Description
This Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken cooked with caramelized onions, fragrant herbs, mushrooms, and a rich creamy sauce. The orzo pasta soaks up the savory broth and cheese, making each bite rich and satisfying. It’s perfect for an easy slow cooker meal with a gourmet touch achieved by broiling cheese on top for a delightful melty finish.
Ingredients
For the Crockpot
- 3-4 yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 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
For Stove Top Variation
- 3-4 yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 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
Instructions
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In the bowl of your slow cooker, layer the thinly sliced onions and 3 tablespoons of butter first. Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top, then sprinkle fresh thyme leaves, chopped sage, and chopped garlic over the chicken. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Add Liquids and Mushrooms: Pour in the dry white wine and chicken or vegetable broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Add the sliced mushrooms evenly on top. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1 to 2 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Prepare for Broiling: While the chicken cooks, preheat your oven broiler to high. When the slow cooking time is done, carefully remove the chicken and most of the onions from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet.
- Cook the Orzo in Slow Cooker: Turn the slow cooker to high heat. Stir in the dry orzo pasta and 1 cup of water into the remaining liquid in the pot. Cover and let it cook for 20 to 30 minutes until the orzo is tender but still slightly firm (al dente). Add more water if the pasta needs additional moisture.
- Add Cream and Parmesan to Orzo: Stir the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese into the cooked orzo mixture until creamy and well combined.
- Broil with Gruyere and Butter: Arrange the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter evenly over the reserved onions on the baking sheet. Top everything with shredded gruyere cheese. Place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler and broil for 3 to 5 minutes or until the cheese melts and bubbles with a slight golden color.
- Serve: To serve, arrange the chicken and broiled onions over the creamy orzo on plates. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors in every bite!
Notes
- If you prefer a stovetop version, cook onions and butter in a large soup pot over medium heat for 10 minutes until softened, then proceed with adding chicken and other ingredients, simmering for 20-30 minutes.
- Carefully watch the broiler step to prevent burning the cheese; it should be melty and slightly browned.
- Use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference for texture and flavor; thighs tend to be juicier.
- Feel free to substitute gruyere with fontina or mozzarella for a different cheese profile.
- If you don’t have white wine, substitute with additional chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice mixed with vinegar.
- Make sure to adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French-inspired American
