Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken served with orzo pasta.

Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo

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Why Make This Recipe

Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo is a dish that combines comforting flavors and easy preparation. It is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting friends or family. The slow cooker does all the hard work, letting you enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort. Plus, the mix of tender chicken, onions, mushrooms, and creamy cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!

How to Make Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo

Ingredients

  • 3-4 yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter
  • 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

Directions

  1. In the bowl of your slow cooker, layer the onions and 3 tablespoons of butter, followed by the chicken.
  2. Sprinkle the chicken with thyme, sage, garlic, and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Pour over the dry white wine and chicken or vegetable broth, then add the mushrooms.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1-2 hours.
  5. Preheat the broiler to high.
  6. Once cooking time is up, remove the chicken and most of the onions from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet.
  7. Increase the heat on the slow cooker to high. Stir in the orzo and 1 cup of water. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente. If needed, add more water.
  8. Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese.
  9. Place the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over the onions and top with gruyere cheese.
  10. Broil for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melty and golden brown.
  11. Serve the chicken and onions over the orzo.

How to Serve Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo

To serve, ladle a generous portion of the creamy orzo onto each plate. Top it with a piece of the tender chicken and some of the caramelized onions. For an extra touch, you might sprinkle some fresh herbs on top. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo

If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Tips to Make Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo

  • For the best flavor, use quality chicken and fresh herbs.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic and seasonings to suit your taste.
  • You can cook the orzo separately if you prefer it not to absorb too much moisture.
  • Don’t skip the broiling step; it adds a delicious crispy top!

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition. Swap the gruyere cheese for a different cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, if you prefer.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it is fully cooked before serving.

Can I make this dish without wine?
Absolutely! You can replace the wine with more broth or water for a non-alcoholic version.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.

Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo

A comforting dish combining tender chicken, flavorful onions, mushrooms, and creamy cheeses, all made effortlessly in a slow cooker.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort food
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3-4 pieces yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1.5 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves Freshly chopped for better flavor
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage Freshly chopped for better flavor
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 cup dry white wine Can be replaced with more broth for a non-alcoholic version
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms
  • 2 cups dry orzo pasta Can replace with gluten-free pasta if needed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese Can swap for mozzarella or cheddar

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In the bowl of your slow cooker, layer the onions and 3 tablespoons of butter, followed by the chicken.
  2. Sprinkle the chicken with thyme, sage, garlic, and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Pour over the dry white wine and chicken or vegetable broth, then add the mushrooms.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1-2 hours.
Cooking Orzo
  1. Preheat the broiler to high.
  2. Once cooking time is up, remove the chicken and most of the onions from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet.
  3. Increase the heat on the slow cooker to high. Stir in the orzo and 1 cup of water. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente. If needed, add more water.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese.
Broiling
  1. Place the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over the onions and top with gruyere cheese.
  2. Broil for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melty and golden brown.
  3. Serve the chicken and onions over the orzo.

Notes

For the best flavor, use quality chicken and fresh herbs. Adjust the amount of garlic and seasonings to suit your taste. You can cook the orzo separately if you prefer it not to absorb too much moisture. Don’t skip the broiling step; it adds a delicious crispy top!