Crock-Pot Italian Chicken & Orzo
A cozy, weeknight-friendly slow cooker meal made with tender shredded chicken, tangy Italian dressing, and creamy orzo. Warm, comforting, and perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts (or thighs), lightly salted
- 1 cup tangy Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or smashed
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper (optional, for warmth)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional but delicious)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for serving
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Lay the chicken in your slow cooker. No need to fuss with it.
- Pour in the Italian dressing and chicken broth. Let it settle around the sides.
- Add garlic, basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 4 hours—until the chicken gives up and falls apart.
- Shred the chicken right in the pot.
- Stir in the orzo, then scatter cherry tomatoes across the top.
- Cover again and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- When the orzo is plump and creamy, turn off the heat.
- Add Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon. Stir gently.
- Taste and adjust the salt, herbs, or cheese as you like.
Video
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This dish plays well with a simple arugula salad, warm bread, or roasted green beans. I especially love it with a glass of chilled white wine or a sparkling lemonade on busy nights.Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~385
- Protein: ~32g
-
Fat: ~12g
- Saturated Fat: ~3g
-
Carbohydrates: ~38g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugars: ~4–5g
- Sodium: ~780mg (varies with dressing + broth)
- Cholesterol: ~85mg
- Calcium: ~120mg
Additional Notes:
• These numbers will change slightly depending on the brand of Italian dressing, broth, and Parmesan you use.• To lighten it up, you can swap:
– Light Italian dressing
– Reduced-sodium broth
– Less Parmesan (or skip the salty cheeses in general) This video shows how to make a similar version of Crock-Pot Italian Chicken & Orzo. It’s not the same recipe — but it offers helpful visuals for technique and inspiration.