Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken with Orzo
Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken with Creamy Orzo is a cozy, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping the orzo from getting mushy. The chicken is tender and flavorful, and the creamy orzo is irresistible. Keep reading for my best tips, or jump to the recipe card. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Meal Prep Steak and Arugula Salad for Dinner and Fresh Spring Roll Bowl with Creamy Peanut Sauce.
Why This Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken with Orzo Is Pure Comfort
- The chicken is tender and full of flavor
- The creamy orzo is comforting and delicious
- It's perfect for meal prepping and leftovers
- It's easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices
What You'll Need for Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken with Orzo
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Orzo pasta
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, basil)
- Garlic
- Onion
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried oregano
- Red pepper flakes
- Optional: Fresh parsley
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Lemon wedges
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Chicken broth: You can use low-sodium or regular chicken broth. Vegetable broth can also be used for a vegetarian version.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Slow cooker — Ensures even cooking and tender chicken → See on Amazon
- Instant-read meat thermometer — Prevents overcooking and ensures food safety → See on Amazon
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken with Orzo
- Step 1: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Place in the slow cooker.
- Step 2: Add orzo, chicken broth, heavy cream, and fresh herbs to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Step 3: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Return chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Step 5: Serve over orzo and garnish with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon wedges if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken with Orzo
- : For extra flavor, brown the chicken in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Common mistake and fix: To prevent the orzo from getting mushy, don't overcook it. Add it to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- : For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- : To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or rice instead.
Storing & Reheating Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken with 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: This recipe can be made ahead and reheated. The orzo may absorb more liquid over time, so you may need to add a little more broth when reheating.
Freezing Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken with 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, add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the slow cooker.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and reheated. The orzo may absorb more liquid over time, so you may need to add a little more broth when reheating.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If the orzo is too mushy, try using less broth next time. If the chicken is not tender, try cooking it on low for a longer period.
Want to level up this recipe?
Good quality chicken broth — Adds depth of flavor to the dish → Check price on Amazon
Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken with Orzo
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Orzo pasta
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, basil)
- Garlic
- Onion
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried oregano
- Red pepper flakes
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Place in the slow cooker.
- Step 2: Add orzo, chicken broth, heavy cream, and fresh herbs to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Step 3: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Return chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Step 5: Serve over orzo and garnish with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the slow cooker.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and reheated. The orzo may absorb more liquid over time, so you may need to add a little more broth when reheating.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If the orzo is too mushy, try using less broth next time. If the chicken is not tender, try cooking it on low for a longer period.
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: This recipe can be made ahead and reheated. The orzo may absorb more liquid over time, so you may need to add a little more broth when reheating.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sat. Fat: 13g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken with Orzo FAQs
Yes, this recipe can be made ahead and reheated. The orzo may absorb more liquid over time, so you may need to add a little more broth when reheating.
To prevent the orzo from getting mushy, don't overcook it. Add it to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or rice instead.
Yes, you can make this recipe in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, followed by a natural release.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken with 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!
