is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, herby, and effortlessly delicious. With just a few ingredients and your crockpot, you’ll create a dinner that feels like it came from a restaurant but requires almost no effort.
It’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins, making it a recipe you’ll want to keep in your weeknight dinner rotation. Cozy, creamy, and family-friendly—this dish truly has it all.