Description
This Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, caramelized onions, mushrooms, and creamy orzo pasta topped with melted Gruyere cheese. Perfect for a hearty family meal, it can be prepared in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, making it versatile and convenient for any kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 3-4 yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
Protein
- 1 ½ lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs
Dairy
- 6 tbsp salted butter (divided)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
Liquids
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Water (for cooking orzo, approx. 1 cup plus additional if needed)
Other
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups dry orzo pasta
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Thinly slice the onions, chop the garlic, and slice the mushrooms. Gather fresh thyme and sage.
- Layer in Crockpot: In the slow cooker bowl, layer the sliced onions with 3 tablespoons of butter. Place the chicken on top, then sprinkle with thyme, sage, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour in the white wine and chicken broth, then add the sliced mushrooms. Cover with the lid.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the onions are softened.
- Preheat Broiler: While the slow cooker is still warming, preheat your broiler to high to prepare for melting cheese later.
- Remove Chicken and Onions: Carefully remove the chicken and most of the onions from the slow cooker, transferring them to a baking sheet for broiling.
- Cook Orzo: Set the slow cooker to high and stir in the dry orzo and 1 cup of water. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes until the orzo is al dente, adding more water as necessary.
- Add Cream and Parmesan: Stir the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese into the cooked orzo to create a creamy base.
- Prepare Onions and Cheese for Broiling: Place 3 tablespoons of butter over the removed onions on the baking sheet, then top with shredded Gruyere cheese.
- Broil: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, until the Gruyere is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve the broiled chicken and cheesy onions on top of the creamy orzo. Enjoy your delicious, comforting meal!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer more flavorful, juicier meat.
- If using the stovetop method, cook onions and chicken in a large soup pot instead, following similar layering and simmering instructions.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter, cream, and cheese with your preferred vegan alternatives.
- Use freshly grated parmesan and Gruyere for better melting and flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
