Cozy Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken with Creamy Orzo

Slow cooker parmesan herb chicken with creamy orzo is a cozy, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to tender, flavorful chicken every time. The crispy, golden chicken sits on a bed of creamy orzo, making this dish irresistible. Keep reading for my best tips or jump to the recipe card. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Baked Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Recipe and Easy Baked Sea Bass with Olives and Cherry Tomatoes.

What You'll Need for Cozy Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken with Creamy Orzo

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Optional: Additional grated parmesan cheese

How to Make Cozy Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken with Creamy Orzo

1. Step 1: Season chicken breasts with thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to slow cooker.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and add to slow cooker with chicken.
3. Step 3: Pour heavy cream and chicken broth over chicken and orzo. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Step 4: Once done, remove chicken from slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Shred chicken and return it to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese if desired.

Storing & Reheating Cozy Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken with Creamy Orzo

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: You can make this dish ahead of time by preparing all ingredients and combining them in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours before serving.

Freezing Cozy Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken with Creamy Orzo

Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: For extra flavor, brown the chicken in the slow cooker before adding other ingredients.
• Best substitution: You can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Make-ahead: Prepare all ingredients and combine in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours before serving.
• Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
• Troubleshooting: If the chicken is still tough after cooking, it may not have been cooked long enough. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Cozy Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken with Creamy Orzo

⏱

Prep

15 mins

🍳

Cook

6-8 hrs

⏳

Total

6 hrs 15 mins

🍽

Serves

4 servings

🥗

Diet

Gluten-free

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings

• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Optional Toppings

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Additional grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season chicken breasts with thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to slow cooker.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and add to slow cooker with chicken.
3. Step 3: Pour heavy cream and chicken broth over chicken and orzo. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Step 4: Once done, remove chicken from slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Shred chicken and return it to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

• Chef tip: For extra flavor, brown the chicken in the slow cooker before adding other ingredients.
• Best substitution: You can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Make-ahead: Prepare all ingredients and combine in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours before serving.
• Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
• Troubleshooting: If the chicken is still tough after cooking, it may not have been cooked long enough. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Make ahead: You can make this dish ahead of time by preparing all ingredients and combining them in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours before serving.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 46g
• Fat: 34g
• Carbs: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Cholesterol: 170mg
• Sat. Fat: 19g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Cozy Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken with Creamy Orzo FAQs

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Cozy Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken with Creamy Orzo and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!