Description

A comforting and flavorful Slow Cooker Mustard Herb Chicken paired with creamy orzo and fresh broccoli. This easy recipe combines tender boneless chicken breasts cooked in a savory blend of Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, white wine, and lemon juice, served atop a luscious orzo pasta finished with cream and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a wholesome, elegant meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh chopped sage
2 cloves garlic, chopped
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
2 shallots, quartered
1 cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
1 cup apple cider or chicken broth (do not use vinegar)
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons salted butter

Orzo and Vegetable

2 cups dry orzo pasta
1 1/2 cups chopped broccoli
1/3 cup heavy cream or canned full fat coconut milk
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: In the slow cooker bowl, rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, sage, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour white wine, apple cider (or chicken broth), and lemon juice over the chicken. Add quartered shallots, cover, and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours until the chicken is tender.
Broil the Chicken: Preheat your broiler to high. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a baking sheet. Dot the chicken with butter. Broil for 1-3 minutes until the chicken skin crisps up slightly and becomes golden.
Cook the Orzo: While broiling, turn the slow cooker to high heat. Stir in dry orzo, chopped broccoli, and 1 cup of water. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes or until orzo is al dente. Add additional water if necessary to prevent dryness. Stir in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until creamy and combined.
Serve: Plate the creamy orzo and broccoli mixture, then top with the broiled mustard herb chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful meal.

Notes

Choose apple cider or chicken broth instead of vinegar to keep the flavor balanced and not too acidic.
You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
If orzo is not cooked to your liking after the set time, add a splash of water and continue cooking until desired tenderness is reached.
The recipe can also be adapted for Instant Pot or stovetop methods as an alternative to slow cooking.
Be careful while broiling the chicken — it can quickly go from crisped to burnt, so watch closely.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 90mg