Description
This Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo recipe combines tender, slow-cooked chicken with rich caramelized onions, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy orzo pasta. Infused with fresh thyme and sage, finished with melted Gruyere cheese, this comforting dish is perfect for an easy yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Onion Base
- 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
Orzo and Cheese
- 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 sliced onions, 3 tablespoons of butter, and then the chicken. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with fresh thyme, sage, chopped garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Pour over the dry white wine and chicken broth, then add the sliced mushrooms. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours until chicken is tender.
- Prepare for Broiling: Preheat your oven broiler to high. Carefully remove the cooked chicken and most of the onions from the crockpot and place them on a baking sheet, leaving the remaining liquid and vegetables in the crockpot.
- Cook Orzo in Crockpot: Increase the crockpot heat to high. Stir in the dry orzo and 1 cup of water into the remaining liquid. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes until the orzo is al dente, stirring occasionally. If the orzo requires more moisture, add additional water as needed. Once cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce.
- Broil with Gruyere: Arrange the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over the onions on the baking sheet. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyere cheese evenly on top. Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden finish.
- Serve: Plate the creamy orzo and top with the cooked chicken and caramelized onions with melted Gruyere. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference.
- For stovetop preparation, use a large soup pot and follow the same layering and simmering instructions for about 20-30 minutes, then broil and combine with cooked orzo.
- To ensure perfectly cooked orzo in the crockpot, check texture frequently during the 20-30 minute cooking period.
- Fresh herbs like thyme and sage enhance the flavor but can be adjusted or omitted according to taste.
- Use quality Gruyere and parmesan for best melting and flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
