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Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Lemon Chicken Orzo

An easy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, zesty lemon, and creamy orzo, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups dry orzo
  • 2 pounds raw boneless chicken thighs Thighs recommended for flavor and moisture.
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 Juice of 1 lemon
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Add the raw chicken thighs to one side of a white oval slow cooker.
  2. Pour the dry orzo onto the other side.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, ensuring the orzo is mostly submerged.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
  2. At about the 2-hour mark, uncover and stir the orzo to prevent clumping.
  3. Check for enough liquid around the pasta, cover and continue cooking until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  4. Remove the lid and shred the chicken into bite-size pieces in the slow cooker.
  5. Stir everything together so the chicken mixes evenly with the orzo.
  6. Fold in the grated Parmesan before serving and stir until creamy.
  7. Taste and adjust with more lemon juice if desired, then serve warm.

Notes

To serve, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley. Pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a little chicken broth or water to restore consistency.