This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy and delicious dish that features tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheesy orzo. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
Trust me, if you make this for someone special, they might just want to marry you! 😄 I love how effortless it is—just toss everything in the pot and let it do the work.
Enjoy this meal with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. It’s perfect for cozy dinners without all the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but you can use breasts if you like. If you’re vegetarian, consider swapping in tempeh or chickpeas for protein.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These give a lovely tangy flavor. If you can’t find them, roasted red peppers can work too, but the taste will be a bit different.
Orzo: This pasta is perfect for creamy recipes. You could use rice for a gluten-free option, but adjust the cooking time and liquid amount accordingly.
Heavy cream: I love the richness it brings. If you’re watching calories, feel free to use half and half, or even unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and nutrition. You can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it first to avoid excess water.
How Do You Get Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken can be a bit tricky if you’re not used to it. After cooking, here’s how to make it easier:
- Remove the cooked chicken from the crock pot carefully to avoid spills.
- Use two forks to pull the chicken apart; it should shred easily if it’s properly cooked.
- For a quicker method, you can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed to shred the chicken in seconds!
Just remember, the chicken must be hot for easy shredding, as it becomes tougher once it cools down.
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably packed in oil, drained)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for slight heat)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 4 to 5 hours of cooking time in the crock pot. You’ll have plenty of time to relax while the flavors meld together and the chicken becomes tender and juicy. Total time is roughly 4 hours and 15 minutes to 5 hours and 15 minutes, perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by lightly seasoning the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. If you can, try to do this at least 15 minutes before cooking to let the flavors soak in.
2. Sear the Chicken (Optional):
In a skillet over medium heat, warm up the olive oil. Sear the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown. This step adds extra flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it and place the chicken directly into the crock pot.
3. Set Up Your Crock Pot:
Place the seared (or unseared) chicken into the crock pot. Now, add the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, remaining Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), and the chicken broth. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients together.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and very tender. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crock pot carefully using tongs and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart easily if done right.
6. Add the Orzo:
Return the crock pot to high heat. Stir in the orzo pasta and mix well with the other ingredients. It’s time for some pasta magic!
7. Cook the Orzo:
Let the orzo cook uncovered for about 30-40 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll see it soaking up all that delicious broth.
8. Final Touches:
Once the orzo is tender, return the shredded chicken back to the crock pot. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped spinach. Cook on high for an additional 10 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is creamy and heated through.
9. Season and Serve:
Give the dish a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley for that lovely touch!
Enjoy your hearty, creamy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo! It’s a dish that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just remember to increase the cooking time to about 6-7 hours on low to ensure it’s fully cooked. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C).
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the point of adding orzo, then refrigerate the mixture for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove before adding the orzo and continue cooking as directed.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the mixture if it thickens too much.
Can I Substitute the Orzo for Another Pasta?
Yes! If you don’t have orzo, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice. Just adjust the cooking time—rice may need a longer cook time and more liquid compared to orzo.