Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Lemon Chicken Orzo is an easy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, zesty lemon, and creamy orzo. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just set it and forget it!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great because it uses only five simple ingredients, making it easy to prepare. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully while you go about your day. It’s a tasty, comforting dish that’s sure to please the whole family. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup for you!
How to Make Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Lemon Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dry orzo
- 2 pounds raw boneless chicken thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Directions
- Add the raw chicken thighs to one side of a white oval slow cooker.
- Pour the dry orzo onto the other side.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, making sure the orzo is mostly submerged.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
- At about the 2-hour mark, uncover and give the orzo a good stir to avoid clumping.
- Check that there is still enough liquid around the pasta, then cover again and continue cooking until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the lid and shred the chicken into bite-size pieces in the slow cooker.
- Stir everything together so the chicken mixes evenly through the orzo.
- Fold in the grated Parmesan before serving and stir until creamy.
- Taste and adjust with some extra lemon juice if desired, then serve warm.
How to Serve Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Lemon Chicken Orzo
Serve this lemon chicken orzo warm in bowls. You can garnish it with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs, like parsley, for added flavor. It pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
How to Store Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Lemon Chicken Orzo
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove with a little bit of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Lemon Chicken Orzo
- Make sure not to overcook the orzo to keep it from becoming mushy.
- You can also use other chicken parts, like breast, but thighs are more flavorful and stay moist in the slow cooker.
- If you want more vegetables, consider adding spinach or peas in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variation
For a different flavor, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also switch out the orzo for another type of pasta, just adjust cooking time as needed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Just increase the cooking time by about 1 hour.What if I don’t have orzo?
You can substitute orzo with another small pasta, but cooking times may vary.Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. Just be aware that the orzo may absorb more liquid over time.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Lemon Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
Method
- Add the raw chicken thighs to one side of a white oval slow cooker.
- Pour the dry orzo onto the other side.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, ensuring the orzo is mostly submerged.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
- At about the 2-hour mark, uncover and stir the orzo to prevent clumping.
- Check for enough liquid around the pasta, cover and continue cooking until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the lid and shred the chicken into bite-size pieces in the slow cooker.
- Stir everything together so the chicken mixes evenly with the orzo.
- Fold in the grated Parmesan before serving and stir until creamy.
- Taste and adjust with more lemon juice if desired, then serve warm.
