Nigella’s Slow-Cooked Chicken Orzo is prepared with bone-in chicken thighs and/or legs, yellow onion, garlic cloves, unsalted butter, and uncooked orzo pasta. This Chicken Orzo cooked in a slow cooker for about 5 hours until the flavors meld together, resulting in a rich and comforting meal that serves up to 4 people.
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Why You’ll Love This Nigella Chicken Orzo
There are several reasons why you’ll love Nigella’s Chicken Orzo Slow Cooker:
- Easy Preparation: This recipe is incredibly convenient as it can be prepared in a slow cooker. Simply gather the ingredients, combine them in the slow cooker, and let it do the work for you. It requires minimal effort and allows you to go about your day while it cooks.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of chicken, orzo pasta, and aromatic herbs and spices creates a rich and flavorful dish. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Tender and Juicy Chicken: The slow cooking of the chicken in the dish ensures that it becomes incredibly tender and juicy. The long cooking time allows the chicken to absorb the flavors and become fork-tender, making it a delightful addition to the orzo.
What Is Nigella Slow Cooked Chicken Orzo?
Nigella’s Chicken Orzo Slow Cooker is a flavorful and comforting dish made with bone-in chicken, onions, garlic, butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, water, salt, pepper, and orzo pasta, cooked together in a slow cooker until tender and flavorful.
Nigella Slow Cooked Chicken Orzo Ingredients
- 3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs and/or legs, skin removed
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 2 TBSP unsalted butter
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 TBSP of fresh lemon juice
- 3 cups water
- salt & freshly ground pepper
- 1 pound uncooked orzo pasta
How To Make Nigella Chicken Orzo In Slow Cooker
- In the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, layer the chopped onion, then the skinless chicken.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the garlic, butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, water, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, then pour over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and simmer on LOW for 4 hours.
- Remove the lid from the slow cooker and transfer the chicken to a platter, then use two forks to separate the chicken from the bones into bite-size pieces. Return the chicken to the slow cooker after removing the bones.
- Return the lid to the slow cooker and cook, stirring periodically, for 30 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
Tips Recipe
here are some additional tips to enhance your experience with Nigella Chicken Orzo Slow Cooker:
- Browning the chicken: For added flavor, you can brown the chicken thighs and/or legs in a skillet before placing them in the slow cooker. Searing the chicken in a hot pan with a bit of oil will create a golden crust and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Additional seasonings: Feel free to add other seasonings or herbs to elevate the flavors. Options like dried oregano, thyme, or paprika can add depth and complexity to the dish. Adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Before serving, sprinkle the cooked dish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or dill to add a pop of freshness and visual appeal.
- Add vegetables: If you want to incorporate more vegetables, consider adding diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the slow cooker. These additions will provide extra texture and nutritional value to the dish.
What To Serve With Chicken Orzo?
Ser Nigella’s Chicken Orzo Slow Cooker with a side of fresh green salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, steamed or roasted asparagus, or grilled corn on the cob to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
How To Store Leftover Chicken Orzo?
- In the fridge: Transfer the cooked Nigella Chicken Orzo Slow Cooker into an airtight container before placing it in the refrigerator. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- In the freezer: transfer the Nigella Chicken Orzo Slow Cooker to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Orzo?
- On the stove: Transfer the leftovers from the Nigella Chicken Orzo Slow Cooker to a saucepan or skillet. Heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- In the oven: Place the Nigella Chicken Orzo Slow Cooker into an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil and refrigerate for about 20 to 25 minutes at 350°F.
- In the microwave: Reheat Nigella Chicken Orzo Slow on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally until it is heated thoroughly.
- In the air fryer: transfer the Nigella Chicken Orzo Slow Cooker into an air-fryer basket. Place it in the preheated air fryer and reheat for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F.
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead Of Thighs And Legs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs and legs if you prefer. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to be leaner and can become dry when slow-cooked for an extended period.
How Do You Know When The Orzo Is Tender?
To check if the orzo is tender, simply taste a small piece. It should be soft but still slightly firm to the bite, similar to al dente pasta.
Can I Use Chicken Broth Instead Of Water?
Yes, you can use chicken broth instead of water for added flavor. Chicken broth will enhance the savory taste of the dish.
How Do I Make Chicken Orzo Slow Cooker With Cispy Flavor?
To Make a chicken orzo slow cooker dish with a crispy flavor, start by browning the chicken in a skillet before transferring it to the slow cooker.
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Nigella Slow Cooked Chicken Orzo Nutrition Fact
- Calories:689
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4.8g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.7g
- Cholesterol: 63mg
- Sodium: 670mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 90g
- Dietary Fiber: 6.9g
- Sugars: 3.6g
- Protein: 41g
Are You Looking For Best Nigella Lawson Cookbooks ? Here Are Top 5 Best Seller Nigella Lawson Cookbooks You Should Have:
- At My Table: A Celebration of Home Cooking
- Nigella Express: 130 Recipes for Good Food, Fast
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Nigella Slow Cooker Chicken Orzo
Description
Nigella’s Slow-Cooked Chicken Orzo is prepared with bone-in chicken thighs and/or legs, yellow onion, garlic cloves, unsalted butter, and uncooked orzo pasta. This Chicken Orzo cooked in a slow cooker for about 5 hours until the flavors meld together, resulting in a rich and comforting meal that serves up to 4 people.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, layer the chopped onion, then the skinless chicken.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the garlic, butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, water, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, then pour over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and simmer on LOW for 4 hours.
- Remove the lid from the slow cooker and transfer the chicken to a platter, then use two forks to separate the chicken from the bones into bite-size pieces. Return the chicken to the slow cooker after removing the bones.
- Return the lid to the slow cooker and cook, stirring periodically, for 30 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
Notes
- Browning the chicken: For added flavor, you can brown the chicken thighs and/or legs in a skillet before placing them in the slow cooker. Searing the chicken in a hot pan with a bit of oil will create a golden crust and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Additional seasonings: Feel free to add other seasonings or herbs to elevate the flavors. Options like dried oregano, thyme, or paprika can add depth and complexity to the dish. Adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Before serving, sprinkle the cooked dish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or dill to add a pop of freshness and visual appeal.
- Add vegetables: If you want to incorporate more vegetables, consider adding diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the slow cooker. These additions will provide extra texture and nutritional value to the dish.