Crockpot Tuscan Chicken With Orzo

This Tuscan chicken crock pot recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals when I need something hearty and delicious but low-effort. I add the chicken, broth, and tomatoes to the slow cooker in the morning and let it do its thing while I go on with my day. By dinnertime, the orzo has soaked up all that creamy, garlicky sauce, the Parmesan has melted in, and the spinach adds just the right amount of freshness. It feels cozy and a little special, but still simple for a weeknight meal.

Main Ingredients To Make Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken 

Here are a few notes about the key ingredients for this Tuscan chicken crock pot recipe: 

• Chicken: I find that either boneless skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs work well for this recipe. I even sometimes stir in leftover cooked chicken breast, slow cooker shredded chicken, or Instant Pot shredded chicken breast at the very end of cooking to bulk it up even more. I don’t recommend using bone-in chicken.
• Chicken Broth: When I have some stored away, I use this homemade Instant Pot bone broth. If not, store-bought chicken or vegetable broth works well. I always buy low-sodium options so that I have more control over the saltiness of the dish.
• Orzo pasta: Orzo is probably my favorite pasta to use in a variety of Mediterranean style dishes. If I don’t have it on hand, I use white rice for a similar taste and texture. Or, I sometimes substitute cauliflower rice for a low-carb recipe.
• Heavy cream: This forms the base of the sauce, similar to Alfredo sauce. Half and half or whole milk also would work.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: These add a bold, salty, acidic taste along with some vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. I call for shelf stable bagged sun-dried tomatoes for this recipe. However, if olive oil-packed options are all I can find, I make sure to drain them well to prevent the dish from becoming soggy or separating. I don’t use a whole bag at once, and save leftovers to make Tuscan salmon or Marry Me Chicken on another day.
• Spinach: I recommend using fresh spinach, since frozen spinach would cause the sauce to be too watery.

Find the ingredient list with exact measurements in the recipe card below, along with the nutrition information, including calories (kcals), carbohydrates, fats, saturated fats, protein, and fiber. 

Make It Gluten Free

If serving someone with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, use gluten-free orzo or rice instead of the regular orzo. Rice will require the same amount of cooking time as orzo pasta, but gluten-free orzo typically is done faster, so be sure to check in on it sooner. 

Sides To Serve Alongside This Slow Cooker Dish

With protein, carbs, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, this creamy Tuscan chicken crock pot recipe is a filling, complete meal on its own. However, since I’m a veggie lover, I’ll often serve it with a side of additional veggies, such as my sautéed broccolini, these air fryer Brussels sprouts, or roasted green beans. It’s a little odd, but my kids like to eat it over top of Instant Pot mashed potatoes, but I prefer adding a side of olive bread or sourdough bread to soak up all the creamy sauce.

Storage Directions

Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat a portion, I gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little more broth as needed to loosen the sauce back up. 

I don’t recommend freezing this dish. I find the sauce separates and becomes too grainy and separated once thawed.

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The photos in this post were taken by Megan McKeehan.

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