Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful twist on comfort food that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Quick Easy Hawaiian Haystacks are a vibrant and delicious dish that brings the flavors of the tropics right to your dinner table. With a creamy chicken base, sweet pineapple, and a satisfying crunch from chow mein noodles, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Are you ready to dive into this tropical culinary adventure? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded chicken
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup chopped green onions
- 1 can chow mein noodles
Instructions
- Prepare the rice according to package instructions. For best results, use a rice cooker or cook 2 cups of rice in a pot with 4 cups of water, bringing to a boil and then reducing heat to simmer for about 15-18 minutes until fluffy.
- While the rice is cooking, shred the cooked chicken using two forks or chop into bite-sized pieces. If using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, this step will be quick and easy.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the cream of chicken soup over medium heat. Stir continuously to prevent burning and ensure smooth consistency.
- Drain the pineapple chunks and prepare the additional toppings: shred the cheese, chop the green onions, and have the chow mein noodles ready.
- Once the soup is heated through, add the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine, creating a creamy chicken sauce.
- Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide it evenly among four serving plates, creating a base for the haystacks.
- Pour the warm chicken and soup mixture over the rice, ensuring even coverage.
- Top each plate with pineapple chunks, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and a generous handful of chow mein noodles.
- Serve immediately while the dish is warm, allowing each person to customize their haystack with additional toppings as desired.
Tips
- Rice Perfection: For perfectly fluffy rice, consider using a rice cooker. It takes the guesswork out of cooking rice and ensures consistent results every time.
- Quick Chicken Prep: If you’re short on time, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can save you precious minutes. Just shred it and mix it into the creamy sauce for a hassle-free meal.
- Customize Your Toppings: Encourage your guests to get creative with their haystacks! Set up a toppings bar with additional options like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or even avocado for a unique twist.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and soup mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you're ready to serve, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the haystacks with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad to balance the richness of the dish and add a refreshing element to your meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 60mg
