Slow Cooker Mustard Herb Chicken with Orzo – Easy One-Pot Dinner
Slow Cooker Mustard Herb Chicken with Orzo is a cozy, hands-off meal blending tender chicken, tangy Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and creamy orzo. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends, this flavorful dish is nutritious, comforting, and simple to prepare with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper. Coat them lightly with olive oil and spread Dijon mustard evenly over the meat to enhance flavor before slow cooking.
2. Place the seasoned chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the minced garlic and fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley) evenly over the chicken. Add the dry orzo pasta on top, then pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice carefully. Do not stir to ensure even cooking.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld, orzo to absorb the broth, and chicken to become tender and juicy.
4. Once cooking is complete, gently stir the mixture to combine the creamy orzo with savory juices. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
Choose chicken thighs for juicier results; breasts can be used but may require shorter cooking time.
Add orzo halfway through cooking if your slow cooker heats quickly to prevent mushiness.
Use fresh herbs for the best aroma and flavor.
Opt for low sodium chicken broth to control saltiness.
Layer the orzo on top so it absorbs the liquid gradually and doesn’t stick to the pot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg