Description
This Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo is a comforting, savory dish featuring tender chicken cooked with caramelized onions, fresh herbs, mushrooms, and white wine, slow-cooked to perfection. The dish is finished with creamy orzo pasta enriched with parmesan and gruyere cheese, making it a sumptuous, hearty meal ideal for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crockpot French Onion Chicken
- 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
For the Orzo
- 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 Crockpot: In the bowl of your slow cooker, layer the thinly sliced onions and 3 tablespoons of butter, then add the chicken. Sprinkle fresh thyme, sage, chopped garlic, and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Pour in the dry white wine and chicken broth, then add the sliced mushrooms. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Prepare for Broiling: Preheat your oven’s broiler to high. Remove the chicken and majority of the onions from the slow cooker, placing them on a baking sheet. This will prepare them for the cheese topping.
- Cook the Orzo in Crockpot: Increase the slow cooker heat to high. Stir in the dry orzo pasta with 1 cup of water. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes until the orzo is al dente, adding more water if necessary. Once cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese to create a creamy base.
- Broil with Gruyere Cheese: Arrange 3 tablespoons of butter over the reserved onions on the baking sheet, top with the shredded gruyere cheese. Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden finish.
- Serve: Plate the creamy orzo as a base, then top with the broiled chicken and cheesy onions. Serve immediately for a delicious, rich meal.
Notes
- You can use either boneless chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs will be juicier and more flavorful.
- If orzo needs more liquid during cooking, add warm water in small increments to avoid sticking.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth if available.
- This recipe can also be prepared on the stovetop as per the alternate instructions.
- Use a good-quality gruyere for the best melty cheese topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
