This Hawaiian Haystacks Recipe is a fun, build-your-own dinner with creamy chicken over rice and a mix of sweet, crunchy, and savory toppings piled high.
Author’s Notes
The Most Fun Dinner EVER!
If you’ve never had Hawaiian Haystacks before, it’s basically a build-your-own bowl with creamy chicken over rice and all the fun toppings. Sweet, crunchy, savory…a little bit of everything. It’s kind of like a salad bar, but way better. Fresh veggies, herbs, pineapple, mandarin oranges, and whatever sounds good on top!
This Hawaiian Haystacks recipe is one of my family’s all-time favorites and something my mom made on repeat growing up. With 7 kids, that says a lot. It’s one of those dinners everyone gets excited about because you get to build your own perfect bowl. Mine is always extra loaded with crispy chow mein noodles. I don’t hold back, haha!
Ingredients in This Hawaiian Haystacks Recipe
| Ingredient | Let’s Chat About It |
|---|---|
| Rice | White rice is classic, but brown rice or even quinoa works great! |
| Butter & flour | This is the base of the gravy. Cook it for a minute so it doesn’t taste floury. |
| Milk & chicken broth | Take them out of the fridge and let them come to room temp for a smoother sauce. |
| Seasonings & bouillon | Bouillon adds a big flavor boost to this Hawaiian Haystacks recipe. Adjust the salt at the end since it can vary. |
| Chicken, cheese & toppings | Rotisserie chicken keeps it super quick and easy. Freshly shred cheese for the smoothest melt. |
Toppings
The best part of this Hawaiian Haystacks recipe is the toppings. I pick a few favorites, set them out in bowls, and let everyone pile on what they love.
- Fresh & crisp: cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, green onions, shredded lettuce
- Sweet: pineapple (crushed or diced), mandarin oranges, dried cranberries
- Crunchy: crispy chow mein noodles, sliced almonds, crushed tortilla chips
- Savory extras: black olives, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon
- Herbs: fresh cilantro or parsley
Chelsea’s Notes
Great for Busy Nights & Big Groups
This Hawaiian Haystacks recipe is great for busy nights or feeding a crowd. Just double or triple the rice and chicken gravy and set out lots of toppings.
For groups, keep toppings in separate bowls, rice warm, and gravy in a slow cooker on warm. Store leftover chicken and gravy in the fridge for up to 5 days.
How To Make This Hawaiian Haystacks Recipe
- Cook rice: Prepare according to package directions.
- Make base: Melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute.
- Build sauce: Stir in seasonings, then slowly whisk in liquids until smooth.
- Add chicken: Simmer until thick, stir in sour cream & cheese, add chicken.
- Assemble: Spoon over rice and load up with toppings.
More Easy Dinner Recipes:
Hawaiian Haystacks Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked rice white or brown
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup extra sharp Cheddar cheese freshly shredded
- 4 cups cooked chicken prepared rotisserie, shredded/chopped, see note 1
- Toppings as desired see note 2
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package directions.
- Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth and combined. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Stir in Italian seasoning, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and bouillon powder.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken stock, then milk, stirring constantly until smooth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and Cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup at a time, until melted and smooth. Stir in the shredded chicken (see note 1), then taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt if needed (see note 3).
- Prep toppings and place in bowls.
- Add rice to plates, spoon chicken gravy over the top, and finish with toppings. Serve right away.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
