Description
Hawaiian Haystacks – Easy Family Favorite is a quick, customizable, and delicious layered dish featuring a base of rice topped with creamy chicken and a variety of flavorful toppings including pineapple, green onions, almonds, chow mein noodles, and cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this meal offers a balanced combination of protein, carbs, and fresh vegetables that your whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 3 cups instant white rice (or jasmine/basmati rice)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
Toppings
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1 cup cooked chow mein noodles
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
Optional Toppings
- Diced tomatoes
- Black olives
- Peas
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the rice according to the package instructions. Instant white rice is preferred for quick preparation, but jasmine or basmati rice can be used for added flavor.
- Prepare the Chicken and Sauce: In a skillet, combine the cooked shredded chicken with cream of chicken soup and a splash of water or chicken broth. Heat until the mixture is warm and well combined to create a creamy chicken base.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place a generous scoop of cooked rice on each plate or bowl. Spoon the creamy chicken mixture evenly over the rice as the foundation layer.
- Add Toppings: Top with pineapple chunks, chopped green onions, sliced almonds, cooked chow mein noodles, shredded cheese, and any optional toppings you prefer, creating a colorful and flavorful haystack.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm. Encourage everyone to customize their own haystacks according to personal taste preferences.
Notes
- Use warm rice and chicken mixture to help the cheese melt and blend flavors perfectly.
- Prep toppings such as green onions and sliced almonds ahead of time to save time during serving.
- Adjust the amount of cream of chicken soup to control the creaminess and consistency of the haystack.
- Add crunchy toppings last to keep them from becoming soggy.
- This recipe scales well—double or triple the ingredients for larger families or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Hawaiian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Hawaiian Haystacks, quick dinner, family meal, layered dish, chicken recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal