Description
A healthy and comforting slow cooker meal combining tender chicken, herbs, and orzo in a creamy Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken
1 medium onion, diced
4–5 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp rosemary
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup orzo
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup half-and-half (optional)
¼ cup chopped parsley
1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
1. Optional: Sear chicken in olive oil 2–3 minutes per side.
2. Add chicken, onion, garlic, herbs, broth, salt, and pepper to slow cooker.
3. Cook 4–6 hrs on LOW or 2–3 hrs on HIGH.
4. Remove and shred chicken.
5. Stir orzo into hot broth and cook 20–30 mins.
6. Return chicken, add Parmesan and cream.
7. Add parsley and lemon juice.
8. Adjust seasoning and serve.
Notes
Ideal for meal prep or healthy crockpot dinners.
Use thighs for richer flavor or breasts for leaner protein.
Add spinach or kale before serving for extra greens.
Food safety: if you cook the chicken yourself, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), as recommended by the USDA and Health Canada.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Healthy Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 90mg