This cozy dish brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and tasty Gruyere cheese, all mixed with orzo pasta. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
I love how easy it is to make in the crockpot—just pop everything in and let it do its magic while you relax. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal has everything you need. Serve it with a sprinkle of parsley for a pretty touch. Trust me, seconds will be requested!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I find boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect here because they stay juicy during cooking. If you prefer, chicken breasts can work, but they may dry out more.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo gives a nice texture to the dish. If you can’t find it, try small pasta shapes like ditalini, couscous, or even rice as alternatives.
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream makes the dish creamy, you can substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter option. Just be careful, as it will change the flavor slightly.
Gruyere Cheese: Gruyere adds great flavor. If it’s out of reach, other cheeses like Emmental, Fontina, or a mix of cheddar can also create a nice creaminess.
Onion and Garlic: These are key for building flavor. If you’re short on fresh garlic, a pinch of garlic powder can help in a pinch.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Browned?
Browning the chicken is crucial for layering flavor. Here’s how to get that beautiful golden color:
- Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding olive oil.
- Season the chicken well with salt and pepper — this helps with browning.
- Sear each thigh for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden. Avoid overcrowding the pan, or they’ll steam instead of brown.
Once browned, they’ll add so much more depth to your dish when cooked in the crockpot. Don’t skip this step!
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Chicken with Gruyere and Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for browning the chicken
- Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes for preparation and then 4-6 hours of cooking time on low (or 2-3 hours on high). So, you can set it up and let the crockpot do most of the work while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Chicken:
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and adding a splash of olive oil. While the skillet heats up, season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, sear the chicken on both sides until they are golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once done, transfer the chicken to the crockpot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Using the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms (if you’re using them) and sauté for another 2 minutes until everything is fragrant and looking nice. This step adds amazing flavor!
3. Combine Everything in the Crockpot:
Pour the sautéed veggies over the chicken in the crockpot. Next, add the uncooked orzo, dried thyme, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Give everything a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients well.
4. Cook the Dish:
Now it’s time to cover the crockpot! Set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be perfectly cooked through and tender by the end of the cooking time.
5. Add the Cheese:
When cooking is complete, stir in the shredded Gruyere cheese until it melts and creates a creamy texture. If you feel it needs a little extra seasoning, feel free to adjust with salt and pepper according to your taste.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious creamy chicken hot, garnished with some fresh thyme if you like. Enjoy this comforting dish that’s simple and oh-so-satisfying!
### FAQ for Crockpot Creamy Chicken with Gruyere and Orzo
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you can’t find Gruyere, you can substitute it with Swiss cheese, fontina, or even mozzarella for a milder taste. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly depending on what cheese you choose!
Can I Make This Recipe with Chicken Breasts Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts! Just be aware that they might cook faster than thighs, so check for doneness around the 3-hour mark on high or 2.5 hours on low to avoid drying them out.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess, stirring until heated through.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add in more veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just chop them into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Adding them in the last hour of cooking will keep them vibrant and tender!
