If you’re looking for a bright, comforting, and easy one-pot meal, this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken & Orzo is a winner. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a fragrant lemon-garlic sauce while the orzo pasta cooks to perfection, soaking up all the zesty, herb-infused flavors.
This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or any time you want a simple yet impressive meal. With minimal hands-on effort, you get a cozy, flavorful plate that feels both fresh and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless cooking: The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day.
- Zesty and aromatic: Lemon and garlic create a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Family-friendly: Mild, flavorful, and easy to serve.
- One-pot meal: Combines protein and pasta for a complete dinner.
- Customizable: Add veggies or extra herbs for variety.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (4, boneless/skinless): Tender protein that absorbs the lemon-garlic flavor.
- Orzo pasta (1 cup): Soft, rice-shaped pasta that soaks up all the sauce.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds bold, aromatic flavor.
- Lemon (1 whole, zest and juice): Brightens the dish with citrusy freshness.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Creates a flavorful cooking liquid for the orzo.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Adds earthy, Mediterranean notes.
- Dried thyme (1 tsp): Complementary herb for depth.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): For searing the chicken.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds color and freshness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken & Orzo
1. Sear the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
Tip: Searing locks in flavor and gives the chicken a beautiful golden color.
2. Add Orzo & Flavorings
In the slow cooker, combine minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, oregano, thyme, and orzo pasta. Stir gently to mix everything evenly.
3. Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
- Low: 4–6 hours
- High: 2–3 hours
Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the orzo is tender.
4. Shred & Combine
Remove the chicken and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the orzo, allowing it to soak up the delicious lemon-garlic sauce.
5. Serve
Spoon the lemon garlic chicken and orzo into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Optional: Pair with steamed vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip searing: Adds extra flavor and a nice color to the chicken.
- Monitor liquid levels: Depending on your slow cooker, you may need a little extra broth if the orzo absorbs too much.
- Add vegetables: Peas, spinach, or cherry tomatoes make this meal even more vibrant.
- For extra zest: Add a splash of lemon juice just before serving.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker
- Skillet for searing chicken
- Mixing spoon
- Forks for shredding chicken
- Cutting board & knife
Recipe Variations
- Mediterranean Style: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.
- Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup cream or cream cheese at the end.
- Spicy Lemon Garlic: Add red pepper flakes for a gentle heat.
- Veggie-Loaded: Mix in zucchini, carrots, or asparagus.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with extra parsley or a squeeze of fresh lemon.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a green salad.
- Pair with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Great for meal prep—store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase cooking time by 30–60 minutes on low.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
Can I cook it all in one step without searing?
Yes, but searing adds more depth of flavor.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—add spinach, peas, or zucchini during the last 30–60 minutes of cooking.
Does this freeze well?
Yes, store in airtight containers and reheat gently to prevent overcooking the orzo.
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken & Orzo
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A flavorful and easy dish made with tender chicken breasts, zesty lemon, and orzo pasta cooked in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 whole Lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Transfer to slow cooker.
- In the slow cooker, add minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, oregano, thyme, and orzo pasta. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until chicken is cooked through and orzo is tender.
- Remove chicken, shred with two forks, return to slow cooker, and stir to combine with orzo.
- Spoon lemon garlic chicken and orzo into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken & Orzo is the perfect blend of bright, fresh flavors and comforting, tender chicken with pasta. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, family meals, or meal prep.
With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the zesty, garlicky goodness in every bite!