Hawaiian Haystacks have always held a special place in our family’s meal rotation. It’s one of those dishes that effortlessly bridges the gap between weeknight ease and weekend-worthy deliciousness. For years, we’ve experimented with various versions, tweaking and tasting until we landed on what we confidently declare to be the best Hawaiian Haystacks sauce recipe. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an interactive food experience! Imagine a creamy, savory chicken sauce ladled generously over fluffy white rice, then piled high with a vibrant array of toppings – from sweet pineapple and mandarin oranges to crunchy chow mein noodles and savory green onions. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most adventurous foodies, can customize to their heart’s content. This recipe, born from countless family dinners and potlucks, is not just about the ingredients; it’s about creating joyful, shared moments around the table. Get ready to discover the secret to the most delectable Hawaiian Haystacks sauce and transform your next meal into a fun and flavorful feast!

Ingredients

The beauty of this Hawaiian Haystacks sauce lies in its simplicity and the quality of its core ingredients. We’ve meticulously chosen each component to ensure a creamy, flavorful base that perfectly complements the rice and an array of toppings. Let’s break down each ingredient and understand its role in making this sauce truly exceptional.

10.5 ounces Canned Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the cornerstone of our creamy sauce. Cream of chicken soup provides a rich, velvety texture and a comforting chicken flavor that forms the foundation of the dish. When choosing your cream of chicken soup, opt for a good quality brand. While generic brands will work, a higher-quality soup often contains better ingredients and a more pronounced chicken flavor. Look for options that are lower in sodium if you prefer to control the salt content of your meal more precisely. You can also find “healthy” or “organic” cream of chicken soup varieties in many supermarkets if you are looking for specific dietary considerations. The canned soup provides convenience and consistency, making this recipe a breeze to whip up even on busy weeknights.
1 cup Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is essential for thinning out the cream of chicken soup to the perfect sauce consistency. It adds depth of flavor and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick or pasty. We highly recommend using low-sodium chicken broth. This allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish and prevents it from becoming overly salty, especially considering the sodium already present in the cream of chicken soup. Using low-sodium broth gives you the flexibility to season to taste at the end. If you are feeling ambitious, homemade chicken broth will elevate the flavor profile even further, adding a richness and depth that store-bought broth sometimes lacks. However, for a quick and easy weeknight meal, a good quality store-bought low-sodium chicken broth is perfectly acceptable and delivers excellent results. Vegetable broth can also be used as a substitute for a vegetarian option, although it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
3 Chicken Breasts, Cooked and Chopped (or 2-12 ounce cans of chunk chicken): Chicken is the protein heart of this dish, adding substance and savory flavor to the creamy sauce. We offer two convenient options for the chicken:
- Freshly Cooked Chicken Breasts: This is our preferred method as it allows for the freshest flavor and control over the chicken’s texture. You can cook chicken breasts in a variety of ways: poaching, baking, grilling, or even in an Instant Pot for speed. Poaching is a gentle method that results in tender and moist chicken, perfect for this sauce. Baking or grilling will add a slightly different flavor dimension. Regardless of your cooking method, ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Once cooked, let the chicken cool slightly and then chop it into bite-sized pieces. The size of the chop is a matter of preference; some prefer smaller, finely diced chicken, while others like slightly larger, chunkier pieces.
- Canned Chunk Chicken: For ultimate convenience, canned chunk chicken is an excellent pantry staple. It significantly reduces preparation time, making this recipe even quicker to prepare. Choose good quality canned chicken packed in water, not oil, and drain it well before adding it to the sauce. Canned chicken is already cooked, so you are simply heating it through in the sauce. While it might not have the same fresh-cooked texture as chicken breasts, it is a perfectly acceptable and delicious shortcut, especially for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and easy meal solution.
½ cup Sour Cream: Sour cream is the secret ingredient that adds a touch of tanginess and extra creaminess to the sauce, elevating it beyond just a simple cream of chicken base. It provides a subtle richness and a slight acidic counterpoint to the savory chicken and creamy soup, creating a more balanced and complex flavor profile. Full-fat sour cream will deliver the richest flavor and creamiest texture, but you can also use low-fat or fat-free sour cream if you are looking to reduce the fat content. The difference in texture might be slightly noticeable, with lower-fat versions being slightly thinner. It’s crucial to add the sour cream at the very end, after reducing the heat to low, to prevent it from curdling. Gently stir it in until the sauce is smooth and homogenous, ensuring it is fully incorporated for the best texture and flavor distribution.
4-8 cups Cooked White Rice: White rice serves as the perfect neutral base for the flavorful chicken sauce and the vibrant array of toppings. Its mild flavor and fluffy texture allow the sauce and toppings to truly shine. Long-grain white rice is a classic choice, but you can also use medium-grain or short-grain rice depending on your preference. For a slightly healthier option, consider using brown rice or quinoa, although these will have a nuttier flavor and chewier texture, which will alter the overall character of the dish. Prepare the rice according to package directions or your preferred method. For perfectly cooked rice, rinse it before cooking to remove excess starch and use the correct water-to-rice ratio. Fluff the rice with a fork after cooking to keep it light and airy. The amount of rice needed will depend on the number of servings and how generously you like to serve it. We typically suggest 4-8 cups of cooked rice, which should comfortably serve 8 people.
Topping Suggestions: This is where the real fun begins! The toppings are what make Hawaiian Haystacks so interactive and customizable. Think of them as a vibrant salad bar for your rice and chicken sauce. We provide a list of our favorite suggestions, but feel free to get creative and add your own preferred toppings based on your taste and what you have on hand. The key is to offer a variety of textures and flavors – sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy – to create a truly exciting and satisfying eating experience.
- Grated Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of your favorites. Cheese adds a savory, melty richness and a slightly tangy flavor that complements the creamy sauce and other toppings.
- Tomatoes, Chopped: Fresh tomatoes bring a juicy, slightly acidic burst of flavor and vibrant color. Diced Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes halved are excellent choices.
- Olives: Black olives or green olives, sliced or whole, add a salty, briny flavor and a pleasant chewy texture.
- Peas: Frozen peas, thawed or lightly steamed, offer a sweet, slightly earthy flavor and a tender texture. Canned peas, drained and rinsed, can also be used.
- Green Onions, Chopped: Green onions provide a mild oniony bite and a fresh, vibrant flavor. They also add a pop of green color.
- Green Pepper, Chopped: Green bell pepper adds a slightly sweet, slightly bitter crunch and a refreshing flavor. Red or yellow bell peppers can also be used for a sweeter taste and different color.
- Pineapple Tidbits: Pineapple is a signature Hawaiian Haystacks topping! Its sweet, tropical flavor and juicy texture are essential for the dish’s characteristic taste. Canned pineapple tidbits, drained, are convenient and readily available.
- Mandarin Oranges: Mandarin oranges bring another layer of sweet, citrusy flavor and a tender, juicy texture. Canned mandarin oranges, drained, are a classic choice.
- Slivered Almonds: Slivered almonds provide a delightful crunchy texture and a subtle nutty flavor. Toasted almonds will enhance their flavor even further.
- Coconut, Shredded: Shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened, adds a tropical sweetness and a slightly chewy texture. Toasted coconut will bring out a richer, nuttier flavor.
- Chow Mein Noodles: Chow mein noodles are the ultimate crunchy topping! They provide a satisfying crispness and a slightly salty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce and other toppings. Look for the crispy chow mein noodles in the Asian food aisle of your grocery store.

