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Slow Cooker Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe Easy Cozy Dinner with Orzo and Fresh Dill

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A cozy and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken thighs glazed with honey and lemon, cooked with orzo pasta and finished with fresh dill for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred, about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams)
  • 1/4 cup honey (85 grams)
  • 2 medium lemons, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (60 ml)
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth (240 ml), low sodium
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (about 170 grams)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and brown the other side for 3 minutes.
  3. Place the browned chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Scatter minced garlic and lemon slices over the top.
  4. Pour the honey and fresh lemon juice evenly across the chicken. Add the chicken broth around the edges, avoiding washing off the honey from the chicken.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the orzo and a pinch more salt if needed. Pour in about 1/2 cup (120 ml) extra water or broth if the liquid looks low. Cover and cook on low until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the juices.
  7. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh dill over the chicken and orzo. Gently stir to combine.
  8. Spoon the honey lemon chicken and orzo onto plates and serve warm.

Notes

Browning the chicken before slow cooking is optional but recommended for extra flavor. Add orzo during the last 30 minutes to prevent it from becoming mushy. Use fresh dill for best flavor; dried dill is not recommended. For gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or riced cauliflower. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with added broth or water to loosen orzo.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, honey lemon chicken, orzo recipe, cozy dinner, easy slow cooker meal, fresh dill chicken, comfort food

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/slow-cooker-honey-lemon-chicken-recipe-easy-cozy-dinner-with-orzo-and-fresh-dill/