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Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Avatar photoByOlivia Bennett
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 703 reviews

If you love cozy, comforting meals that pack layers of flavor, then this Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo Recipe is going to become your new favorite weeknight go-to. Picture tender chicken simmered with sweet caramelized onions and fragrant herbs, swimming in a luscious creamy sauce, all served over tender orzo pasta. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect to make ahead and savor whenever you want.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Effortless, hands-off cooking: Let your slow cooker do all the work – no standing by the stove for hours! Just prep, set, and relax.
Meltingly tender chicken: The slow simmer infuses every bite with herbs and rich French onion goodness.
Comfort food with a twist: Orzo pasta adds a delicate texture that perfectly complements the creamy, cheesy sauce.
Versatile and crowd-pleasing: Serve for weekday dinners, impressive weekend meals, or easy entertaining.

Inside a dark slow cooker, there are two main layers visible. The bottom layer shows thick slices of light brown mushrooms mixed with light yellow onion strips and small green herb sprigs scattered around. On top, there are light tan pieces of chicken seasoned with small bits of garlic, herbs, and black pepper. The mushrooms have a soft texture, while the chicken looks moist and tender. The image is close up, showing the mixture of textures and colors in a low light setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo, easy slow cooker French onion chicken, creamy chicken with orzo and caramelized onions, comforting slow cooker chicken dinner, flavorful French onion chicken recipe

Ingredients & Substitutions

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role—from the sweetness of the caramelized onions to the earthy mushrooms, the fresh herbs, and the luscious combo of parmesan and gruyere cheeses. These simple staples come together to build complex flavors, gorgeous textures, and rich color in your Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo Recipe.

Flat lay of thinly sliced golden yellow onions, fresh thyme sprigs, bright green chopped sage leaves, whole boneless chicken breasts, plump sliced white mushrooms, creamy Parmesan cheese chunks, shredded Gruyere cheese, clusters of dry orzo pasta, and a small pile of chopped garlic cloves, all beautifully arranged with three tablespoons of salted butter cubes, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo, easy slow cooker French onion chicken, creamy chicken with orzo and caramelized onions, comforting slow cooker chicken dinner, flavorful French onion chicken recipe
  • Yellow onions: Thinly sliced, they caramelize slowly for that signature rich French onion flavor.
  • Salted butter: Adds creaminess and helps beautifully caramelize the onions and melt the cheese topping.
  • Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs offer more juiciness, but breasts work perfectly too.
  • Fresh thyme and sage: Fragrant herbs that elevate the savory depth of the dish.
  • Dry white wine: Adds acidity and sweetness, balancing the richness.
  • Orzo pasta: Small and tender, it soaks up all the creamy sauce without overpowering the dish.
  • Gruyere and parmesan cheese: These melt into gooey, nutty goodness that makes every bite soulful.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Layer the Flavors in the Crockpot

Start by placing those beautifully thinly sliced yellow onions with half the butter into the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, lay down the pieces of chicken breasts or thighs right on top. Sprinkle with fresh thyme, sage, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour in the dry white wine and chicken broth, then scatter the mushrooms over everything. This layering sets up the rich flavor foundation for your dish to slowly develop.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours. This slow simmer gently tenderizes the chicken and allows the onions to caramelize and meld with the herbs and wine, creating that deep, luscious French onion sauce. The kitchen smells heavenly already!

Step 3: Prepare the Orzo and Finish the Sauce

Once the chicken is tender, carefully remove it along with most of the onions and place them on a baking sheet. Turn your slow cooker to high heat, stir in the orzo and an extra cup of water, then cover and cook 20-30 minutes, until the orzo is just tender. If needed, add more water to reach the perfect creamy consistency. Finish by stirring in heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan for that silky richness.

Step 4: Broil the Onions with Gruyere Bliss

Arrange 3 tablespoons of butter on top of the reserved onions, then shower them with shredded gruyere cheese. Pop the baking sheet under a high broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts into bubbling golden perfection. This step adds an irresistible gooey, cheesy finish that’s the star complement to your creamy orzo and tender chicken.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Plate the creamy orzo first, nestle the chicken and broiled onions on top, and watch the smiles appear at the dinner table. The combination of flavors and textures in this Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo Recipe truly delivers comfort food at its finest.

