Savory Cast Iron Skillet Baked Chicken Reuben
Experience the delight of a classic Reuben sandwich reimagined as a hearty baked dish! This Savory Cast Iron Skillet Baked Chicken Reuben combines juicy, tender chicken fillets with tangy sauerkraut, creamy Thousand Island dressing, and rich Swiss cheese. The use of a cast iron skillet ensures even cooking and enhances the melding of flavors, with all the moisture from the sauerkraut infusing into the chicken. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this one-dish meal pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes. Enjoy this comforting recipe that brings the unique taste of a Reuben to your dinner table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless chicken fillets
4 (washed and patted dry)
sauerkraut
32 ounces (drained)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Swiss cheese
6 slices (for topping)
Thousand Island dressing
1 1/4 cups (for topping)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped for garnish)
hot sauce
3 drops (optional for added spice)
oil
1 1/2 teaspoons (for browning chicken)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
Rinse the chicken fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper.
3
In a 9-inch cast iron skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken fillets and brown them for about 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4
Once the chicken is browned, evenly spread the drained sauerkraut over the top of the chicken in the skillet.
5
Pour the Thousand Island dressing over the sauerkraut, ensuring it is well distributed.
6
Layer the Swiss cheese slices on top of the sauerkraut, covering it completely.
7
Cover the skillet with its lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through. The exact time may vary depending on your oven's accuracy.
8
Once done, remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cast Iron Skillet Baked Chicken Reuben?
It is a hearty baked dish that reimagines the classic Reuben sandwich by combining chicken fillets with sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and Swiss cheese in a cast iron skillet.
What size skillet should I use for this recipe?
A 9-inch cast iron skillet is recommended for even cooking and proper flavor melding.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the chicken fillets before cooking?
Rinse the chicken fillets under cold water, pat them dry with paper towels, and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
How long do I brown the chicken in the skillet?
Brown the chicken fillets for about 3-5 minutes on each side over medium heat until golden brown.
Should the sauerkraut be drained before use?
Yes, the 32 ounces of sauerkraut should be drained before spreading it over the chicken.
How much Thousand Island dressing is required?
The recipe calls for 1 and 1/4 cups of Thousand Island dressing.
What type of cheese is used in this Reuben dish?
Six slices of Swiss cheese are layered on top of the sauerkraut and dressing.
Do I need to cover the skillet while baking?
Yes, cover the skillet with its lid before transferring it to the oven.
What is the total baking time for the Chicken Reuben?
Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on your oven's accuracy.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
How can I make the dish spicy?
You can add 3 drops of hot sauce for optional spice.
What garnish is recommended for this dish?
Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of fresh, chopped parsley before serving.
What is a good side dish to serve with this recipe?
This meal pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes.
How much oil is needed for browning the chicken?
You will need 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of oil.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of fillets?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts can be used, but ensure they are cooked to the safe internal temperature.
What seasonings are used for the chicken?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, because it is prepared and baked entirely in one cast iron skillet.
Why is a cast iron skillet specifically recommended?
The cast iron ensures even cooking and helps the moisture from the sauerkraut infuse into the chicken.
How many chicken fillets does this recipe require?
The recipe specifies 4 boneless chicken fillets.
Does the sauerkraut need to be rinsed?
The instructions only specify draining the sauerkraut, not rinsing.
How do I apply the Thousand Island dressing?
Pour the dressing over the sauerkraut, ensuring it is well distributed before adding the cheese.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Swiss cheese provides the classic Reuben flavor, you could experiment with other melting cheeses.
What should I do if I don't have a skillet lid?
If your skillet does not have a lid, you can cover it tightly with aluminum foil for baking.
How much parsley should I use?
The recipe suggests 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley.
Is the chicken cooked before it goes into the oven?
The chicken is only browned on the outside for 3-5 minutes per side; the full cooking happens during the 45-60 minute baking process.
What makes this a 'Reuben' style dish?
The combination of sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing mimics the flavor profile of the classic sandwich.
Can I prepare this dish without a cast iron skillet?
You can use a regular oven-safe skillet or baking dish, but the cooking time and heat distribution may vary.
Does the recipe require any added sugar?
No, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
Should the dish be served immediately?
Yes, for the best experience, sprinkle with parsley and serve hot once removed from the oven.