Description

Slow Cooker Mustard Herb Chicken with Orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender, seared chicken thighs cooked low and slow in a savory mustard and herb sauce, paired perfectly with tender orzo pasta and fresh spinach. This easy one-pot meal combines the richness of Dijon mustard and honey with aromatic herbs, creating a delicious experience perfect for weeknight dinners or leisurely weekends.

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasoning

4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Mustard Herb Sauce

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Additional Ingredients

1 cup chicken broth
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups fresh spinach
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. Season both sides thoroughly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-6 minutes until the skin turns golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Make the Mustard Herb Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried oregano until well combined to create a flavorful glaze.
Set up the Slow Cooker: Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker. Add the seared chicken thighs on top and brush them generously with the mustard herb mixture, ensuring every piece is well coated.
Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook the chicken on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
Add the Orzo: About 30 minutes before the cooking time finishes, stir in the orzo pasta, making sure it is completely submerged in the broth for even cooking.
Add Spinach and Lemon: Once the orzo is tender, stir in fresh spinach and lemon juice. Let the spinach wilt gently in the residual heat for a couple of minutes.
Serve: Plate the chicken on a bed of orzo and spinach, then garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired for an added creamy, salty finish.

Notes

Searing the chicken before slow cooking enhances flavor and texture by creating a crispy skin and rich color.
Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs helps keep the meat moist and juicy during slow cooking.
You can substitute fresh herbs for dried if available; use 1 tablespoon each for fresh thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
The Parmesan cheese garnish is optional and can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
Make sure the orzo is fully submerged to ensure even cooking and avoid sticking.