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Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Orzo

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A hearty and easy slow cooker meal featuring tender chicken thighs, creamy orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs for a comforting Mediterranean-inspired dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 shallot or 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped shallots, sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. (Optional step to boost flavor.)
  2. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Optionally sear chicken in skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to slow cooker.
  3. Pour chicken broth into slow cooker. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, fresh thyme, rosemary, and sautéed garlic and shallots.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours or on high for 2 hours.
  5. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in orzo pasta and fresh spinach. Cover and cook until orzo is tender but not mushy.
  6. Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve warm, garnished with extra fresh herbs or Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Add orzo during the last 15 minutes to prevent mushiness. Searing chicken is optional but adds flavor. Stir cream cheese off heat to avoid lumps. Adjust cooking times based on your slow cooker model. For gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, Tuscan chicken, orzo, comfort food, easy dinner, Mediterranean, one-pot meal

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/slow-cooker-tuscan-chicken-orzo-recipe-easy-hearty-dinner-idea/