Hawaiian Haystack Dinner

Hawaiian Haystacks is a versatile and crowd-pleasing recipe ideal for family meals and large gatherings. It’s easy to customize this dish with tender shredded chicken, creamy coconut sauce, and a variety of toppings for everyone to enjoy to their liking. Come learn how to make it, see a variety of variations and a list of my favorite toppings!

Hawaiian Coconut Haystack Recipe

Welcome to the world of Hawaiian Haystacks, a recipe I have cherished growing up in Utah. Surprisingly, many of my friends from other places have never heard of this diverse recipe! Hawaiian Haystacks is a wonderfully versatile dish, ideal for both family dinners and large gatherings.

It features tender shredded chicken in a creamy coconut sauce, on top of a bed of jasmine rice. What sets this dish apart is not just its mouthwatering flavors, but its incredible customizability.

Everyone can create their own masterpiece with a wide array of toppings, ranging from sweet tropical fruits to crispy noodles. This ability to personalize each plate has cemented Hawaiian Haystacks as a regular feature at our family table and a surefire winner for large groups.

You will love this Hawaiian Haystacks Dinner

• Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for both casual family dinners and larger gatherings.
• Customizable to Individual Tastes: With a variety of toppings, everyone can create their own unique flavor combinations.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, catering to different palates.
• Easy to Scale Up: Ideal for feeding a crowd without extra hassle.
• Nutritionally Balanced: Includes protein, vegetables, and grains for a well-rounded dish.
• Fun to Assemble: Interactive and enjoyable for guests to build their own plates.
• Great for Leftovers: The individual components reheat well for enjoyable meals the next day.

Hawaiian Haystacks Ingredients

Here is what you need to make Hawaiian Haystacks using chicken as your protein. Below I share some other protein options that you can substitute out if you prefer.

• Chicken Breast: Cooked and shredded to blend well with the sauce.
• Butter: Used for cooking and adding a rich flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor.
• All-purpose Flour: Acts as a thickening agent for the sauce.
• Coconut Milk: Adds a creamy, tropical flavor and is the main liquid base for the sauce.
• Half and Half: Enhances the creaminess of the sauce, making it richer.
• Salt

Hawaiian Haystack Recipe variations

If you’re looking for a traditional version of Hawaiian Haystacks, check out my friends Easy Hawaiian Haystacks recipe. It used a Cream of Chicken based gravy for the sauce vs my Hawaiian sauce!

Another way I love to change up my recipe is to switch out the protein used! Here are some fun ideas that compliment my coconut flavored sauce.

• Grilled Shrimp: Adds a seafood twist with a smoky, grilled flavor.
• Tofu: Firm tofu, either baked or pan-fried, is a great plant-based option.
• Pulled Pork: Offers a rich and savory taste, pairing well with pineapple.
• Ground Turkey or Beef: Cooked and seasoned for a more traditional, hearty option.
• Salmon: Either grilled or baked, salmon can add a rich, fatty-acid-rich protein.
• Chickpeas: For a vegetarian option, chickpeas offer a satisfying, earthy protein source.
• Scallops: Pan-seared for a delicate, sweet seafood addition.
• Crab Meat: For a luxurious, seafood-flavored option.
• Beef Strips: Thinly sliced beef, stir-fried or grilled.

How to make Hawaiian Haystacks

Cook the Chicken:

1. Boil the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
2. Shred the Chicken: Let the chicken cool for a few minutes until it’s safe to handle. Using two forks or your fingers, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Cook the Jasmine Rice:

1. Measure the Rice: As a general rule, plan for about ½ to ¾ cup of uncooked rice per person. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Cook the Rice: Follow the package instructions for cooking jasmine rice. Typically, it involves combining rice with water (usually a 1:1.5 ratio of rice to water), bringing it to a boil, then simmering until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Preparing the Hawaiian Haystack Sauce:

1. Melt Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add Garlic: Add the diced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
3. Make a Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for a minute to form a roux.
4. Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the coconut milk and half and half. Bring to a simmer, stirring, until the sauce thickens.
5. Season: Add salt and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Add Chicken to Sauce: Add the shredded chicken to the sauce to get the sauce to chicken ration you prefer.

Hawaiian Haystack toppings

Transform your Hawaiian Haystacks into a feast of flavors and textures with by trying a diverse array of toppings! Whether you’re a fan of classic tastes or love to experiment with new combinations, our extensive suggestions offers something for every palate.

Let’s start with my favorites and what I generally serve with ours:

• Cheese: Shredded or diced for a creamy, melty element.
• Tomatoes: Freshly diced for a juicy, tangy flavor.
• Green Onions: Chopped for a sharp, fresh bite.
• Pineapple: Chunks for a sweet, tropical twist.
• Mandarin Oranges: Segments for a sweet, citrusy note.
• Celery: Diced for a crunchy, refreshing texture.
• Almonds: Sliced or slivered for a nutty crunch.
• Coconut: Shredded for a sweet, tropical flavor.
• Chow Mein Noodles: For a crispy, savory addition.

Here are some more ideas to consider:

• Bell Peppers: Diced in various colors for crunch and sweetness.
• Olives: Sliced, black or green, for a briny flavor.
• Cucumbers: Fresh, diced for cool crispness.
• Peas: Green peas for sweetness and tenderness.
• Raisins or Dried Cranberries: For sweetness and chewiness.
• Chopped Cashews or Peanuts: For a different nutty crunch.
• Sliced Avocado: Adds creaminess and richness.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For a spicy kick.
• Shredded Carrots: Adds color and sweetness.
• Fried Onions: For a crispy, savory topping.
• Fresh Cilantro or Parsley: For a fresh, herby touch.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For a creamy, tangy addition.

How to serve this Hawaiian Haystacks Recipe

Enjoy your delicious, homemade Hawaiian Haystacks with the richness of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and the delightful aroma of jasmine rice, topped with a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients!

1. Serve Rice: Spoon the cooked jasmine rice onto plates or into bowls.
2. Add Chicken and Sauce: Ladle the creamy chicken and sauce over the rice.
3. Add Toppings: Let everyone top their haystack with their chosen toppings.

Hawaiian Haystack storage

Storing the Components Separately:

• Chicken and Sauce:
  • Cool Down: Allow the chicken and sauce mixture to cool to room temperature.
  • Refrigerator: Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
  • Shelf Life: It will last for 3-4 days in the fridge.
  • Freezing Option: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
• Cooked Jasmine Rice:
  • Cool Down: Spread the rice out on a tray to cool quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Shelf Life: Properly stored, cooked rice can last 4-6 days in the fridge.
  • Freezing: You can also freeze rice for up to 2 months.
• Toppings:
  • Raw Veggies & Fruits: Store in separate containers or plastic bags in the crisper drawer of the fridge.
  • Dry Toppings (Nuts, Chow Mein Noodles, etc.): Keep in airtight containers at room temperature.
  • Cheese: Store in the fridge, preferably in its original packaging or a sealed container.

Reheating Hawaiian Haystacks:

• Chicken and Sauce: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. If it’s too thick, add a little water or broth to thin it out. It can also be microwaved, but be sure to cover and stir periodically for even heating.
• Rice: Reheat in the microwave with a damp paper towel over it to add moisture, or reheat in a skillet with a small amount of water or broth.

Hawaiian Haystack Recipe FAQs