Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole brings the savory flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich into a comforting, one-pot dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Imagine tender, juicy chicken entwined with tangy sauerkraut, creamy Thousand Island dressing, and melty Swiss cheese, all harmonizing beautifully in your slow cooker. It’s rich, satisfying, and downright irresistible, providing a delicious way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or, let’s be honest, any day that calls for something special.

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
Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole | Easy St Patrick’s Day

Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole | Easy St Patrick's Day

Having discovered this gem during one of our busy weeknights, I was thrilled with how effortlessly it came together. With minimal prep time, the slow cooker did all the heavy lifting while I enjoyed quality moments with my family. The allure of this casserole is that it pulls together flavors that are not only well-loved but also incredibly comforting. It’s a surefire way to impress your loved ones without spending all day in the kitchen. So grab your slow cooker and get excited to whip up this fabulous Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole that everyone will adore!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only 5 minutes of prep time, you can have this hearty casserole ready to cook all day while you’re busy!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of succulent chicken, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy dressing creates an explosion of taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The gooey melted Swiss cheese on top makes this dish visually appealing and fully comforting.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy dinner in; it suits any occasion!
Diet-Friendly Options: While it’s delicious as-is, consider step-down versions using reduced-fat cheese or alternative dressings for a lighter meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed: This lean protein serves as the base for your casserole, providing heartiness. Feel free to use rotisserie chicken to save time.
1/2 tsp. salt: Enhances the flavors and brings everything together. Adjust according to your taste.
1/4 tsp. ground pepper: Adds a subtle kick; freshly ground pepper brings a more intense flavor.
1 tsp. garlic powder: For that aromatic and savory profile. If you’re a garlic lover, fresh minced garlic can also work!
1/2 tsp. caraway seeds: These seeds impart a distinctive, warm flavor reminiscent of rye bread; don’t skip this for authenticity.
32 oz. can sauerkraut, drained very well: The star ingredient that provides tanginess; make sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
1 cup Thousand Island dressing: Creamy and tangy, this dressing ties everything together. The refrigerated kind is fresher and more flavorful.
8 oz. Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully over the dish while adding richness. Feel free to swap it with provolone or Gruyère for a twist!

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

Add Chicken & Seasonings: Begin by tossing 2 lbs. of cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts into your slow cooker. Sprinkle over 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. ground pepper, 1 tsp. garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp. caraway seeds. Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything nicely, ensuring the chicken is well-coated in seasoning.

Layer Sauerkraut: Once the chicken is evenly seasoned, add in the 32 oz. can of drained sauerkraut. Spread it out over the chicken in an even layer, making sure to cover it completely for maximum flavor absorption during cooking.

Spread the Dressing: Next, take 1 cup of Thousand Island dressing and spread it generously over the sauerkraut layer. This dressing will enrich your casserole with creamy goodness that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Add Cheese: Finally, Top off your creation by adding 8 oz. of Swiss cheese slices evenly over the dressing. Those little pockets of melted cheese will create a delicious crust on top.

Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 5 hours. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and you’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is bubbling and the chicken is fully cooked through.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container, where they will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to savor this dish longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the microwave or oven until thoroughly warmed, about 20-30 minutes at 350°F. Note that the texture might slightly change, but you can refresh the dish by adding a splash of additional Thousand Island dressing.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken; it should be just right to retain moisture and tenderness.
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese while it’s cooking.
To keep things fresh, add some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or dill, just before serving!
If you want a crunch on top, pop it under the broiler for a few minutes, but monitor closely to avoid burning.
Make this dish ahead of time by prepping everything the night before, then cooking it in the slow cooker in the morning.

This Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole is not only a delicious triumph of flavors, but it’s also incredibly adaptable. Don’t hesitate to switch up the ingredients or play with spices according to your taste preferences!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this recipe with turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or turkey breast would work beautifully as a substitute for the chicken. Just ensure to monitor the cooking time, as ground turkey tends to cook faster.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Of course! While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can switch it out for varieties like provolone, Gouda, or even a sharp cheddar. Each cheese will bring a unique flavor profile to the casserole.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure your Thousand Island dressing and sauerkraut do not contain gluten. Most brands are gluten-free, but always double-check the labels!

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes; if you’re short on time, you can cook this casserole on high for approximately 3 hours. Just keep an eye on it and check that the chicken is fully cooked through before serving.

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Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole | Easy St Patrick’s Day

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 305 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole is a delightful combination of tender chicken, zesty sauerkraut, creamy Thousand Island dressing, and gooey Swiss cheese. It’s an easy, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy St Patrick’s Day gathering!

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 into the slow cooker.
Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and caraway seeds over the chicken and mix well.
Layer the drained sauerkraut over the chicken evenly.
Spread the Thousand Island dressing on top of the sauerkraut.
Add Swiss cheese slices evenly over the dressing.
Cover and cook on low for 5 hours, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the casserole is bubbling.
Serve and enjoy your meal!

Notes

For a thicker casserole, ensure the sauerkraut is drained well before adding it.
Use refrigerated Thousand Island dressing for the best flavor and freshness.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.