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Crockpot Creamy Chicken with Gruyere and Orzo

Crockpot Creamy Chicken with Gruyere and Orzo

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  • Author: Jessie
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes on low or 2 hours 15 minutes on high
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow cooking
  • Cuisine: Americaine

Description

Crockpot Creamy Chicken with Gruyere and Orzo – Slow-cooked comfort with savory chicken, rich Gruyere cheese, and hearty orzo. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1½ cups (300g) uncooked orzo pasta
  • 4 cups (950ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1½ cups (170g) Gruyere cheese, freshly grated (plus extra for serving)
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Season both sides of your chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken in the hot pan and brown for 2-3 minutes per side until golden (you’re not cooking it through, just developing flavor). Transfer the seared chicken to your slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: Build the Base In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add diced onions. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent, scraping up the flavorful brown bits left from the chicken. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer the onion-garlic mixture to your slow cooker, pouring around and over the chicken.
  3. Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker. Add the Italian seasoning, fresh thyme, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and is tender enough to shred easily.
  4. Step 4: Shred the Chicken Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks on a cutting board. The meat should pull apart easily. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the broth.
  5. Step 5: Add the Orzo Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta. Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender but still has a slight bite.
  6. Step 6: Create the Creamy Finish Reduce the slow cooker heat to warm (or low if yours doesn’t have a warm setting). Stir in the heavy cream and gradually add the grated Gruyere cheese in small handfuls, stirring between additions until melted. This creates the signature creamy texture of Crockpot Creamy Chicken with Gruyere and Orzo. Let everything meld together for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 475 kcal per serving
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Protein: 33g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg

Find it online: https://cookingmoment.com/crockpot-creamy-chicken-with-gruyere-and-orzo/