These irresistible Chicken Reuben Sliders are the perfect fusion of tender, shredded chicken, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Thousand Island dressing, crispy bacon, and melted mozzarella cheese, all served on soft slider buns. A delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, these sliders are easy to make, bake in one dish, and are perfect for parties, game day, or a fun weeknight meal. Packed with flavor and texture, these sliders are a crowd-pleasing comfort food option that everyone will love. Learn how to make these simple, delicious sliders with step-by-step instructions and tips!
Ingredients
For the chicken Reuben filling:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 teaspoons 14-spice seasoning blend
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
For the sandwiches:
- Ciabatta bread or slider buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chicken Reuben filling (from above)
- 1 cup sauerkraut with caraway seeds
- ¼ cup Thousand Island dressing (plus extra for serving)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Garlic pickle chips
- 6 slices mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
For the chicken Reuben filling:
- In a 3-4 quart saucepan, combine the chicken thighs, sea salt, pepper, 14-spice seasoning, olive oil, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the saucepan, and cook the chicken until it is tender, about 1 hour.
- Remove the chicken from the broth and place it in a medium-sized bowl. Shred the chicken with a fork and set it aside.
To assemble the sandwiches:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Start layering your ingredients in the prepared baking dish: Place the bottom slice of bread, followed by a spread of Thousand Island dressing, shredded mozzarella, the shredded chicken, sauerkraut, more dressing, slices of mozzarella cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic pickle chips, another drizzle of dressing, and finally, top with the second slice of bread.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and stir in the Italian seasoning. Brush the seasoned butter on top of the top layer of bread.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 12 minutes.
- After 12 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Chicken Reuben Sliders are a delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, perfect for game day, parties, or a satisfying dinner. The tender, flavorful chicken pairs wonderfully with the tangy sauerkraut, creamy Thousand Island dressing, and melty mozzarella cheese. The crispy bacon and pickle chips add a delightful crunch, making every bite a perfect combination of savory, tangy, and creamy. Plus, the sliders are easy to assemble and bake in one dish, making them a crowd-pleasing and stress-free meal.
Tips
- Shredding the chicken: After cooking, allow the chicken to cool slightly before shredding to make it easier to handle.
- Sauerkraut: Drain and squeeze out excess liquid from the sauerkraut before using it in the sandwiches to avoid sogginess.
- Baking tips: If you prefer extra crispy bread, remove the foil in the last few minutes of baking to allow the top layer to crisp up.
- Meal prep: The chicken filling can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it easier to assemble the sandwiches later.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use turkey: Swap the chicken for turkey thighs or ground turkey for a leaner alternative.
- Cheese options: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss or cheddar if you prefer a variation in flavor.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread or buns to make these sliders gluten-free.
- Sauerkraut alternatives: If you’re not a fan of sauerkraut, try substituting it with coleslaw or sautéed spinach for a different twist.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover the dish with plastic wrap and bake them when ready.
Can I freeze these sliders?
These sliders freeze well. Assemble the sandwiches, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use a different dressing?
If you prefer, you can substitute Thousand Island dressing with Russian dressing or even a simple mustard-mayo combo for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Chicken Reuben Sliders with a side of crispy potato chips or a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the sliders. They also pair beautifully with a cold beer or a tangy pickle on the side. These sliders are perfect for casual get-togethers, picnics, or as an easy weeknight dinner option that everyone will love!
Chicken Reuben Sliders
4
servings15
minutes30
minutesIngredients
For the chicken Reuben filling:
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon sea salt
¾ teaspoon black pepper
3 teaspoons 14-spice seasoning blend
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups chicken broth
For the sandwiches:
Ciabatta bread or slider buns
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Chicken Reuben filling (from above)
1 cup sauerkraut with caraway seeds
¼ cup Thousand Island dressing (plus extra for serving)
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Garlic pickle chips
6 slices mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons butter
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Directions
- For the chicken Reuben filling:
- In a 3-4 quart saucepan, combine the chicken thighs, sea salt, pepper, 14-spice seasoning, olive oil, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the saucepan, and cook the chicken until it is tender, about 1 hour.
- Remove the chicken from the broth and place it in a medium-sized bowl. Shred the chicken with a fork and set it aside.
- To assemble the sandwiches:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Start layering your ingredients in the prepared baking dish: Place the bottom slice of bread, followed by a spread of Thousand Island dressing, shredded mozzarella, the shredded chicken, sauerkraut, more dressing, slices of mozzarella cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic pickle chips, another drizzle of dressing, and finally, top with the second slice of bread.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and stir in the Italian seasoning. Brush the seasoned butter on top of the top layer of bread.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 12 minutes.
- After 12 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted.
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