Instructions

Making this delicious Hawaiian Haystacks sauce is incredibly straightforward and quick, perfect for a weeknight meal. Follow these simple steps to create a creamy, flavorful sauce that will be the star of your Hawaiian Haystacks.

Combine Soup and Broth: In a large saucepan, over medium-low heat, gently pour in the 10.5 ounces of canned cream of chicken soup and 1 cup of chicken broth. Using a whisk or spoon, stir them together to combine. The medium-low heat is important to prevent the soup from scorching or sticking to the bottom of the pan. Gentle heating allows the soup and broth to meld together smoothly and evenly. Continue stirring occasionally as the mixture warms up.
Warm and Combine (3-5 minutes): Continue to heat the soup and broth mixture over medium-low heat for approximately 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are fully combined and heated through. The mixture should be smooth and slightly simmering. Avoid bringing it to a full boil at this stage, as this can cause the soup to thicken too quickly and potentially scorch. The goal is to gently warm and blend the ingredients until they are homogenous and ready for the next step. You will notice the mixture becoming more liquid and easier to stir as it warms.
Add Chicken and Simmer (10 minutes): Once the soup and broth are well combined and warmed, add the cooked and chopped chicken (either fresh or canned) to the saucepan. Stir the chicken into the sauce to ensure it is evenly distributed and coated. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes. Simmering allows the chicken to heat through completely and for its flavor to infuse into the sauce, enhancing the overall chicken flavor. It also allows the sauce to thicken slightly as it simmers. Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
Stir in Sour Cream (Until Smooth): After simmering for 10 minutes, reduce the heat to the lowest setting. This is crucial for preventing the sour cream from curdling. Add the ½ cup of sour cream to the saucepan. Gently stir the sour cream into the sauce until it is completely smooth and incorporated. Continue stirring until the sauce is homogenous and creamy, with no streaks of sour cream remaining. The sour cream will add a final layer of richness and tanginess to the sauce, creating the signature flavor of Hawaiian Haystacks sauce. Once the sour cream is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Layer and Serve: Now it’s time to assemble your Hawaiian Haystacks! To create a haystack, start with a generous serving of hot cooked white rice in a bowl. Ladle a generous amount of the creamy chicken sauce over the rice. Then, let everyone customize their own haystack by adding their desired toppings. Arrange the toppings in separate bowls or platters so everyone can easily access and choose their favorites. Encourage everyone to pile their toppings high to create their own unique and delicious haystack!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 serving (sauce only, toppings and rice not included in calorie count)
Calories: Approximately 162 kcal per serving