How to Serve Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo Recipe

A white speckled plate holds a creamy pasta dish with three main layers: a base of soft, twisted pasta in a light creamy sauce, topped with caramelized golden brown onion slices scattered all over, and a single browned piece of cooked meat in the center, garnished with small green herb leaves and black pepper specks. Two silver forks are placed inside the pasta on opposite sides. The plate is set on a warm brown surface with a glass vase of fresh green herbs and a metal pot partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo, easy slow cooker French onion chicken, creamy chicken with orzo and caramelized onions, comforting slow cooker chicken dinner, flavorful French onion chicken recipe

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley or chives make a bright, vibrant garnish that cuts through the creamy sauce. A sprinkle of extra parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil can also enhance the flavors. For a little crunch, add toasted breadcrumbs on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish stands beautifully on its own, but if you want a side, try a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are perfect for soaking up every last bit of the luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken sliced on a large platter with the orzo spread beneath it in a shallow pool of creamy sauce. Layer the broiled onions on top, arranging fresh herbs artistically for a restaurant-worthy look. Individual cast iron skillets or rustic ramekins also add charming flair when serving family or guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken, orzo, and onions in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before storing to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo Recipe freezes beautifully! Freeze in portions inside freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the creamy sauce from separating. Add a splash of broth or cream if the orzo has absorbed too much liquid during storage.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more moisture and richness to the dish due to their higher fat content and stay tender during slow cooking. Just adjust the cooking time if using bone-in thighs to ensure they’re fully cooked.

  2. What can I substitute for dry white wine?

    If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with additional chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice combined with a bit of lemon juice to mimic the acidity and sweetness wine brings to the recipe.

  3. Is there a way to make this recipe without a slow cooker?

    Yes! You can make this recipe stovetop by gently simmering the onions, chicken, and mushrooms in a heavy pot, then proceeding with the orzo and broiler steps as described. Just keep the heat low to allow the flavors to develop slowly.

  4. Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?

    Orzo’s small shape works perfectly to absorb the creamy sauce, but you can use small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells as alternatives. Just check cooking times to avoid overcooking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the way the rich, creamy sauce, savory chicken, and sweet caramelized onions come together in this Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out and makes dinner effortless yet memorable. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and share it with your loved ones—happy cooking!

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Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 703 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 25 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: French-American
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Description

This Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo recipe combines tender chicken cooked slowly with caramelized onions, fresh herbs, mushrooms, and a medley of cheeses. The dish features a rich, creamy orzo base infused with white wine and broth, topped with melty gruyere cheese for a decadent finish. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a comforting dinner, this recipe offers the convenience of slow cooking with the elegance of French onion flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Onion Base

  • 3–4 yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter, divided
  • 1 ½ lb 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 Topping

  • 2 cups dry orzo pasta
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crockpot Base: In the slow cooker bowl, layer the thinly sliced onions and 3 tablespoons of butter. Place the boneless chicken on top, then sprinkle with fresh thyme, sage, chopped garlic, and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Pour in the dry white wine and chicken or vegetable broth, then add the sliced mushrooms. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours until the chicken is tender and flavors meld.
  2. Broil the Chicken and Onions: Preheat the broiler to high. Carefully remove the chicken and most of the onions from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet. Set aside the slow cooker for the next step.
  3. Cook the Orzo: Increase the slow cooker’s heat to high. Stir in the dry orzo pasta and 1 cup of water. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente. If the orzo needs more moisture, add additional water as needed. Once cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese until creamy and combined.
  4. Broil with Gruyere: Arrange the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter evenly over the reserved onions on the baking sheet. Top with shredded gruyere cheese. Broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles with a golden finish.
  5. Serve: Plate the creamy orzo, then top with the broiled chicken and cheesy onions. Enjoy this rich and comforting meal immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier result.
  • If you don’t have dry white wine, substitute with extra chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice.
  • Make sure to stir the orzo during cooking to prevent sticking.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
  • This dish can also be prepared on the stovetop following the provided alternative instructions.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
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