Description
This Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo recipe is a comforting and flavorful meal that combines tender slow-cooked chicken with caramelized onions, fragrant herbs, and creamy orzo pasta. Perfect for busy days, this dish melds rich cheeses, savory mushrooms, and a touch of white wine into a luscious sauce, delivering a restaurant-quality dinner right from your slow cooker or stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Slow Cooker Ingredients
- 3-4 yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups dry orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
Instructions
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In the bowl of your slow cooker, layer the thinly sliced onions and 3 tablespoons of salted butter. Place the boneless chicken breasts or thighs on top. Sprinkle the chicken with fresh thyme leaves, chopped sage, chopped garlic, and season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Pour over the dry white wine and chicken or vegetable broth, then add the sliced mushrooms. Cover the slow cooker.
- Cook Chicken and Onions: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1-2 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the onions have softened and caramelized beautifully.
- Broil Chicken and Onions: Preheat your oven broiler to high. Carefully remove the chicken and most of the onions from the slow cooker, placing them onto a baking sheet. Distribute the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over the onions and sprinkle with shredded gruyere cheese. Broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Cook Orzo in Slow Cooker: While broiling, set the slow cooker to high. Stir the dry orzo pasta and 1 cup of water into the slow cooker liquid. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes, until the orzo is al dente. If necessary, add additional water to achieve desired pasta consistency. Stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy orzo, then top with the broiled chicken and cheesy caramelized onions. Serve immediately for a rich and comforting meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier result.
- If you prefer a thicker orzo sauce, reduce the amount of added water or cook uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
- Ensure the orzo does not overcook in the slow cooker by checking softness at 20 minutes.
- Fresh herbs such as thyme and sage add vibrant flavor; dried herbs can be used but reduce quantity by half.
- This recipe can also be made on the stovetop using similar steps with reduced cooking times.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
