Description
This French Onion Chicken and Orzo recipe is a comforting and flavorful slow-cooked dish combining tender chicken breasts or thighs with caramelized onions, fresh herbs, mushrooms, and creamy orzo pasta. Finished under the broiler with melted gruyere cheese, it offers a rich and savory meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Onion and Chicken Base
- 3-4 yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 1 1/2 pounds 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
Liquid and Vegetables
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
Orzo and Dairy
- 2 cups dry orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
Instructions
- Slow Cook the Chicken and Onions: In the bowl of your slow cooker, layer the sliced onions, 3 tablespoons of butter, and then the chicken. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves, chopped sage, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper over the top. Pour in dry white wine and chicken broth, add the sliced mushrooms. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Prepare the Orzo on High Heat: Remove the chicken and most of the onions from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet. Turn the slow cooker to high heat, stir in the dry orzo and 1 cup water. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more water if needed, until the orzo is al dente. Stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese for a creamy finish.
- Broil with Gruyere Cheese: Arrange the reserved onions over the chicken on the baking sheet. Dot with the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and sprinkle shredded gruyere cheese evenly on top. Place under a preheated broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Serve: Plate the creamy orzo and spoon the broiled chicken and onion mixture over the top. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use boneless skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option or thighs for juicier meat.
- Adjust the cooking time in the slow cooker depending on your timing needs; low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
- Stir orzo a few times during slow cooker cooking to prevent sticking if possible.
- If you don’t have gruyere cheese, mozzarella or fontina can be good substitutes for broiling.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute white wine with additional chicken broth or white grape juice.
