Ingredients
To make this flavorful Baked Chicken Reuben, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup crushed rye crackers or breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the perfect Baked Chicken Reuben:
Preparing the Chicken
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or a little butter.
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
Assembling the Reuben Layers
- Spread the mustard: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over each chicken breast. This adds a subtle tang that complements the other flavors.
- Layer the sauerkraut: Evenly distribute the sauerkraut over the chicken breasts. Make sure the sauerkraut is well-drained to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
- Add the cheese: Place two slices of Swiss cheese on top of each chicken breast, completely covering the sauerkraut layer.
- Drizzle the dressing: Pour the Thousand Island dressing over the cheese layer, making sure each piece of chicken is covered.
Baking and Serving
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, crushed rye crackers (or breadcrumbs), and caraway seeds. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Top the chicken: Sprinkle the buttery crumb mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, creating a crispy topping that will add texture to the dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve with a side of roasted potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations
To make this Baked Chicken Reuben recipe even more exciting, consider these tips and variations:
- Chicken Reuben Roll-Ups: For a fun twist, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, layer the sauerkraut and cheese, then roll them up. Secure with toothpicks and bake as directed.
- Chicken Reuben Skillet: Transform this recipe into a skillet dish by sautéing the chicken and sauerkraut in a pan, then adding the cheese and dressing. Finish under the broiler for a few minutes until bubbly.
- Chicken and Sauerkraut Casserole: For a heartier meal, add cooked rice or pasta to the baking dish before layering the chicken and other ingredients. This creates a comforting casserole that’s sure to satisfy.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of rye crackers for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a basic nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 6g
This Baked Chicken Reuben is not only delicious but also provides a good balance of protein and fats, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Incorporating the beloved flavors of a Reuben sandwich into a baked chicken dish is a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss. This Baked Chicken Reuben recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for any dinner table. Whether you enjoy it as a roll-up, a skillet meal, or a classic baked dish, it’s sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.