Build-Your-Own Dinner Everyone Loves! 🍍
This Hawaiian Haystacks recipe is pure comfort food FUN 😍🍚 Creamy chicken gravy over rice with ALL the toppings — sweet, salty, crunchy, cheesy… everyone builds their own bowl and it’s a total hit every time! 🙌
What You Need 🛒
For the Chicken Gravy:
✅ 2 1/2 cups cold milk
✅ 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
✅ 3 Tablespoons butter
✅ 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon (base, cubes, or powder)
✅ Salt and pepper, to taste
✅ 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
✅ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
✅ 1 cup water
✅ 3 cups chicken (uncooked or cooked)
✅ Hot cooked rice, for serving
Topping Ideas:
✅ Pineapple
✅ Chow mein noodles
✅ Green onion
✅ Shredded cheese
✅ Sliced olives
✅ Tomatoes
✅ Toasted coconut
✅ Peas
✅ Celery
✅ Bell peppers
✅ Slivered almonds
Instructions 👩🍳
1️⃣ Prepare rice according to package instructions.
2️⃣ In a saucepan, whisk together milk, water, and cornstarch. Add butter, bouillon, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
3️⃣ Bring to a low boil, stirring frequently.
4️⃣ If using uncooked chicken, season with salt and pepper and add to the pot. Reduce heat and cook until chicken is cooked through and gravy has thickened.
5️⃣ If using cooked chicken, stir it in at the end and heat through.
6️⃣ To serve, add rice to a bowl, spoon chicken gravy on top, and load up with your favorite toppings!
It’s creamy, customizable, and PERFECT for feeding a crowd 🌴✨
SAVE this recipe! 💾 Find the full recipe at Tastes Better From Scratch (link in bio!)
#hawaiianhaystacks #familydinner #comfortfood #easyrecipes #dinnerideas
Growing up, Hawaiian Haystacks were always a favorite in my family because they combined so many flavors and textures in one fun, build-your-own bowl. What makes this dish special is how versatile it is—everyone can tailor their plate exactly how they like it. For me, the sweet pineapple and crunchy chow mein noodles add a delightful contrast to the creamy chicken gravy, creating a satisfying balance with every bite. One tip I swear by is to prep the toppings beforehand. This makes serving a breeze, especially when feeding a crowd. You can chop fresh bell peppers, slice olives, grate cheese, and toast the coconut the day before and keep everything ready to assemble. It saves time and keeps the meal stress-free. Also, using chicken bouillon enhances the flavor of the gravy, giving it that rich, comforting taste that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. If you want to add a personal twist, try mixing in some sautéed mushrooms or swap the chicken for shredded turkey or tofu for a different protein option. Hawaiian Haystacks are not just tasty but also great for picky eaters. Each person can pick and choose what they want, so nobody feels left out. It’s a perfect dinner idea that feels special but is incredibly easy to make on any weeknight. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic comfort food!