Classic Chicken Haystacks aka Hawaiian Haystacks
This is an old recipe from the 1950s. I’m unsure where it started, but it’s popular in Utah. This version is more straightforward than my other Hawaiian Haystacks recipe I posted a year ago. Most of the ingredients you probably have in your pantry. Your family will love it because they choose what to top their haystack with; plus, we are teaching our kids and grandkids to cook from scratch and eat together as a family.
This easy recipe combines rice, crunchy noodles, cheese, chicken, sweet coconut, and shredded cheese, topped with sliced almonds. Everyone loves it.
Classic Chicken Haystacks, aka Hawaiian Haystacks
Step One: Gather your ingredients
Step Two: Make the gravy with the chicken and soup
Step Three: Stir together and add the celery
Step Four: Stir until cooked through
Step Five: Arrange the toppings
Step Six: Start with the base of rice
Step Seven: Top it with the gravy mixture
Finished Product: Add your favorite toppings
Classic Chicken Haystacks Recipe
- 3 cups Cooked and shredded chicken
- 2 Cans cream of chicken soup or the equivalent of leftover gravy.
- 1 Can of milk (use the chicken soup can to measure)
- 1 Large package of crispy Chinese noodles
- 1 cup Sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup Chopped celery or rehydrated freeze dried celery
- 1 cup Pineapple chunks
- 1 cup Shredded cheese
- 1 cup Sliced almonds
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Gather your ingredients.
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Grab a saucepan and add two cans of cream of chicken soup with one can of milk to make a gravy mixture.
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Add the cooked chicken to the cream of chicken gravy and heat through.
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Cook the rice. Make a base for the Hawaiian Haystacks using cooked rice.
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Top with the Chinese crispy noodles.
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Place the different ingredients in bowls for people to spoon onto their personal haystack.
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Now, add a scoop of the chicken gravy mixture. Continue adding any or all of the ingredients listed. Enjoy.
How do I store the leftovers?
I recommend storing the leftovers in individual containers to keep them tasting fresh and crisp.
Can I stack the chicken haystacks in a different order?
You are welcome to stack the chicken haystacks in a different order. I recommend stacking them as suggested to allow the rice to absorb the flavor of the gravy mixture and then add the items from there.
Can I use a protein other than chicken?
I have always used chicken when making these Hawaiian haystacks because chicken adds a very mild flavor compared to other proteins. Shredded turkey, beef, pork, or steamed or fried tofu would also taste good.
Would a haystack taste good if it was pre-made and then refrigerated?
I highly recommend making the haystacks just before serving. Crispy Chinese noodles may get soggy if they are pre-made. The crispness of the noodles brings a lot to this dish.
Could I use a base other than rice?
I have always used white rice, but I think these Hawaiian haystacks would taste delicious using brown rice or quinoa as a base to add variety.
Could I use a different type of noodles instead of crispy Chinese noodles?
Using a different type of noodle may taste delicious! I recommend the crispy Chinese noodles due to their added crunch. However, rice noodles might be a fun and interesting variety to use when making these Hawaiian haystacks.
Would the recipe still taste good using an alternate type of milk?
I have always used regular milk due to the mild flavor. Using coconut, almond, or rice milk may give it a slightly different flavor, but it would still taste delicious! Be adventurous and give the other milk choices a try.
Can I use a soup other than Cream of Chicken?
I generally only use cream of chicken soup to make the Hawaiian haystacks. However, if your family likes the taste of cream of mushroom soup, using it would add a welcome variety.
Where did Chicken Haystacks originate?
Evidently, they didn’t originate in Hawaii. The recipe started as a potluck dish at a neighborhood or church party in the 1950s. You’re probably not from Utah if you have never heard of them. It’s a popular dish almost every family makes.
Why is it called Haystacks?
I understand that the Haystacks are a dish that starts with a base of rice, lentils, or quinoa. Then add a protein, some gravy, and any leftovers in your refrigerator that would add texture and flavor to the base. Of course, pineapple chunks are a must in Utah.
What can I serve with these Hawaiian Haystacks?
In case you missed this post:
How To Cook White Rice
The type of rice you’re using has much to do with ensuring it comes out perfectly. When you’re at the grocery store and looking at different bags of rice, you might notice that some of the bags say “medium-grain” and others say “extra long grain.” If you’re using medium-grain rice, use equal water and rice in the pot.
So, if you plan to cook two cups of rice, add two cups to your pot. If you’re using extra long-grain rice, you’d need to use two cups of water for each cup of rice. Keep this in mind when you’re selecting the size of the rice you’re going to prepare.
The brand of the rice isn’t too important. While some people may argue that they like one brand better than the other, it’s not that big of a deal. You can use what is available and what you feel comfortable using.
What is a Danish Whisk?
A Danish Whisk is a tool for mixing dry and wet ingredients easily. I use it to make my sourdough starters, pancake batter, salad dressings, muffins, and even small batches of bread dough. It has a sturdy handle with a twirly metal head for mixing things together when you want to make a smooth batter. Danish Whisk
How to Shred the Cooked Chicken
If you have a KitchenAid stand mixer (I have the 6-quart model), place a few pieces of cooked chicken in the bowl and use the wire whip to shred the meat. Please be careful not to put too much meat in the bowl, or you may overheat the unit.
Final Word
I hope you try this popular Utah Chicken Haystacks, aka Hawaiian Haystacks. You could substitute leftover turkey as well. May God Bless this world, Linda
