Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Slow Cooker Mustard Herb Chicken with Orzo

Slow Cooker Mustard Herb Chicken with Orzo

Slow Cooker Mustard Herb Chicken with Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pot dinner featuring tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a tangy mustard and fresh herb sauce, combined with perfectly cooked orzo pasta. This easy, hassle-free recipe is ideal for busy weeknights and delivers rich, savory flavors with minimal effort and cleanup.

  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Aromatics

  • 6 bone-in chicken thighs (or boneless for convenience)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce and Herbs

  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Pasta

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Aromatics: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken on both sides for 3-4 minutes each. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the browned chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Add the sautéed onions and garlic, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, rosemary, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir gently to evenly mix the mustard and broth.
  3. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and infused with the herb-mustard flavors.
  4. Add Orzo and Finish Cooking: After 4 hours, stir in the dry orzo pasta. Increase the slow cooker to high and cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed the sauce.
  5. Final Touches: Check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for color and freshness.

Notes

  • Brown the chicken to intensify flavor and create a nice color.
  • Bone-in chicken thighs are recommended for juiciness but boneless can be used for convenience.
  • Sautéing onions and garlic adds a deeper, complex flavor base.
  • Stir well when adding orzo to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking.
  • Cook low and slow to keep chicken tender without overcooking orzo.
  • For gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
  • Variation options include swapping proteins, herbs, adding vegetables, or stirring in cream cheese or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Not gluten-free (contains wheat, can be modified)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, mustard herb chicken, one-pot meal, orzo pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, slow cooker recipe