The weather is turning colder and I find myself craving cozy, comforting meals. There is something so satisfying about setting a slow cooker in the morning and coming home to a warm, hearty casserole ready to enjoy. This Slow Cooker Crock Pot Chicken Orzo Casserole is a simple, delicious dish that’s perfect for busy days and chilly evenings. It combines tender chicken, creamy soup, vegetables and orzo for a filling meal that the whole family will love.
Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe
This recipe is intentionally easy to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time. I focus on recipes that taste great but don’t demand long preparation or complicated steps. With a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have a nutritious and comforting dinner ready when you are. The casserole reheats well for leftovers, making it a practical option for meal planning and busy weeknights.
Below is a clear ingredient list and step-by-step instructions for making this slow cooker chicken orzo casserole. The recipe is written to be adaptable: use leftover cooked or rotisserie chicken, swap in your favorite frozen vegetables, or adjust seasonings to suit your family’s tastes. The creamy base and melted cheddar on top make it comforting while the orzo adds a pleasing texture that’s different from traditional rice or pasta casseroles.
Ingredients to make Crock Pot Chicken Orzo Casserole
- 2 cups chicken, cooked, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup (or a similar condensed creamy soup)
- ¼ cup onion, minced
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1½ cups water
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Slow Cooker Crock Pot Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken, cooked, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- ¼ cup onion, minced
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1½ cups water
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In the slow cooker bowl, add the shredded or cubed chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, minced onion and minced garlic. Stir gently to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth. Add the water and whisk until fully combined. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the soup mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker and stir to distribute everything evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours. The casserole is done when the orzo is tender and the flavors are well combined. Cooking time may vary slightly with different slow cooker models.
- A few minutes before serving, remove the lid and sprinkle the grated cheddar evenly over the top. Cover again and let the cheese melt for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
Nutrition
This recipe was originally shared on November 13, 2017 and updated in September 2020. It’s designed to be flexible—use leftover chicken or a rotisserie bird, swap in different vegetables, or add herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor. The result is a creamy, comforting casserole that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or for making ahead.