This Hawaiian Haystacks Recipe is a fun, build-your-own dinner featuring creamy chicken over rice with a variety of sweet, crunchy and savory toppings piled high.
Author’s Notes
The Most Fun Dinner EVER!
If you’ve never tried Hawaiian haystacks, think of them as a DIY bowl: creamy chicken gravy over rice with lots of topping options. The contrast of sweet pineapple and mandarin oranges with crunchy noodles or chips and savory additions like olives or bacon makes each bite interesting. It’s easy to customize for every palate.
This version has been a family favorite for years — a go-to for busy nights and big families. Using rotisserie chicken speeds things up, and I always load mine with extra crispy chow mein noodles. Serve the components buffet-style and let everyone build their perfect bowl.
Ingredients in This Hawaiian Haystacks Recipe
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| Rice | White rice is classic, but brown rice or quinoa work well too. |
| Butter & flour | The roux is the base of the gravy. Cook briefly to avoid a raw flour taste. |
| Milk & chicken broth | Combine gradually for a smooth sauce; room temperature liquids reduce lumps. |
| Seasonings & bouillon | Bouillon adds depth — adjust salt at the end since it varies by brand. |
| Chicken, cheese & toppings | Rotisserie chicken keeps this quick. Freshly shredded cheese melts best. |
Toppings
The best part of Hawaiian haystacks is the toppings. Pick a selection, set them in bowls, and let everyone customize their bowl.
- Fresh & crisp: cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, green onions, shredded lettuce
- Sweet: pineapple (diced or crushed), 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 recipe works well when you need a quick weeknight meal or are feeding a crowd. Double or triple the rice and chicken gravy, keep rice warm, and set toppings out so everyone can serve themselves.
For gatherings, keep the gravy in a slow cooker on warm and store leftover chicken and sauce in the fridge for up to 5 days.
How To Make This Hawaiian Haystacks Recipe
- Cook rice: Prepare rice according to package directions.
- Make the base: Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat, whisk in flour and cook 1 minute while stirring.
- Build the sauce: Stir in Italian seasoning, pepper, garlic and onion powders, and bouillon. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk until smooth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened.
- Finish the gravy: Remove from heat; stir in sour cream and shredded cheddar a little at a time until smooth. Stir in shredded chicken and taste, adjusting salt as needed.
- Assemble: Plate rice, spoon creamy chicken gravy over the top, and top with your favorite toppings. Serve immediately.
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Hawaiian Haystacks Recipe
Equipment
-
Large pan
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 rotisserie, shredded or chopped
- Toppings as desired see topping suggestions above
Instructions
-
Cook the rice according to package directions.
-
Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Stir in Italian seasoning, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and bouillon.
-
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then the milk, stirring until smooth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and Cheddar cheese a little at a time until melted and smooth. Stir in shredded chicken and adjust seasoning if needed.
-
Prep toppings and place them in bowls for assembly.
-
Serve: add rice to plates, spoon chicken gravy over the top, and finish with desired toppings. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Note 2: Topping ideas include cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, green onions, shredded lettuce, pineapple, mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, crispy chow mein noodles, sliced almonds, crushed tortilla chips, black olives, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, cilantro and parsley.
Note 3: Salt to taste — the amount will vary depending on your broth and bouillon, so add slowly.
Storage: Store components separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat rice and gravy, then add fresh toppings before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.