Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Orzo: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Looking for a new, effortless slow cooker recipe that’s sure to be a hit? This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Orzo is an excellent chicken dinner recipe that the entire family will love. It’s particularly suited for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You can find all the necessary ingredients at your local grocery store, and many of them might already be staples in your pantry.

This slow cooker recipe represents the epitome of comfort food. It features creamy, tender chicken and pasta, complemented by fresh vegetables and a touch of cheese for added flavor. The slow cooking process ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Orzo

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable slow cooker dish:

• Chicken: Use 1 lb of raw chicken breast, cubed into bite-sized pieces. This allows for even cooking and easy incorporation into the creamy sauce.
• Seasonings: You’ll need 1 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of black pepper, 2 tsp of Italian seasoning, and 1 tbsp of minced garlic. These spices provide a flavorful base for the chicken and orzo.
• Onion: 1 yellow onion, diced, adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish. Yellow onions are a versatile choice and caramelize beautifully during the slow cooking process.
• Tomatoes: Incorporate 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of intense, tangy flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes are optional, so feel free to omit them if you’re not a fan.
• Broth: Use 1 cup of chicken broth or chicken stock as the liquid base for the slow cooker. Chicken broth helps to keep the chicken moist and tender while adding another layer of savory flavor.
• Pasta: 1 cup of uncooked orzo pasta is the perfect addition to this creamy chicken dish. Orzo’s small, rice-like shape allows it to cook evenly in the slow cooker and absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce.
• Cream: Add 1 cup of heavy cream or heavy whipping cream for a rich and luxurious texture. The cream thickens the sauce and creates a smooth, velvety coating for the chicken and orzo.
• Vegetable: Include 1 ½ cups of fresh spinach, chopped, for a boost of nutrients and vibrant color. Spinach wilts down beautifully in the slow cooker, adding a subtle earthiness to the dish.
• Cheese: Top it off with ⅓ cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, savory finish. Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, adding a creamy, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

How to Make This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Orzo

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying slow cooker meal:

1. In a medium-sized slow cooker, combine the cubed chicken, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, diced onion, and chicken broth. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and aromatic dish.

Once the chicken is fully cooked, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients:

3. Stir in the uncooked orzo, heavy cream, and chopped spinach. Mix well to ensure the orzo is submerged in the liquid and the spinach is evenly distributed.
4. Cover the slow cooker again and continue cooking on low for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the spinach has wilted. Keep an eye on the orzo to prevent it from becoming overcooked and mushy.

Finally, add the finishing touch:

5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. The Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, nutty flavor that elevates the dish to a whole new level.
6. Serve the Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Orzo hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired. This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.

How to Store This Creamy, Buttery Orzo Chicken Recipe

If you have any leftovers, here’s how to properly store them:

Fridge: Allow the creamy soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary.

Freezer: For longer storage, use a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container and store the soup in the freezer for up to 90 days. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep in mind that the texture of the orzo may change slightly after freezing.

Tips and Tricks for This Delicious Meal

Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Orzo turns out perfectly every time:

More Ways to Add Flavor to This Chicken Orzo Recipe:

There are several ways to customize this dish to suit your family’s preferences. Consider adding one or more of the following:

• Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
• Red pepper flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick of heat.
• Lemon zest: Lemon zest intensifies the citrusy notes and adds a fragrant aroma.
• Fresh herbs: Rosemary or parsley adds a burst of freshness and herbaceous flavor.
• Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds a tangy, savory depth to the sauce.
• Red bell peppers: Diced red bell peppers add sweetness and a vibrant color.

How to Store Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo:

Place any leftovers from this creamy chicken orzo dish into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Meat to Use:

While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for this recipe, you can also use skinless chicken thighs for a richer, more flavorful result. Chicken thighs tend to be more moist and tender than chicken breasts, especially when slow-cooked.

For a different twist, try substituting sausage or ground chicken sausage in place of the chicken. The sausage adds a savory, slightly spicy element that pairs well with the creamy sauce.

More Chicken Recipes

If you enjoy this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Orzo, you might also like these other delicious chicken recipes:

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini: A quick and easy skillet dinner with tender chicken and flavorful zucchini.
• Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas: A classic Mexican dish with shredded chicken, green chile sauce, and melted cheese.
• Rotisserie Chicken Bacon Alfredo: A creamy and decadent pasta dish with rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich Alfredo sauce.
• Cheesy Chicken Taquitos: Crispy and cheesy taquitos filled with shredded chicken and a blend of cheeses.

4.67 from 3 votes

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Orzo

By:

Julia Pacheco

Creamy chicken and orzo dinner, made easily in the slow cooker. An easy weeknight dinner that is filling and delicious!

Prep:

5
minutes

mins

Cook:

6
hours

hrs
30
minutes

mins

Total:

6
hours

hrs
35
minutes

mins

Servings:

4
servings

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