Go Back
Print

Hearty Hawaiian Haystacks

A healthier version of a classic comfort food, Hawaiian haystacks is a meal that even the picky eaters love!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8 people

Ingredients

Brown Rice

  • 2 Cups Brown Rice
  • 4 1/4 Cup Water

Homemade Creamy Chicken Sauce

  • 1/2 Cup Onion minced
  • 4 tablespoons Butter
  • 1/2 Cup Flour
  • 3 Cups 2 % Milk divided
  • 1 Tablespoon Better than Bouillon Chicken Soup Base
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 Cup Greek Yogurt
  • 2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley chopped fine
  • 2 1/2 Cups Cooked Chicken shredded

Toppings

  • 2 Cups Cooked Ham chopped
  • 2 Cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • 15 oz. Black Beans or kidney
  • 2 Cups Celery Chopped
  • 1 large Bell Pepper chopped
  • 2 Cups Frozen peas thawed
  • 1 medium Jicama chopped
  • 15 oz. Pineapple fresh or canned
  • 2 Cups Fresh Tomatoes chopped
  • 1 large Avocado chopped
  • 1 Cup Salsa canned or fresh
  • 1 Cup Chow Mein noodles
  • 1 Cup Coconut Flakes
  • 1 Cup Green onions chopped fine
  • 1 Cup Almonds slivered or chopped
  • 1 Cup Salted cashews

Instructions

Brown Rice

  • In a large pot, add brown rice to the water, cover with a lid, and bring to boil at medium high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer and let cook for about 30 minutes.

Creamy Homemade Chicken Sauce

  • Sauté onions in butter in a medium saucepan until onions are soft and translucent. Mix in the flour to form a paste.
  • Pour in 1 cup of the milk and whisk continually until well-combined with a wire wisk. Slowly add remaining milk and the bouillon and continue whisking until mixture thickens and begins to bubble. Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add the Greek yogurt and the remaining 1/2 cup milk if the sauce needs thinning. Season with parsley and more salt and pepper if desired. Add cooked chicken.

Toppings

  • Drain, chop, dice, and slice the toppings of your choice. Serve buffet style in separate bowls, and let everyone stack the chicken sauce and toppings on a bed of rice. Enjoy!

Notes

For the chicken, you can bake it in the oven or slow-cooker ahead of time. I sometimes use rotisserie chicken. Obviously, you don't need to feel obligated to have every topping listed here. Just choose the ones that sound good to you and your family.