Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole | Easy St Patrick’s Day
Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole | Easy St Patrick’s Day is a delightful and hearty dish that combines all the beloved flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich with the ease of slow cooking. Imagine tender, juicy chicken simmered perfectly with tangy sauerkraut, zesty Thousand Island dressing, and creamy Swiss cheese, all melded into a comforting casserole. With minimal prep time, this dish becomes your favorite go-to for St. Patrick’s Day gatherings or any chilly night when you crave something warm and satisfying.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this recipe while searching for a way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without the usual corned beef. It was love at first bite—this casserole is not only easy to assemble but also a fantastic way to indulge in the essence of a Reuben sandwich. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone raving, you’ve found your new favorite dish. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get started on this delightful Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can whip this meal up in just about 5 minutes of prep, and then let the slow cooker do the work.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of tender chicken, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy dressing is simply mouthwatering.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This casserole looks as appealing as it tastes, ready to impress at any gathering.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect as a hearty dinner, comforting lunch, or even a game-day snack.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets with the right adjustments.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts: The hero of this dish, providing lean protein and absorbing all the delicious flavors as it cooks.
- 1/2 tsp. salt: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the chicken.
- 1/4 tsp. ground pepper: To add a subtle kick of warmth without overwhelming the dish.
- 1 tsp. garlic powder: Brings depth and aromatic sweetness, enhancing the whole casserole.
- 1/2 tsp. caraway seeds: These seeds add that distinctive Reuben flavor with their earthy sweetness.
- 32 oz. can sauerkraut, drained very well: This hearty ingredient adds that necessary tang and crunch, making the dish truly authentic.
- 1 cup thousand island dressing: Use the refrigerated type for the best flavor—this dressing ties the dish together beautifully.
- 8 oz. Swiss cheese: A must-have for its creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole | Easy St Patrick’s Day
Add Chicken: Place the cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. ground pepper, 1 tsp. garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp. caraway seeds, stirring gently to thoroughly coat the chicken with the seasonings. This first step sets a solid flavor base for the dish.
Layer Sauerkraut: Once the chicken is seasoned, evenly spread the 32 oz. can of well-drained sauerkraut over the chicken. This forms a vital layer that helps moistens the chicken while providing that signature tangy flavor.
Spread Dressing: Pour 1 cup of Thousand Island dressing over the sauerkraut. Don’t hold back—this adds a luscious creaminess that elevates the casserole. It’s okay if the dressing doesn’t cover everything perfectly; it will distribute as it cooks.
Add Cheese: Layer 8 oz. of Swiss cheese over the top, ensuring even coverage. As the cheese melts, it will create a delightful, gooey topping that brings everything together.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. The aroma that fills your home during the last hour is absolutely divine!
Storing & Reheating
This casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you find you’ve made more than you can eat, it can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just be sure to place it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, warm the casserole in a 350°F oven for about 25 minutes, or until heated through. Just a quick tip: the texture may change slightly after freezing, but a splash of extra dressing upon reheating can help revive those tasty, creamy flavors!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the time; overcooked chicken can become dry. Check for doneness at the 4-hour mark.
- Layering Matters: Make sure to drain the sauerkraut well; excess moisture can make your casserole watery.
- Adapt the Dish: Feel free to swap in turkey if you’re looking for a lighter protein option.
- Sprinkle Some Herbs: Adding fresh parsley or dill before serving creates a lovely color contrast and a fresh burst of flavor.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge, ready to pop into the slow cooker in the morning.
This flavorful dish combines the joys of a Reuben sandwich with the simplicity of slow-cooked meals, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply looking for an easy weeknight meal, Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole | Easy St Patrick’s Day is sure to win hearts and appetites alike. Enjoy the cozy flavors, and feel free to get creative based on your preferences!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! If Swiss cheese isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute with Fontina or Gruyère for a different flavor profile. Just remember to stay true to the creamy, meltable cheese texture for that comforting casserole finish.
What if I don’t have caraway seeds?
If you can’t find caraway seeds, a sprinkle of dill can add a lovely flavor that complements the sauerkraut nicely, keeping that Reuben essence alive.
Can I prepare the casserole the night before?
Yes! Just layer all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert and cover it tightly. Store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just remember to take it out about 30 minutes before cooking; letting it come to room temperature helps it cook evenly.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Check the labels for gluten-free Thousand Island dressing and ensure the sauerkraut is certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy this delightful casserole without worry!
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📖 Recipe Card
Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole | Easy St Patrick’s Day
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 305 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy the delightful taste of Crockpot Chicken Reuben Casserole, a simple dish featuring tender chicken, flavorful sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Place the cubed chicken in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and caraway seeds over the chicken, then mix well.
- Spread the drained sauerkraut evenly over the chicken.
- Pour the thousand island dressing on top.
- Layer the Swiss cheese slices evenly over everything.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and the casserole is bubbling.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For best texture, ensure the sauerkraut is drained very well before adding.
You can use bagged sauerkraut if preferred.
Feel free to adjust seasoning to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 1550mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
