A creamy chicken casserole with a base of rice and plenty of toppings to choose from such as black olives, crushed pineapple, cheddar cheese, green onions, chow mein noodles, and cherry tomatoes. A crowd and family pleasing meal!
I have a huge obsession with Hawaiian haystacks. You’ve all heard of them right? Some form of shredded meat on top of rice with a variety of different toppings to chose from? Otherwise known as: the best food ever.
My obsession for Hawaiian haystacks turned into creativity. In the form of trying to think of every possible way I could have more haystacks in my life. Haystacks in the form of a breakfast overnight oats kind of dish? Errr. Not so much. In the form of a snack or energy bite? Yeah, let’s not go there. A deliciously simple casserole? Ding ding! Winnnnner!
I adapted a traditional Hawaiian haystack dish into a cook-in-your oven, all-in-one-place kind of dish. And it’s pretty great if I do say so myself.
Start off by making up some rice. You can do brown or white, but traditionally haystacks are made with white. I used white rice for this dish.
The chicken gets mixed in with a cream base and placed on top of the rice. Shred some cheese on top and cover the casserole with foil. In to the oven it goes and cooks for about 25 minutes and then 5 minutes without the foil. And then it’s time for the FUN part! Also known as the toppings. And you can totally get crazy here. Like, seriously, anything goes! Well, I guess within the context of food…and wouldn’t taste too strange with creamy chicken and rice.
Okay so not anything, but lots of options here! Just pick your favorites.
The hubs loves olives, so he got his fair share (None on my piece of the casserole thankyouverymuch). Other toppings on this casserole included: drained crushed pineapple, crispy chow mein noodles (my personal fave), chopped green onions, sliced cherry tomatoes, and an extra helping of cheddar cheese.
You can place these toppings on the casserole as soon as it comes out of the oven. Orrrr if you have some picky eaters, you can place the different toppings in separate bowls around the table for people to pick and choose what they want on their casserole piece. Told ya it was totally kid friendly? Oh…or I guess I didn’t. But now you know!
Now…if I can only think of more ways to get extra haystacks in my life…
- 1 cup white or brown rice + water
- 2 cups prepared rotisserie chicken shredded/chopped
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic salt
- 1/4 cup sour cream, (I use fat free)
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- Toppings of choice such as: black olives, cherry tomatoes, crispy chow mein noodles, drained crushed pineapple, green onions
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Cook the rice according to package instructions.
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If baking the casserole right away, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
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In a small sauce pan over low 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. Gradually (while whisking constantly) add in the chicken stock or broth and then the milk (add gradually). Add in the pepper, salt, and garlic salt.
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Stir over low heat until thickened.
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Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and shredded chicken.
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Cover the bottom of an 8 x 8 pan with rice. Place the chicken mixture on top and cover with tin foil. If not cooking right now, place in the fridge.
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If cooking now, place in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, cover with the cheese and return to the oven for another 5 minutes.
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Remove and place toppings of choice on casserole.
More delicious chicken meals:
Crockpot Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup
Taylor @ FoodFaithFitness says
Ummm…I have never had a hawaiian haystack?! I feel like I have been missing out on LIFE! Casseroles are my go to recipes, ’cause those babies be quick and easy, so I am loving a new twist! 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?
Kelly says
I love how colorful and fun this casserole 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 🙂
Kelly @ The Pretty Bee: Cooking + Creating says
Yum! This looks delicious! And I have been to Hawaii, but never heard of a Hawaiian haystack! But it looks yummy!
Hawaiian Girl says
You haven’t heard of it because there is nothing Hawaiian about it. We don’t even have hay.
Rachael says
I think my kids would love this. They enjoy Hawaiian haystacks, but I always forget about them and don’t make them nearly enough.
Ashley says
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!
Christine @ Cooking with Cakes says
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!!
Erin | The Law Student's Wife says
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!
Ginnie says
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:)
chelseamessyapron says
That sounds awesome! You’ll have to let me know how it works out and what you do to make it vegetarian!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
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!
Anna (Hidden Ponies) says
Nope, I have never heard of a Hawaiian haystack! Thank you for enlightening me – endless possibilities now!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
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’!
Jessica @ Jessiker Bakes says
This is such an adorable idea!!!!! I LOVE the crunchy topping!! I’ve never had an hawaiian haystack but now I want to!!
Katie Clark says
What a great idea! Forrest loves Hawaiian Haystacks…and this likes an easier way to make it 🙂
chelseamessyapron says
We love Hawaiian Haystacks too! And casserole way is much quicker!
Sharon says
Do you need to use whole milk in this recipe? What would 1% do?
chelseamessyapron says
1% will work it will just be less creamy 🙂