Home > Dinner > Hawaiian Haystacks Hawaiian Haystacks January 29, 2019 | 22 Comments SAVE TO RECIPE BOX Jump to Recipe This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy. Hawaiian Haystacks start with a bed of rice that’s been topped with creamy chicken and gravy. The chicken is loaded with fun salad bar toppings like pineapple, chow mein noodles, olives, tomatoes, and cilantro. What are Hawaiian Haystacks? Hawaiian Haystacks contain shredded chicken that has been coated in a creamy gravy and served on top of rice. The rice is loaded with salad bar toppings (pretty much anything you’d find in a salad bar buffet — fresh-cut veggies, herbs, mandarin oranges, pineapple, etc.). Typically the toppings are served potluck style and everyone chooses whatever they’d like to pile on top of the creamy chicken. Hawaiian Haystacks are wildly popular where I live and they show up at potlucks, neighborhood parties, and church events. They’re simple to make, incredibly tasty, and totally fun; who doesn’t like adding ridiculous amounts of toppings to a dinner?! How to make Hawaiian Haystacks Make a roux. Melt butter and whisk in flour. Whisk until smooth and the raw flour taste has cooked off, about 1-2 minutes. Add seasonings. Add seasonings — garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, chicken bouillon, salt and pepper. Stir until smooth. Alternate adding milk and chicken broth. Stir slowly and gradually add in both liquids until sauce is smooth and thickened. Add freshly grated cheese and sour cream. Whisk until smooth. Stir in the prepared rotisserie chicken. Stir to coat and the chicken gravy is ready! While preparing the chicken gravy, prepare the rice and set out Hawaiian Haystack toppings. (More on toppings below). Toppings The best part of Hawaiian Haystacks is the toppings. I like to pick up to six of the ones listed below and add them to individual bowls. Everyone can then pick what they like best and pile it on top of the rice and chicken gravy. The two toppings I’d say are must-haves with Hawaiian Haystacks are pineapple and crispy chow mein noodles. In fact, we typically layer rice, chicken, and crushed or diced pineapple right on top before adding other toppings. Additional grated cheese Chopped sweet bell peppers Chopped green bell peppers Dried chow mein noodles Slivered almonds Drained mandarin oranges Crushed pineapple or freshly chopped pineapple Thinly sliced green onions Golden raisins Shredded coconut Chopped spinach Sliced olives Grape tomatoes Chopped broccoli Sliced celery Sliced or diced avocado Fresh cilantro Diced ham Diced bacon Crushed cashews Bean sprouts I’d love to know how you top your Hawaiian Haystacks. Leave a comment below in the comment section. Make these Hawaiian Haystacks for a crowd We love these Hawaiian Haystacks for an easy weeknight dinner, but they also make a great meal to feed a large group of people. Fix double or triple of both the chicken gravy and the rice, and then fill larger bowls with the toppings. Serve toppings in individual bowls, keep rice in warmers, and transfer the chicken gravy to slow cooker(s)set on warm when serving these Hawaiian haystacks to a crowd. Refrigerate any leftover chicken gravy in airtight containers for up to 5 days. QUICK TIP Pot luck dinners are a fun time to serve foods like this–with lots of options for customizing. This way, everyone can have exactly what they love! With so many people having food preferences and food sensitivities, being able to pick and choose toppings is a smart plan! More easy dinner recipes Turkey Tacos 20-minute ground turkey tacos Easy, skillet Chicken Ramen Pesto Chicken Salad served on croissants or in lettuce wraps Chicken Vegetable Soup with roasted vegetables Chicken Gnocchi Soup Olive Garden copycat FOLLOW ALONG! Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for the latest updates, recipes and content. Hawaiian Haystacks 5 from 2 votes - Review this recipe These Hawaiian Haystacks start with a bed of rice that's been topped with creamy chicken gravy. The chicken is loaded with fun salad bar toppings like pineapple, crispy chow mein noodles, olives, tomatoes, and cilantro. SAVE TO RECIPE BOX Print Recipe Hawaiian Haystacks 5 from 2 votes - Review this recipe SAVE TO RECIPE BOX Print Recipe These Hawaiian Haystacks start with a bed of rice that's been topped with creamy chicken gravy. The chicken is loaded with fun salad bar toppings like pineapple, crispy chow mein noodles, olives, tomatoes, and cilantro. Course Dinner, Main Course Cuisine American Keyword hawaiian haystacks Prep Time 20 minutes Cook Time 15 minutes Total Time 35 minutes Servings 4 servings Calories 919kcal Cost $8.86 Ingredients1 cup white or brown rice 4 tablespoons unsalted butter1/4 cup white, all-purpose flour1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning1/2 - 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt1/4 teaspoon EACH: freshly cracked pepper, garlic powder, onion powder2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder1 cup whole milk1 cup chicken broth or stock1/4 cup sour cream1 