Slow cooker chicken sauerkraut Reuben casserole is a one pot wonder. Tender chicken slow cooked together with tangy sauerkraut under a blanket of melted Swiss cheese topped with homemade dressing. This simple but amazing meal is one you will want to make over and over!
They say we eat with our eyes first. This makes slow cooker recipes particularly challenging. So many great recipes just don't look all that appealing in a crockpot.
This slow cooker dinner casserole is a perfect example. Slow cooker sauerkraut dishes are DEE-LICIOUS - but bland looking. The first time I made it, the whole family just turned up their noses at the sight.
The next time, I wised up and served it as Reuben chicken sandwiches rather than make-your-own style. BINGO! This sauerkraut recipe is now one of our favorite easy recipes. The perfect meal!
Of course, we were already huge fans of potato pancake Reubens. So, it was only a matter of time before we added a unique recipe for this classic sandwich adaptation.
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📝Shopping list
To make this amazing crock-pot Reuben casserole, you will need these simple ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs* - cut into bite-sized chunks
- Sauerkraut
- Garlic powder
- Swiss cheese
- Thousand Island or Russian dressing* - super easy recipe for homemade dressing in recipe card at bottom of the page.
🔪Instructions
Spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Cut chicken and place pieces into the bottom of the crockpot. Pour sauerkraut and garlic powder in and stir to fully combine.
Next, lay cheese slices in a layer on top. Spread a layer of homemade Thousand Island dressing on top of the cheese (scroll to the recipe card for a super easy recipe).
Cover and cook on low heat for 3-5 hours, or until chicken is cooked through. My crockpot usually cooks chicken fully in 3-4 hours.
🍽Serving suggestions
There is no wrong way to serve this amazing main course! It is delicious served open-faced on a toasted roll.
It is also insanely delicious served on grilled rye bread - traditional Reuben style. The remaining dressing is great for dipping!
Another delicious way to serve this meal is on top of a bed of quinoa. For a tasty twist, drizzle the top with some additional teaspoons of the Russian dressing.
Raw carrot sticks and crunchy green beans are great side kicks for this, as is a baked potato or whole cooked cualiflower.
🔁Substitutions
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs (see chicken notes below)
- Not a fan of sauerkraut? Pickled red cabbage can be used in it place for a different but delicious meal with a lot of flavor.
- If you are not a fan of Thousand Island or Russian dressing, try dijon mustard instead.
🍗A Note About Slow Cooker Chicken
Chicken in the crock pot can be a bit tricky. Boneless chicken breasts can dry out and get tough if overcooked. Dark meat is a little more forgiving and flexible and won't dry out quite as fast.
I find that the best way to ensure a juicy, tender chicken breast every time is to use a meat thermometer. Towards the end of cooking time, use the thermometer to test the internal temperature of larger chicken pieces. Chicken is considered safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165℉.
Storing leftovers
Leftovers of this easy slow cooker recipe should be stored in an airtight container or bag. They will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Store leftovers in meal-sized portions for easy, next day reheat-and-eat. Leftovers of this amazing dish are great with a fresh slice of swiss cheese melted on top.
If you love this recipe, please let me know in the comment section below!
😉Hints & hacks
- This is a great dish to make in a 3 quart casserole crock-pot.
- Freshly ground black pepper adds a nice finishing touch to this dish
- I make this recipe in a 3.5 quart casserole slow cooker, but a more traditional oval slow cooker would work too. If you are using an oval slow cooker, a 6 quart or larger one would work best.
- I serve this with a side of Russian dressing for dipping for the full “Reuben” effect. There are plenty of commercial Russian dressings on the market, but my favorite is simply made by mixing 3 parts mayonnaise with 1 part ketchup. Stir well to remove any lumps and you are good to go. If I am feeling fancy, I will sometimes add a spoonful of relish for good measure.
- I always recommend the use of a slow cooker liner. Of course, this is an optional step. I like to purchase my liners in bulk for a less expensive per-piece price.
- In the market for a new slow cooker? I love mine!
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📖 Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Sauerkraut Reuben Casserole
Equipment
- cutting board and knife
- non stick spray or slow cooker liner
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs cut into bite sized pieces
- 2 cups sauerkraut
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 - 8 oz Swiss cheese sliced
- ¼ cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing
Instructions
- spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray
- place chicken pieces into the bottom of the slow cooker.1 lb chicken thighs
- add in sauerkraut and garlic powder and stir to combine.2 cups sauerkraut, 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- flatten out mixture in slow cooker and fully cover with thick slices of swiss cheese6 - 8 oz Swiss cheese
- spread a thin layer of dressing over swiss cheese¼ cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing
- cover and cook on low until chicken is cooked through. About 3-5 hours
- Enjoy!
Notes
- 1 cup mayo
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoon sweet relish
Nutrition
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