Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Orzo

This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Orzo is the perfect easy dinner for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, orzo, and a rich, savory sauce cook together in the crockpot for a mostly hands-off meal that’s hearty and full of flavor. It’s an easy comfort food dinner for busy or tired days when you still want something warm and delicious.

There is just something magical about orzo. It’s delicious. It’s filling and I find it’s harder to overcook it than other types of pasta. If you haven’t tried orzo before you are seriously missing out.

I’ve also been on a huge spinach kick lately. I’ve been trying to make healthy choices while not completely depriving myself, and I find it is so easy to throw spinach into any dish and it sort of blends right in there.

I also love making recipes that are fairly hands off so I can still spend my time doing what I want to do, instead of having to babysit something on the stove or in the oven.

So that is part of what makes this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Orzo recipe something special. It’s a combination of basically all my favorite things and it honestly tastes so much more complicated than it is. I hope you enjoy it.

Make this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Orzo when…

• you want something creamy and comforting
• you still don’t want to spend hours of hands on time cooking
• you want something that has a little bit of everything in it (protein, veggies and carbs)

Ingredient notes…

Here is what you’ll need to make this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Orzo recipe. Please be sure to check the recipe card below for the exact ingredients and measurements.

• Orzo: The orzo really is the star of this dish. I suppose you could always substitute something else if you wish like a different type of pasta, or even rice, but you may need to adjust cooking times and the volume of liquid.
• Chicken: I use chicken thighs because I find they retain moisture better, but you could use chicken breasts if you prefer or even a different type of protein.
• Onions: Adds to the flavor. Omit if you wish.
• Chicken broth: Helps to make the sauce. You can always use another type of broth like veggie or beef broth instead.
• Heavy cream: Helps to thicken the sauce. You could use half and half, or milk instead, but be aware it might change the consistency of the sauce.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: To add flavor to the dish.
• Spinach: To add flavor to the dish. Can omit if needed.
• Paprika: To add flavor to the dish. Can omit if you wish.
• Garlic powder: To add flavor to the dish. Can omit if you wish.
• Onion powder: To add flavor to the dish. Can omit if you want.
• Italian seasoning: To add flavor to the dish. Can omit if you wish.
• Parmesan cheese: To add flavor to the dish. Can use a different type of cheese or omit if you wish, it just won’t be as thick and creamy.
• Salt: To add flavor to the dish (I usually add salt and pepper to taste at the end but this dish does need more salt so I would add this and then add more at the end if needed).
• Pepper: To add flavor to the dish (I usually add salt and pepper to taste at the end but this dish does need more salt so I would add this and then add more at the end if needed).

Equipment I swear by…

• A good sharp knife
• A good slow cooker

While the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Orzo cooks…

• have a relaxing bubble bath
• do meal prep or a few tasks to make your next few days easier on yourself
• curl up and watch your favorite movie

How to make this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Orzo…

See the recipe card below for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

1. Dice your onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or chicken into pieces. Add your chicken, onion, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and chicken broth to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours, or low for 3-4 hours.
3. Add the orzo, and let cook for 10 minutes. If the liquid is drying out, add more chicken broth or even some water until it reaches your desired consistency.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, spinach and heavy cream and let cook for another 10 minutes until well combined and thickened. Season to taste with more salt and pepper if needed.
5. Serve warm and enjoy.

My tips and tricks to make this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Orzo recipe…

Vegetarian: Use a meat alternative like tofu or even omit the chicken if needed. Use veggie broth instead of chicken broth.

More veggies: This is a great recipe to sneak even more vegetables in if you wish. You could always add red and yellow peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, or whatever else you desire.

Spicy: To make it spicy add red pepper flakes, or you could also add hot sauce.

Storage notes:

Refrigerate: This dish tastes even better the next day. Orzo loves to soak up any remaining liquid as it sits, so you will need to add some more chicken broth while reheating if you feel it has gotten too thick or there is not enough sauce. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 to 4 days.

Freeze: I find that pasta and dairy usually doesn’t freeze and reheat very well. There has never been enough leftovers of this recipe for me to freeze so I have never personally tried it. If you do, let me know in the comments below how it went.

Are you struggling right now?

• Use prechopped or frozen onions
• Use prechopped chicken or cut it from frozen if you have sensory issues with raw meat

Thank you for stopping by Comfort In a Bowl. If you have any questions, or made any additions/shortcuts that you think other people may love feel free to comment below. If you create this recipe or any other from our site, we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to share, comment and rate the recipe! Take care of yourself.

Interested in more Crockpot or Slow cooker recipes?

• Crockpot Potato Soup
• Easy Crockpot Sloppy Joes
• Crockpot Marry Me Ravioli
• Crockpot Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
• Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Crockpot Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta
• Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles

My burnout situation…

I am extremely lucky that I have such supportive friends and family. My husband is great about just knowing how to give me exactly what I need. He gives me space when he can tell that I need or want it. He checks in and helps to talk me down or bring my racing thoughts back down to earth when he can tell I am spiraling, or that my anxiety is getting the best of me.

Although my stepsons are becoming more busy and independent, they are always checking in with me and helping me do things like carry groceries inside or doing chores around the house.

I have a few really great friends too. Some coworkers who have become friends who check in on me regularly and we get together semi-frequently, and my two best friends are so understanding and supportive. They don’t expect me to be on the ball when it comes to contacting them and trying to make plans and things like that. They know I will reach out when I am capable, and they also do a great job of checking in on me as well.

I know I am so lucky and not everyone in my situation has support. If you are one of those people, please know that I am thinking of you.

Conclusion…

This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Orzo recipe is the perfect thing when you don’t really feel like cooking. I hope it makes it into your regular rotation and helps clear up some time for things that are more important to you. Like healing.

Take care of yourself.

-Caitlin