Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken & Orzo
Savor the coziness of French onion soup transformed into a full meal. Tender chicken, caramel-like onions, mushrooms, and creamy orzo come together in the slow cooker for effortless comfort, topped with melty Gruyère cheese—perfect for busy nights.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–4 hours (Low) or 1–2 hours (High) + 30 minutes for orzo + broiling
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Ingredients
3–4 yellow onions, thinly sliced
6 Tbsp salted butter, divided
1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves
2 Tbsp chopped fresh sage (or dried equivalent)
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 cup dry white wine
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 cups dry orzo pasta
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Layer & Slow-Cook
In the crockpot, layer sliced onions and 3 Tbsp butter. Top with chicken, thyme, sage, garlic, salt & pepper. Pour in wine, broth, and add mushrooms. Cook on Low for 3–4 hours or High for 1–2 hours until chicken is tender.
Prepare the Orzo
Carefully remove chicken and most onions to a baking sheet. Set slow cooker to High. Stir in orzo and 1 cup water; cook 20–30 minutes until orzo is al dente (add more water if needed). Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until creamy.
Broil Chicken & Onions
Dot onions and chicken with remaining 3 Tbsp butter, top with Gruyère. Broil 3–5 minutes until cheese melts and browns.
Serve
Spoon creamy orzo into bowls and top with the cheesy onions and chicken. Garnish with extra fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 680
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g