Hawaiian Haystacks
A fun, customizable meal where fluffy rice is topped with a creamy chicken gravy and a mountain of your favorite toppings. Perfect for family dinners and potlucks, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and ready in under 40 minutes.
For 6 servings
3 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Rice
- b.Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents clumping.
- c.In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, 4 cups of water, and 1 tsp of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- d.Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
- e.Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork just before serving.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Creamy Chicken Gravy
- b.While the rice is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- e.Pour in the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, and chicken broth. Whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- f.Add the shredded cooked chicken, the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt, and the black pepper. Stir to combine everything well.
- g.Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the gravy to thicken slightly. Keep it warm until ready to serve.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Set Up Toppings and Assemble
- b.While the gravy simmers, prepare your toppings. Place the shredded cheese, drained pineapple, chow mein noodles, and sliced green onions into separate small bowls to create a toppings bar.
- c.To assemble, place a generous scoop of fluffy rice in the bottom of each serving bowl.
- d.Ladle a hearty portion of the creamy chicken gravy over the rice.
- e.Let everyone customize their own haystack by piling on their favorite toppings. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a shortcut, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the meat and add it to the gravy.
- 2Set up a 'toppings bar' so everyone can customize their own bowl. This makes it a fun, interactive meal for kids and picky eaters.
- 3The gravy can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if it has thickened too much.
- 4To add more flavor to the rice, cook it in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
- 5Ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before shredding.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the chicken and use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. Add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans to the gravy for protein.
SpicySpicy
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the gravy for a spicy kick.
HealthierHealthier
Use brown rice instead of white, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the milk, and use low-fat cream of chicken soup. Load up on vegetable toppings like diced bell peppers, tomatoes, and steamed broccoli.
Additional ToppingsAdditional Toppings
Expand your toppings bar with options like sliced black olives, shredded coconut, slivered almonds, diced tomatoes, or mandarin orange segments.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The generous amount of chicken in this dish provides high-quality protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining a healthy immune system.
Customizable Nutrition
The build-your-own nature of this meal allows for nutritional personalization. Adding toppings like pineapple provides vitamin C and manganese, while green onions offer vitamin K and antioxidants.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of Hawaiian Haystacks, including the rice, gravy, and standard toppings, contains approximately 750-850 calories. The final count can vary significantly based on the amount and type of toppings you add.