Please note that this nutritional information is an estimate and is based on the sauce ingredients only, excluding the rice and toppings. The actual calorie count will vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used, the type of chicken, and the portion sizes. To get a more accurate nutritional breakdown, you can use online nutrition calculators or apps and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

This calorie count is for the sauce portion only, and you should factor in the calories from the rice and toppings when calculating the total calories for a serving of Hawaiian Haystacks. White rice is approximately 200-250 calories per cooked cup, and the calories from toppings will vary significantly depending on your choices. For example, cheese, nuts, and chow mein noodles will add more calories than vegetables and fruits.

While this recipe is delicious and comforting, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and topping choices, especially if you are watching your calorie intake. Loading up on fresh vegetables and fruits as toppings can help balance the meal and add nutritional value.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

This Hawaiian Haystacks sauce recipe is incredibly quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners. The prep time primarily involves chopping cooked chicken (if using fresh chicken breasts) and gathering your toppings. The cook time is minimal, as you are mainly heating and combining pre-cooked ingredients. The total time from start to finish is just around 25 minutes, making this a truly speedy and satisfying meal option.

How to Serve

Serving Hawaiian Haystacks is all about creating a fun and interactive dining experience. Here’s how to set up a perfect Hawaiian Haystacks serving station:

Rice as the Base: Start by placing a bowl of hot, freshly cooked white rice at the beginning of your serving station. This is the foundation of each haystack, so ensure there is plenty for everyone.
Creamy Chicken Sauce Centerpiece: Position the warm and creamy chicken sauce next to the rice. Keep it warm in the saucepan on a low setting or in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting if you are serving a crowd or want to keep it warm for an extended period. Have a ladle readily available for easy serving.
Toppings Galore – The Star of the Show: This is where the magic happens! Arrange your prepared toppings in separate bowls or platters in an appealing and organized manner. Think of it like a build-your-own-haystack bar. Consider using clear bowls or containers to showcase the vibrant colors of the toppings. Group toppings by type (fruits, vegetables, crunchy toppings, etc.) for easy access.
Serving Suggestions and Combinations:
- Classic Sweet and Savory: Encourage guests to combine sweet toppings like pineapple and mandarin oranges with savory options like cheese, green onions, and chow mein noodles for the quintessential Hawaiian Haystacks flavor profile.
- Fresh and Crunchy: Highlight the fresh toppings like tomatoes, green peppers, and green onions for those who prefer a lighter and more refreshing haystack.
- Extra Creamy and Rich: For those who love creamy textures, suggest combining sour cream (you can offer extra sour cream as a topping as well!) with cheese and coconut.
- Nutty and Crunchy: Emphasize the slivered almonds and chow mein noodles for those who enjoy a satisfying crunch.
- Spice it Up (Optional): If you want to add a touch of heat, you can offer a bowl of mild salsa, chopped jalapeños, or a bottle of hot sauce as optional toppings for those who like a little kick.
Make it a Buffet: For larger gatherings or parties, set up a buffet-style serving station. This allows guests to move along the line and create their haystacks at their own pace, making it a fun and interactive experience.
Consider Dietary Needs: If you have guests with dietary restrictions, clearly label the toppings to indicate if they are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free. This makes it easy for everyone to choose toppings that suit their needs.
Drinks and Sides: Hawaiian Haystacks are a complete meal on their own, but you can offer refreshing drinks like iced tea, lemonade, or fruit punch to complement the meal. A simple side salad or some fresh fruit can also be a nice addition.

