Hawaiian Haystacks

5 from 10 votes
22 Comments

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Hawaiian Haystacks were always a favorite dinner when we were growing up! We love how you can build your own dish just the way you like it!

Hawaiian Haystack on a plate topped with green onion, cheese, rice noodles, green peppers, almond slices, tomatoes, celery, black olives, coconut, pineapple and mandarin oranges.

Hawaiian Haystacks are about as Hawaiian as “Hawaiian” Pizza (you know, the ham and pineapple combo). To be honest, I never had a Hawaiian haystack in Hawaii, nor did I ever see it on a menu anywhere. The closest thing to a Hawaiian haystack in Hawaii is a scoop of white rice on a lunch plate. Probably accompanied by a slice or two of spam. And maybe some macaroni salad (if you are in search of “authentic” Hawaiian dishes, see links below). But just because these aren’t “authentic” Hawaiian, doesn’t mean they aren’t a great weeknight meal. My kids LOVE these, and for that, they are a win in my book!

Ingredients in Hawaiian Haystacks

Basically, a Hawaiian haystack recipe starts with rice, chicken, a creamy chicken gravy, and then topped with veggies, cheese, fruits, nuts, basically anything you want! Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

  • Chicken breasts – about three large chicken berasts, cooked and cutr into small chunks. You can also use canned chicken or rotisserie chicken.
  • Cream of chicken soup – one 10.5 ounce can. Cream of mushroom soup also makes a delicious Hawaiian haystacks sauce if you’re in a pinch. You can also make your own by using our homemade condensed cream of chicken soup recipe.
  • Chicken broth – Whisk in low sodium broth to control the salt in the recipe. It doesn’t change the flavor at all.
  • Sour cream – half a cup, or substitute with plain greek yogurt.
  • Salt and pepper – to taste
  • Add a dash or garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor in the gravy.
  • Steamed rice – three cups of any kind you like. Use either white or brown rice, even cauliflower rice and then top with any of the following toppings:
Ingredients to make Hawaiian Haystacks including chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, salt, pepper, green onion, soy sauce, cheese, rice noodles, green peppers, almond slices, tomatoes, celery, black olives, coconut, pineapple, mandarin oranges and rice.


Toppings for Hawaiian Haystacks

Now’s the time to get creative! Picky eaters (kids and adults alike) love putting on their own toppings to make it EXACTLY how they want. Even the pickiest of eaters can usually find one or two toppings they like. Me? I like ’em all. They make delicious leftovers too. If you have things to use up in the refrigerator, use this haystacks recipe to clean things out in a really delicious way! Try any of these toppings:

Plate of rice topped with chicken sauce next to all of the toppings for Hawaiian Haystacks.

How to Thicken Hawaiian Haystacks Sauce

If you find your gravy isn’t as thick as you like, you can thicken it up by creating a simple roux. Combine two tablespoons butter and a couple tablespoons of flour in a medium saucepan on the stove top. Whisk together about one minute, then add about half a cup of milk. Then combine with your cream of chicken soup and season with salt and pepper and enjoy! If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of milk and stir until it’s the consistency you like.

Chicken sauce in a pan for Hawaiian Haystacks. Assortment of topping ingredients behind.

Can Hawaiian Haystacks be vegetarian?

Yes! Just omit the chicken from the recipe and bulk up on veggies like mushrooms, avocado, bell peppers or broccoli. Use the roux mixture from above (flour and butter) and add vegetable broth instead of milk to create a yummy vegetarian sauce.

Hand picking up a portion of Hawaiian Haystack with a fork.

Hawaiian Haystacks for a Crowd

Hawaiian Haystacks are great for a little family weeknight dinner, but they are also great for a crowd. The key to cooking for a crowd is making sure everyone can be accommodated (to the best of your ability). All of the ingredients can easily be found or made in bulk, including the rice (especially the rice). Did you know you can make rice for 50 PEOPLE by BAKING it in one large pan? It’s true. Try our easy recipe for rice for a crowd. 🙂

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of Hawaiian Haystacks?

Definitely not from Hawaii! Actually the idea of Hawaiian haystacks originated back in the 1950s and is a general term for a potluck dish that layers several ingredients into a pile or a “haystack”. They’ve been served at church potlucks for years.

What is another name for Hawaiian Haystacks?

I’ve also heard this meal referred to as “Chicken Sundae” or “Snow on the Mountain”.

