Crockpot Tuscan Chicken With Orzo Recipe
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken With Orzo combines tender chicken, orzo, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan. It cooks mostly hands-free in the slow cooker. Cream and Parmesan create a rich, comforting sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, cut into ¾-inch cubes
- 1¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth plus more as needed
- ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅓ cup heavy cream half-and-half, or whole milk
- 1 cup 6 ounces dry orzo pasta
- 2 –3 cups fresh baby spinach
- ¾ cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- ½ teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper plus more to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Add the cubed chicken, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic powder to a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and dry orzo. Cover again and continue cooking on LOW for 30–45 minutes, checking toward the end of the cooking time. Cook until the orzo is tender but still slightly firm in the center.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Cover and cook on LOW for another 5–10 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce.
- If your Crockpot Tuscan Chicken With Orzo becomes thicker than you prefer, stir in a small amount of additional chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Spoon into bowls and finish with chopped fresh basil and additional Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Boneless chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts without significantly changing the cooking method.
Heavy cream creates the richest result, but half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter creamy chicken orzo.
For a looser consistency, stir additional warm chicken broth into the finished dish before serving.
Serve with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or warm garlic bread for a complete meal.
Because Parmesan can vary depending on how it is produced, choose halal-certified or vegetarian Parmesan when strict halal compliance is required.