Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole is a delicious twist on classic Reuben sandwiches, offering the same great flavors in a warm, comforting casserole form. The combination of tender chicken, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Thousand Island dressing, and ooey-gooey Swiss cheese creates a tantalizing dish that’s perfect for both special occasions and cozy weeknight dinners. Cooking slowly brings out all those incredible flavors, letting each ingredient truly shine. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving something hearty, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole | Easy St Patrick’s Day
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole | Easy St Patrick’s Day

Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole | Easy St Patrick's Day

I first stumbled upon the idea for this Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole while looking for easy meals to serve during family gatherings. The aroma filling your kitchen while it cooks is truly unmatched, and when you finally dig in, you’ll appreciate how the layers come together so beautifully. It’s like a hug on a plate! Plus, it’s a breeze to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 5 minutes of prep time, and then your slow cooker does the work for 5 hours.
Irresistible Flavor: A symphony of savory chicken, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese creates a delightful taste experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful layers of ingredients make this casserole not only delicious but also visually striking.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even served at a party – it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily modify this recipe to fit various dietary needs, making it versatile for everyone!

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed: This is the protein base of the dish. Feel free to use thighs for a richer flavor.
1/2 tsp. salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.
1/4 tsp. ground pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overwhelming the palate.
1 tsp. garlic powder: Introduces aromatic depth; fresh garlic can be used for an even more vibrant flavor.
1/2 tsp. caraway seeds: These lend a classic Reuben flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
32 oz. can sauerkraut, drained very well: The acidity of sauerkraut is essential; consider using bagged sauerkraut for convenience.
1 cup Thousand Island dressing: This creamy dressing ties the dish together beautifully; using a refrigerated type ensures it’s fresh and flavorful.
8 oz. Swiss cheese: The melty cheese adds richness; Gruyere can be an excellent substitute for a more complex flavor.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole | Easy St Patrick’s Day

Add Chicken: Start by placing the cubed 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts into your slow cooker. Season with 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. ground pepper, 1 tsp. garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp. caraway seeds. Use a spoon or your clean hands to mix everything evenly so that the chicken is well-coated.

Layer Sauerkraut: Next, carefully drain the 32 oz. can of sauerkraut to ensure that no excess moisture remains. Spread the sauerkraut evenly over the seasoned chicken, creating a hearty layer that brings a lovely tart flavor.

Add Dressing: Pour 1 cup of Thousand Island dressing over the sauerkraut layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring every nook and cranny gets a taste of that creamy goodness.

Top with Cheese: Slice the 8 oz. of Swiss cheese and lay the slices over the dressing evenly. This melty layer will create that gooey, comforting texture we all love when it comes out of the slow cooker.

Cook: Set your slow cooker on low and let it work its magic for about 5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and bubbling around the edges. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and everything looks deliciously gooey.

Serve and Enjoy!: Once completed, give it a gentle stir and scoop out generous portions to serve everyone. This dish is best enjoyed warm and can be paired with fresh bread or a simple side salad.

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for up to two hours or refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. If you’d like to store it longer, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, until warmed through. Note that the texture might mellow, so consider adding a splash of additional Thousand Island dressing to freshen it up!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken by ensuring it is cut into even-sized cubes for uniform cooking.
When layering, make sure the sauerkraut is well-drained to prevent a watery casserole.
If you like a bit of a kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. If using cheese, ensure it’s at room temperature for easier melting.
Feel free to prep this casserole a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge before cooking and then pop it in the slow cooker when ready.

Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and joy to the table. With its satisfying layers and rich flavors, this recipe is sure to make your gatherings even more special. From effortless preparation to delicious results, it’s practically begging to be made! Try experimenting with some of your favorite flavors or modifications to make it your own. Enjoy every scoop of this incredible dish!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to increase the cooking time slightly, possibly by an hour or so, checking for doneness to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

How do I know when the casserole is done cooking?

The casserole is ready to serve when the chicken is thoroughly cooked (165°F), bubbling around the edges, and the cheese is melted and gooey. A quick check with a meat thermometer can save you from any doubts!

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can layer all the ingredients in the slow cooker and refrigerate it overnight. Just take it out and allow it to reach room temperature before cooking for the recommended time.

What can I serve with this casserole?

This hearty casserole pairs well with a light side salad or some freshly baked bread. For a classic touch, serve it with a side of coleslaw or potato salad to complement the Reuben flavors.

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Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole | Easy St Patrick’s Day

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Author: Lina
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 305 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: One Pot
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole is a delightful mix of tender chicken, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Swiss cheese, creating a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. caraway seeds
32 oz. can sauerkraut, drained very well
1 cup thousand island dressing
8 oz. swiss cheese

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Instructions

Place the cubed chicken in the slow cooker and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and caraway seeds. Mix well.
Layer the drained sauerkraut evenly over the chicken.
Spread the thousand island dressing on top of the sauerkraut.
Add slices of Swiss cheese evenly over the dressing.
Cover and cook on low for about 5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the casserole is bubbly.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Ensure the sauerkraut is drained well to prevent excess liquid in the casserole.
For a richer flavor, allow the casserole to cook a bit longer if needed.
This dish can be topped with extra cheese before serving if desired.