Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo

Can you cook orzo in a slow cooker?

Yes, absolutely. Orzo works really well in a slow cooker, but the key is when you add it. I don’t recommend adding the orzo at the beginning of the recipe as it can absorb too much liquid and become soft and mushy. For this slow cooker orzo recipe, I add the orzo towards the end of cooking. This gives it enough time to become tender while still keeping a lovely creamy, slightly al dente texture.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Definitely. Chicken thighs are a great option for this slow cooker chicken recipe and tend to stay particularly juicy during longer cooking. Use boneless, skinless thighs and cook them in exactly the same way. Once they’re cooked, you can either leave them in larger pieces or shred them through the creamy pesto orzo.

Why is my slow cooker orzo mushy?

The most likely reason is that the orzo has been cooked for too long. Orzo is a small pasta, so it cooks considerably quicker than the chicken. If you leave it sitting in the slow cooker for hours, it will continue absorbing liquid and can lose that lovely pasta texture.

Can I use jarred pesto for pesto chicken?

Yes — and that’s exactly what I’d recommend if you want to keep this recipe quick and easy. A good-quality green basil pesto works brilliantly here. You can use homemade pesto if you have some to hand, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with reaching for a jar on a busy weeknight. The pesto provides the basil, garlic, Parmesan and olive oil flavours that make this creamy pesto chicken orzo so good.

Can I use red pesto instead of green pesto?

Yes, although it will give the dish a noticeably different flavour. Green basil pesto gives you the classic creamy pesto chicken flavour, while red pesto brings more of a tomato and roasted pepper flavour. Both work, so use whichever you enjoy most.

Can I add vegetables to slow cooker chicken orzo?

Absolutely. This is a really easy recipe to bulk out with vegetables. Spinach is one of my favourite additions because you can stir a couple of handfuls through right at the end and it wilts into the creamy sauce. You could also try peas, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, courgette or roasted red peppers. Just bear in mind that vegetables release different amounts of water, so adding a lot can change the consistency of the finished orzo.

Can I meal prep this slow cooker pesto chicken orzo ahead of time?

Yes, although I think this recipe is at its best freshly made. Orzo continues to absorb liquid as it sits, so you may find that leftovers become thicker in the fridge. That’s not a problem — simply add a splash of chicken stock, water or milk when reheating and stir well.

How do I reheat pesto chicken orzo?

Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan or in the microwave. The orzo will absorb some of the creamy sauce while it’s chilled, so add a small splash of stock, milk or water before reheating. Stir regularly until piping hot throughout. I wouldn’t leave it sitting in the slow cooker on low for a long time to reheat, as the orzo can become overcooked.

Can you freeze creamy pesto chicken orzo?

You can freeze it, but the texture of the orzo may be softer once defrosted and reheated. If you’re making this specifically for the freezer, I’d recommend slightly undercooking the orzo. Once reheated, add a splash of stock or milk to loosen the sauce and bring it back to that creamy consistency.

Is slow cooker pesto chicken orzo good for a family dinner?

Yes — this is exactly the sort of slow cooker recipe I make when I want something comforting without spending the evening standing over the hob. You’ve got tender chicken, creamy orzo and plenty of pesto flavour all in one pot. It’s filling, easy to customise and there’s very little washing up afterwards.

Can I make this pesto chicken orzo on the hob instead?

Yes. If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can adapt the recipe for the hob. Cook the chicken first, then add the orzo and stock and simmer until the pasta is tender. Stir through the pesto and creamy ingredients towards the end. The timings will be different from the slow cooker version, so keep an eye on the orzo and add a little extra stock if needed.

Is this a good slow cooker recipe for a busy weeknight?

For me, that’s exactly what it’s for. Get the chicken and other ingredients into the slow cooker, let it do its thing while you get on with your day, then add the orzo towards the end. Finish with the creamy pesto sauce and you’ve got a proper comforting dinner with minimal effort. That’s my kind of slow cooker chicken recipe.

@boredoflunch

Slowcooker Creamy Pesto Chicken 🍗   Comfort food but you only have 5 minutes to prep? I got you! You can serve this with some pasta, I used orzo or even a nice salad/rice.   Serves 3 or 4 if you had an extra chicken breast 530 calories per person   Ingredients: 3-4 chicken breasts 1 white onion, diced 1 tbsp garlic puree 100ml chicken stock 4 tbsp green pesto 150g sun-dried tomatoes 80 g frozen peas 2 tbsp creme fraiche, reduced fat 300g orzo, cooked Parmesan, to serve   Method: 1. Add your chicken, diced onion, garlic puree, chicken stock, pesto and sundried tomatoes to the slowcooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 7-8. 2. Once ready, add your frozen peas and some creme fraiche. Give that a good stir then prepare your orzo. If the sauce is runny add cornflour 3. Cook your orzo as per packet instructions then serve immediately.   Enjoy 😊   #boredoflunch #recipe #recipes #pesto #pestochicken

♬ original sound – Bored of Lunch