Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Chorizo Orzo

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. 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.

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.