Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole is a cozy, comforting delight perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or any day you crave something hearty and satisfying. Imagine tender chicken mingling with the tangy punch of sauerkraut and creamy Thousand Island dressing, all blanketed under melted Swiss cheese. It’s one of those meals that not only hits the spot but envelops you in warmth and nostalgia.

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 stumbled upon this gem during a busy week when I craved something special without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, making this Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole was a no-brainer. It’s easy, delicious, and sure to impress your family or guests. Let’s dive into this tasty dish that marries convenience with flavor — you’ll want to try it soon!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can whip this up in just 5 minutes of prep time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of tangy sauerkraut and creamy dressing creates a savory experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This casserole is as visually appealing as it is delicious, with gooey cheese bubbling on top.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even as a tasty snack, the versatility is endless.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make adjustments for gluten-free or dairy-free diets depending on your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed: This is the heart of your dish, providing protein and a tender bite. Using boneless and skinless ensures easy preparation and a healthy meal.
1/2 tsp. salt: A crucial seasoning that enhances flavor. You can adjust this based on your dietary needs.
1/4 tsp. ground pepper: Adds a hint of spice. Freshly ground is preferable for a richer flavor.
1 tsp. garlic powder: This gives an aromatic depth. Fresh minced garlic is an option too, but adjust the quantity to taste.
1/2 tsp. caraway seeds: This spice offers a unique flavor reminiscent of rye bread, complementing the sauerkraut beautifully.
32 oz. can sauerkraut, drained very well: Packed with tangy flavor, this is the star ingredient! Opt for bagged sauerkraut if you prefer.
1 cup Thousand Island dressing: A creamy and zesty sauce, the refrigerated version tastes fresher and more vibrant than shelf-stable types.
8 oz. Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy topping. Feel free to substitute with provolone or Gruyère if desired.

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

Prepare Chicken: Place the cubed chicken (2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts) into your slow cooker. Add the salt (1/2 tsp.), ground pepper (1/4 tsp.), garlic powder (1 tsp.), and caraway seeds (1/2 tsp.). Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until the chicken is well coated in the seasonings.

Layer Sauerkraut: Carefully pour the drained sauerkraut (32 oz. can, well-drained) over the seasoned chicken. Make sure it forms an even layer. The sauerkraut adds a fantastic tang and complements the flavors beautifully.

Spread Dressing: Next, drizzle the Thousand Island dressing (1 cup) over the sauerkraut, ensuring it covers as much of the surface as possible. This not only adds flavor but also helps keep the chicken moist.

Add Cheese: Finally, lay the Swiss cheese (8 oz.) slices evenly across the top. As the casserole cooks, this cheese will melt and create a deliciously gooey topping.

Cook: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for about 5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the casserole is bubbling beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbly, and the chicken is tender.

Serve and enjoy your delightful dish!

Storing & Reheating

You can store leftover Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole at room temperature for about two hours after serving. For longer storage, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will hold well for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. The texture may be slightly different, but you can easily refresh it by adding a little splash of dressing or broth.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure not to overcrowd the slow cooker; leaving enough space ensures more even cooking.
Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to add or reduce spices to suit your taste.
Shred for Texture: After cooking, shredding the chicken slightly for a pulled chicken effect can add a fun texture.
Try Variations: Consider adding diced bell peppers or onions for more flavor.
Top with Extras: A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a bit more cheese right before serving can elevate the dish.

Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole is rich in flavor, incredibly easy to prepare, and makes for a delightful dish that gathers everyone around the table. It’s one of those recipes that you’ll keep coming back to, whether for a St. Patrick’s Day feast or any day you’re looking for a comforting, satisfying meal. Don’t hesitate to put your twist on it, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Shredded or cubed leftover chicken works wonderfully. Just ensure it’s still juicy; you may want to adjust the cooking time to keep it from drying out.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the Thousand Island dressing with a gluten-free variety and use a compliant sauerkraut. Ensure the cheese is gluten-free as well.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, you can cook this casserole on high for about 2.5 to 3 hours, but keep an eye on it to ensure the chicken remains juicy and tender.

What can I serve with this casserole?

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!

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Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole | Easy St Patrick’s Day

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Author: Danae
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 305 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Irish

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Description

This Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole is packed with flavor and made easy with chicken, sauerkraut, and swiss cheese. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive meal, it’s comforting and delicious!

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, sprinkling with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and caraway seeds, mixing well.
Layer the drained sauerkraut evenly over the chicken.
Spread the thousand island dressing on top of the sauerkraut evenly.
Add the slices of swiss cheese on top.
Cover and cook on low for 5 hours, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the casserole is bubbling.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Using refrigerated thousand island dressing enhances the flavor and keeps it fresh.
Make sure to drain the sauerkraut well to avoid excess liquid in the casserole.
This dish pairs well with rye bread for a heartier meal.