Go Back
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup orzo pasta - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream These main ingredients create a base that makes this dish rich and filling. Chicken thighs give a tender bite, while orzo adds a delightful pasta texture. - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 garlic cloves, minced - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - ½ teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper Aromatics elevate the flavors. Onions and garlic add warmth, while lemon zest and juice brighten every bite. Thyme, salt, and pepper round out the taste. - Fresh parsley, chopped - Lemon slices Garnishes bring freshness to the dish. Parsley adds a pop of color, and lemon slices give each serving a zesty touch. Trust me, these small details make a big difference! First, get your skillet ready. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add one pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Season them with one teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of black pepper, and half a teaspoon of dried thyme. Cook the chicken for about four to five minutes on each side until it turns a nice golden brown. After browning, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside. Next, in the same skillet, add one diced medium onion. Sauté the onion for about three to four minutes until it becomes translucent. This helps to release its sweetness. Then, add two minced garlic cloves and sauté for one more minute until you smell that lovely aroma. This step adds depth to your dish. Now, it’s time to combine everything in the slow cooker. Place the browned chicken thighs back in. Then, add one cup of orzo pasta, four cups of chicken broth, the juice and zest of one lemon, and the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir everything together well to mix the flavors. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. If you choose low, it will take about four hours. On high, it will take around two hours. Your chicken should be tender, and the pasta should be perfectly cooked. Once your cooking time is up, take the chicken out of the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Now, add one cup of heavy cream and one cup of baby spinach. Stir well and let the spinach wilt for a couple of minutes. Finally, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if you like. This final touch enhances the flavors. - Ideal cooking times for tenderness: Cook the chicken on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. This time ensures the chicken is soft and the flavors blend well. Check the chicken with a fork to see if it shreds easily. - Importance of browning chicken: Always brown the chicken first. This step adds rich flavor and color to your dish. The golden crust gives a nice texture and enhances the overall taste. - Best sides to complement the dish: Pair your creamy lemon chicken orzo with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette works well to balance the creaminess. - Presentation tips for serving: Ladle the orzo into bowls and top with fresh parsley and a lemon slice. This adds a pop of color and makes the dish look appealing. - Suggested spices or herbs to try: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or dill for added flavor. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Their bright notes will elevate your creamy lemon chicken orzo even more. {{image_2}} If you want to switch up the chicken, consider using turkey or tofu. Both provide great flavor and texture. Turkey works well for a leaner option. Tofu is perfect for a plant-based meal. For a dairy-free choice, you can replace heavy cream with coconut milk. It adds creaminess with a hint of sweetness. Another option is using cashew cream for a nutty flavor. You can enhance the dish by adding vegetables. Try mushrooms or bell peppers for more color and taste. These veggies cook well with the chicken and add nutrition. Different citrus options can also change the flavor. Try lime or orange juice instead of lemon. Each will give a unique twist to the creamy sauce. To convert this dish into a baked version, layer it in a casserole dish. Top with cheese before baking until bubbly. This gives a crispy, golden crust. You can also serve it as a one-pot meal. Just make sure to add enough broth to cook the orzo. This method makes for easy cleanup and a filling dinner. To keep your creamy lemon chicken orzo fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavors and moisture. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it. You can reheat your dish in two main ways: using a microwave or the stovetop. For the microwave, place the orzo in a bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to a pan. Warm it over low heat, stirring until hot. This keeps the dish creamy and prevents it from drying out. Yes, you can freeze this dish! To do so, let it cool completely. Then, spoon it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. Reheat it gently, adding a bit of cream if needed. This keeps the dish rich and delicious. Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but I prefer thighs. Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender during cooking. They have more fat, which adds flavor. This makes your dish richer and more satisfying. Check your chicken for a few signs. The meat should be white and not pink. Use a meat thermometer to be sure. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Tenderness is also key; the chicken should shred easily with a fork. Absolutely! This recipe works great for meal prep. You can cook it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors will blend even more overnight, making it taste even better. This article explored a delicious slow cooker chicken dish. We covered key ingredients like chicken thighs, orzo, and cream. I explained how to prepare and cook the dish, plus tips for perfecting flavors. Variations and storage tips make it easy to enjoy later. Remember, cooking is all about fun and creativity. Experiment with flavors and make this recipe your own. Enjoy each bite of your tasty creation!

Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo

Discover the deliciousness of creamy lemon chicken orzo with this easy recipe! Perfectly cooked chicken thighs blend with rich cream and zesty lemon for a satisfying meal. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delightful dish that's great for family dinners or meal prep. Click through to explore this quick and flavorful recipe and bring sunshine to your table today. You won't want to miss out on this culinary delight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup orzo pasta

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 medium onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 lemon (zest and juice)

1 cup baby spinach

½ teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Sauté Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Brown the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.

    Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

      Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the browned chicken, sautéed onion and garlic, orzo, chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest into the slow cooker. Stir to combine the ingredients well.

        Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, or on high for 2 hours, until the chicken is tender and the orzo is cooked.

          Add Cream and Spinach: Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach, allowing the spinach to wilt for a couple of minutes.

            Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.

              Serve: Ladle the creamy lemon chicken orzo into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a slice of lemon on top.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins | Servings: 4