Slow Cooker Mustard Herb Chicken with Orzo
Slow Cooker Mustard Herb Chicken with Orzo is a comforting and effortless one-pot meal featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with tangy Dijon mustard and fresh herbs, cooked alongside creamy orzo pasta. This dish combines rich, savory flavors with a rustic yet refined feel, perfect for busy days and family-friendly meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free (use gluten-free orzo or substitute)
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 4–6 bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for searing
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth, plus 2 cups more for the slow cooker
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Orzo and Vegetables
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Sauce: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and 1/2 cup chicken broth. This mixture will coat the chicken and form a flavorful base for the dish.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of olive oil. Quickly sear the chicken thighs on each side until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor and adds texture before slow cooking.
- Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the seared chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the sliced onions over the chicken. Pour the mustard herb sauce evenly over the top, then scatter the remaining fresh parsley for aroma.
- Add Orzo and Liquid: Evenly pour the uncooked orzo pasta over the layered chicken and onions. Slowly add 2 cups of chicken broth over the orzo, being careful not to disturb the layers too much. The broth will cook the orzo to creamy perfection.
- Cook and Finish: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or until the chicken is tender and the orzo is cooked through. Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for freshness and gently stir everything to combine the flavors fully.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
- Don’t skip searing; it locks in flavor and improves texture.
- Layer orzo on top to prevent it from becoming mushy during cooking.
- Add delicate herbs like parsley at the end of cooking for freshness.
- Cook on low temperature to ensure tender chicken and creamy orzo.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, mustard chicken, herb chicken, orzo pasta, one-pot meal, easy dinner, family-friendly, comfort food, slow cooker recipe