cup extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, freshly grated4 cups prepared rotisserie chicken shredded/chopped (Note 1)Toppings of choice such as black olives, cherry tomatoes, crispy chow mein noodles, drained crushed pineapple, green onions (see blog post for more ideas) InstructionsRICE: Cook the rice with water, according to package instructions. ROUX: Meanwhile, in a skillet, over medium heat, melt the butter. Slowly whisk in the flour until completely combined with no chunks (a thick dough will form). Stir over medium heat for 1 minute. Add in the 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt (See Note 2), 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and 2 teaspoons bouillon powder.FINISH GRAVY: Gradually (while whisking constantly) add in the chicken stock or broth and then the milk. Reduce the heat, stir over low heat until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the 1/4 cup sour cream, 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese, and 4 cups shredded chicken (See Note 1).TOPPINGS: Pick as many toppings as you'd like (we think canned crushed pineapple or freshly diced pineapple and chow mein noodles are must-haves!) and separate toppings into bowls. SERVE: Add rice to plates, and top with chicken gravy. Let everyone pick their toppings and add them right on top. Enjoy immediately. Recipe NotesNote 1: Chicken: If you'd like a more saucy chicken (bigger emphasis on the gravy), only add 3 to 3 and 1/2 cups rotisserie chicken. Note 2: Salt: Add salt to personal preference; the amount of salt will depend on the stock used and the bouillon used. Add slowly; you can always add more. Nutrition FactsCalories: 919kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 79g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 301mg | Sodium: 2219mg | Potassium: 251mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 833IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 322mg | Iron: 1mg We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed. DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? 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Ummm…I have never had a hawaiian haystack?! I feel like I have been missing out on LIFE! Plus, I love that I can get a little crazy with my toppings! Don’t worry, I won’t go too crazy. Although, chocolate makes everything better….right? Reply
I love how colorful and fun this looks! I’ve never had a Hawaiian Haystack but it sounds awesome and I know I would love it 🙂 Best part is I could totally get a little crazy with my toppings – pineapples, tomatoes and the crispy chow mein noodles for me too and maybe a little bit of toasted cashews too 🙂 Reply
Yum! This looks delicious! And I have been to Hawaii, but never heard of a Hawaiian haystack! But it looks yummy! Reply
I think my kids would love this. They enjoy Hawaiian haystacks, but I always forget about them and don’t make them nearly enough. Reply
Sooo I definitely didn’t know what a Hawaiian haystack was! haha I feel like I’ve been missing out on greatness! I love when something has a bunch of toppings – so good! I have a feeling I’d love these. But no olives for me either … I’ve tried to like them but just can’t do it! Reply
I feel so left out, I’ve never heard of a hawaiian haystack before!!! luckily you’ve brought them into my life and wow, am I liking the way they look!! Reply
So, where has this been all my life?! I can’t believe I’ve never heard of Hawaiian haystacks before. It’s a choose your own adventure meal! Reply
I’ve never heard of Haystacks before, and obviously, I was missing out! This looks so good. I’m going to try making a vegetarian version:) Reply
That sounds awesome! You’ll have to let me know how it works out and what you do to make it vegetarian! Reply
I’ve never heard of Hawaii haystacks before today but I am pretty sure that I need these in my life. I love how you can mix up the ingredients and add your favorite toppings. And your pictures are also so fresh and colorful, Chelsea! Reply
Nope, I have never heard of a Hawaiian haystack! Thank you for enlightening me – endless possibilities now! Reply
Add me to the list – I’ve never heard of Haiwaiian haystacks. So glad I just did though because they look delicious! I’m with ya on the olives (nooo thank you), but everything else is a ‘yes please’! Reply
This is such an adorable idea!!!!! I LOVE the crunchy topping!! I’ve never had an hawaiian haystack but now I want to!! Reply
We add mushrooms to the gravy and then have cut fresh ones as a topping as well. We also use asparagus, zucchini and cucumber. Reply
Cashews, grated cheese, sliced radishes, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, baby corn, diced ham, pickled beets chopped, Mandarin oranges, golden raisins, chopped califlower, chopped broccoli, chopped celery, coconut, slivered almonds, cashews, sliced carrots, chopped tomatoes, chopped sweet bell peppers, frozen peas, chopped green onion, bacon bits, chopped hard boiled eggs, sliced olives, Chinese noodles, pineapple tidbits, bamboo shoots, Palm hearts Reply
