Slow Cooker Mustard Herb Chicken with Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Mustard Herb Chicken with Orzo is a wonderfully comforting and flavorful dish that requires minimal effort. Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked with aromatic herbs and creamy orzo make for a satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
• 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and black pepper. Lightly coat them with olive oil, then spread Dijon mustard evenly over each piece.
2. Step 2: Place the seasoned chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and parsley evenly over the chicken.
3. Step 3: Add the dry orzo pasta on top of the herbs and chicken. Carefully pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice without stirring.
4. Step 4: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, until the chicken is tender and orzo has absorbed the broth.
5. Step 5: Once cooked, gently stir the mixture to combine the creamy orzo with the flavorful juices. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Step 6: Garnish with additional chopped parsley or fresh herbs before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results, but breasts work well if preferred.
• For a richer taste, stir in a splash of cream or grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
• Add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes during the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
• If you don’t have fresh herbs, substitute with 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking and safety. If using frozen chicken, increase cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I cook this on high instead of low in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook on high for about 2 to 3 hours, but keep an eye on the orzo as it may cook faster and absorb liquid sooner. Adjust liquid slightly if needed.

Slow Cooker Mustard Herb Chicken with Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 670 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Slow Cooker Mustard Herb Chicken with Orzo is an easy, flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts slow-cooked with Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and garlic. The orzo pasta absorbs the savory broth creating a creamy, comforting dish perfect for effortless weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Flavorings and Herbs

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Base and Cooking Liquids

• 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
• 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken thighs or breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Lightly coat them with olive oil, then evenly spread Dijon mustard over each piece to infuse flavor before cooking.
2. Layer ingredients in the slow cooker: Place the seasoned chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and chopped parsley over the chicken. Add the dry orzo pasta on top of the chicken and herbs. Carefully pour in the low sodium chicken broth and lemon juice, making sure not to stir to maintain layering and even cooking.
3. Cook on low heat: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. This slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender and juicy while the orzo absorbs the flavorful broth and herbs.
4. Final touches: Once cooking is completed, gently stir the mixture to combine the creamy orzo with the savory cooking juices. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired. Garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley or herbs before serving.

Notes

• For a lighter option, use chicken breasts instead of thighs.
• Ensure not to stir the slow cooker contents before cooking to prevent the orzo from clumping.
• You can substitute fresh herbs with 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley if fresh is unavailable.
• This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Slow Cooker Chicken, Mustard Herb Chicken, Orzo Pasta, One-Pot Meal, Slow Cooker Dinner, Healthy Chicken Recipes