READ NEXT: 35+ Best Chicken Recipes

Looking for Authentic Hawaiian Recipes?

Want more rice recipes? Try some of our favorite ways to use rice as a main dish like our tasty Coconut Rice and this One Pot Chicken Teriyaki Bowl recipe which is always a crowd pleaser. As an easy side, try this Instant Pot Brown Rice.

How to Make Hawaiian Haystacks

Constructed Hawaiian Haystack topped with green onion, cheese, rice noodles, green peppers, almond slices, tomatoes, celery, black olives, coconut, pineapple and mandarin oranges.

Hawaiian Haystacks

5 from 10 votes
Hawaiian Haystacks were always a favorite dinner when we were growing up! We love how you can build your own dish just the way you like it!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Hawaiian
Servings 6

Video

Ingredients

Garnishes: Use any or all

  • chow mein noodles
  • diced fresh tomato
  • olives sliced
  • celery chopped
  • 3 green onions chopped
  • 1 green pepper chopped
  • 1 can pineapple tidbits drained
  • 1 can mandarin oranges drained
  • 1 cup grated cheese
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/2 cup coconut
  • soy sauce

Instructions

  • Heat soup and chicken broth to make a gravy. Add the chicken chunks and simmer 10 minutes.
    Pan of cream of chicken with chicken chunks and chicken broth for Hawaiian Haystacks.
  • Stir in sour cream.
    Stirring in sour cream to pan of Hawaiian Haystack chicken mixture.
  • To serve, put the rice on each individual serving plate. Top with the chicken gravy, then cheese, chow mein noodles, and any of the garnishes you like. Sprinkle soy sauce on top.
    Constructed Hawaiian Haystack topped with green onion, cheese, rice noodles, green peppers, almond slices, tomatoes, celery, black olives, coconut, pineapple and mandarin oranges.

Notes

To make Hawaiian Haystacks for a Crowd:
  • Use this recipe to make rice in a baking pan It’ll serve up to 50 people. 
  • Bake a pan of chicken all at once and dice into chunks or use cans of chicken.
  • All of the ingredients can easily be found or made in bulk, including the rice (especially the rice). 

Nutrition Information

Calories: 668kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 38gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 1655mgPotassium: 905mgFiber: 6gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 1160IUVitamin C: 37.6mgCalcium: 313mgIron: 2.5mg

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About the author

Erica Walker

Erica lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband, Jared, an attorney, and her three beautiful girls. Beyond the world of recipes, she loves adventuring with everything from kayaking, to cruising, to snowboarding and taking the family along for the thrill ride.

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Comments

  1. Can anyone help me estimate how much of each topping I would need to serve 50 people? I see you suggested 5 lbs of rice would serve 50. I’m trying to do the math for serving 350 to 400 women. Thanks.

    1. We have not served this recipe at that scale before, so I am not sure how much of the toppings you would need. That is a big crowd!

  2. 5 stars
    I haven’t made this yet, so the stars don’t mean anything. I’m confused. Your video shows to add 1 c. of milk to the soup, but your recipe says 1 c. chicken broth. Which is correct?

    1. You can do either! The point is just to add liquid to the condensed soup so that it makes a gravy.

  3. 5 stars
    I love Hawaiian Haystacks. This recipe is perfect for when you are trying something new. The way the rice and gravy, and the garnishes all compliment each other are completely amazing.

  4. 5 stars
    My aunt used to make this all the time for big family gatherings so there was always something for everyone to eat. Now that I have kids (picky eaters) I’m always trying to find something they’ll eat. Now that I found this again I’ll have to try it on them. (Fingers crossed.) I always loved mine with bean sprouts!

    1. You will have to come back and let me know how it goes! I know how it goes with picky eaters. It’s so hard trying to please everyone! Best of luck! Hopefully it will be a new hit with them!

    1. 5 stars
      This is one of my favorites! I also use raisins with this recipe. Thank you for sharing this recipe!

  5. Your photos always turn out so wonderful. They make every thing seem so tasty & yummy-looking. I haven't made this in a long time. I've never tried it with milk, so maybe now I will try.

  6. 5 stars
    Flashback! My mom made these for my sister's wedding reception back in 1989! I need to introduce these to my kids.

  7. My 12-year old daughter was just introduced to hawaiian haystacks a couple weeks ago at an event, and loved them. Seeing your recipe reminded me that I wanted to try them at home. Thanks!