This slow cooker creamy chicken and chorizo orzo is a delightful twist on my viral slow cooker pasta dish that’s destined to become your new favourite. Drawing inspiration from one of my all-time beloved recipes, this variation brings together the rich flavours of creamy chicken and spicy chorizo, perfectly complemented by the comforting texture of orzo pasta. If you want to take a look at all the products I used for this recipe, you can visit my Amazon Storefront.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook orzo in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Orzo cooks beautifully in the slow cooker, absorbing all the rich flavours of the sauce. Just add it in the last 20–30 minutes of cooking so it doesn’t go mushy.

When should I add the orzo to this recipe?

Add the orzo near the end of cooking, usually in the final 25–30 minutes on high. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

Do I need to cook the chicken or chorizo before adding to the slow cooker?

No browning is required, but you can sauté the chorizo first if you want to boost its smoky flavour. The chicken will cook perfectly in the slow cooker and become tender and juicy.

What cut of chicken is best for creamy chicken and chorizo orzo?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts both work well. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, but either will soak up the creamy, spicy flavours.

Is this slow cooker orzo recipe spicy?

It has a gentle kick thanks to the chorizo, but it’s not too spicy. If you’re heat-sensitive, go for mild chorizo or reduce the amount used.

Can I use light cream or dairy-free alternatives?

Absolutely! For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese or single cream. You can also try plant-based alternatives to make it dairy-free.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it’s ideal for meal prep. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Orzo may absorb more liquid as it sits, so just add a splash of stock or water when reheating.

What can I serve with slow cooker chicken and chorizo orzo?

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for an even heartier dinner.

Is this a good option for a midweek dinner?

Definitely. It’s the ultimate midweek dinner — minimal prep, full of flavour, and comforting enough to please the whole family. Just toss everything in and let your slow cooker do the work.

Can I freeze this creamy orzo dish?

Orzo can go a bit soft after freezing, so it’s best eaten fresh. If you do freeze it, thaw and reheat gently with added stock or milk to revive the creamy texture. And for more quick and easy slow cooker recipes like this, you can pick up a copy of my latest slow cooker book Slow Cooker Even Easier or my OG slow cooker book The Healthy Slow Cooker Book on Amazon today.

@boredoflunch

Slowcooker Creamy Chicken & Chorizo Orzo 🍅 Creamy Orzo with Chicken, Sun-dried tomato & chorizo, kind of a crossover between pasta and a risotto vibe. A summer twist on one of my absolute favourite slowcooker pasta recipes. My other version of this recipe has been watched over 100M times so you know this is good. Ingredients – 3 x chicken breasts – 2 tbsp red pesto – 100g cooked chorizo – Handful of Sundried tomatoes 🍅 – 1 tbsp basil or mixed herbs – 4 garlic cloves – 100ml of chicken stock + 700ml for pasta – 230g of dry orzo – 200ml double cream – Handful of spinach or basil – Sweet peppers – Salt and pepper 1. Cook the chorizo briefly for 1 min 2. Add to the slowcooker with chicken, pesto, Sundried tomatoes, garlic, basil, 100ml of stock & salt and pepper 3. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for double that 4. Add in 230g of dry orzo, 700ml of stock & the peppers. Cook for a further 50 mins 5. Stir in spinach and cream, top with Parmesan as an option You need to try this one ☝🏼 Served 4-5 #mealprep #food #tiktok #viral #cheap #slowcookermeals #slowcooker #crockpot #crockpotrecipes

♬ Giving Me – Jazzy

What Is Orzo?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta. Despite looking like rice, it’s actually made from wheat flour. It’s popular in Mediterranean cuisine and works brilliantly in soups, salads, and dishes like this one. Orzo cooks quickly and absorbs flavours wonderfully, making it ideal for slow cooker recipes.

Does Orzo Taste Better In The Slow Cooker?

While orzo is delicious however you cook it, the slow cooker method allows it to absorb all the lovely flavours from the chicken, chorizo, and seasonings over a longer period. This results in a more flavourful dish compared to quick-cooking methods.

Leftovers and Reheating Orzo Pasta

This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out, then warm gently in the microwave or on the hob. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

How Do I Make Sure My Orzo Doesn’t Dry Out?

To prevent your orzo from drying out, make sure you’re using the correct liquid-to-orzo ratio. If you find it’s still a bit dry after cooking, you can add a splash more liquid before serving. When reheating leftovers, always add a bit of extra liquid.

Can I Use Pasta Instead?

Yes, you can substitute the orzo with other small pasta shapes like macaroni or even small shells. However, you might need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount slightly, as different pasta shapes absorb liquid differently. I have made a pasta version of this slow cooker recipe over on my Instagram page, and the full recipe is on my website.

Is This Recipe Suitable for Freezing?

While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the orzo might change slightly upon thawing and reheating. If you plan to freeze, it’s best to slightly undercook the orzo. When reheating, add a bit of extra liquid to help restore the creamy texture.

Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can swap the chicken stock use vegetable broth instead. Try adding some hearty vegetables like mushrooms or aubergine for texture.