Additional Tips for the Best Hawaiian Haystacks Sauce

Don’t Overcook the Sauce: Avoid boiling the sauce vigorously, especially after adding the sour cream. High heat can cause the sauce to separate or the sour cream to curdle. Gentle simmering is key to maintaining a smooth and creamy texture.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: After simmering the sauce, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Remember that the toppings will also contribute to the overall flavor profile, so don’t over-season the sauce itself.
Make it Ahead (Sauce Only): The chicken sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat or in a slow cooker before serving. The toppings are best prepared fresh just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
Customize with Different Cream Soups (Variations): While cream of chicken soup is classic, you can experiment with other cream soups to create variations of the sauce. Cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup can be used for a slightly different flavor profile. You can even combine cream of chicken with a portion of cream of mushroom for a richer, earthier sauce.
Double or Triple the Recipe for a Crowd: Hawaiian Haystacks are perfect for feeding a large group. This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve more people. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities proportionally. When making larger batches, use a larger saucepan or stockpot to accommodate the increased volume of sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use a different type of chicken?

A: Yes, you can definitely use different types of cooked chicken. Shredded rotisserie chicken is an excellent and convenient option. Leftover cooked chicken from other meals can also be used, such as grilled chicken, baked chicken, or even chicken thighs. The key is to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and chopped or shredded into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the sauce. For a vegetarian option, you could substitute cooked chickpeas or white beans for the chicken, although the flavor profile will be different.

Q2: Can I freeze the Hawaiian Haystacks sauce?

A: While you can freeze the sauce, the texture might change slightly upon thawing due to the sour cream. Dairy-based sauces sometimes become slightly grainy or separate after freezing and thawing. However, it is still generally safe to freeze and reheat the sauce. To minimize texture changes, cool the sauce completely before freezing it in airtight containers or freezer bags. When thawing, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the desired creamy consistency. For best results, we recommend making the sauce fresh or making it a day or two ahead and storing it in the refrigerator.

Q3: What are some other topping ideas besides the ones listed?

A: The topping possibilities for Hawaiian Haystacks are virtually endless! Get creative and use what you have on hand or what your family enjoys. Here are a few more topping ideas:

Vegetables: Shredded carrots, diced cucumbers, bean sprouts, corn kernels, pickled ginger, kimchi, sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers.
Fruits: Diced mango, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, banana slices.
Crunchy Toppings: Sesame sticks, fried onions, tortilla strips, crushed potato chips, popcorn.
Savory Toppings: Bacon bits, crumbled sausage, hard-boiled egg slices, avocado slices (added just before serving).
Sauces and Dressings: Ranch dressing, thousand island dressing, honey mustard dressing, teriyaki sauce, sweet chili sauce.

Q4: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: To make this recipe gluten-free, you need to ensure that all ingredients are gluten-free. Specifically, you need to use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free chicken broth. Many brands offer gluten-free versions of cream of chicken soup. Double-check the labels to confirm they are certified gluten-free. Most chicken broths are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always wise to check the ingredient list to be certain. The other ingredients in the sauce, such as chicken and sour cream, are naturally gluten-free. For toppings, be mindful of gluten-containing options like chow mein noodles and some processed cheeses. Choose gluten-free alternatives or opt for naturally gluten-free toppings like rice noodles, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and cheese that is confirmed gluten-free.

Q5: How can I make this recipe healthier?

A: While Hawaiian Haystacks are a comfort food classic, there are ways to make them a bit healthier:

Use Low-Sodium Ingredients: Opt for low-sodium cream of chicken soup and low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the sodium content.
Choose Lean Chicken: Use skinless, boneless chicken breasts and trim any visible fat before cooking.
Lighten Up the Sour Cream: Use low-fat or fat-free sour cream instead of full-fat sour cream.
Whole Grain Rice: Substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a higher fiber and more nutritious base.
Load Up on Vegetables and Fruits: Make vegetables and fruits the star of your toppings! Pile on the tomatoes, green peppers, peas, green onions, pineapple, and mandarin oranges. This adds vitamins, minerals, and fiber while keeping the meal lighter.
Limit Crunchy Toppings: Go easy on high-calorie crunchy toppings like chow mein noodles, fried onions, and cheese. Use them in moderation or choose healthier crunchy alternatives like toasted nuts or seeds.
Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes, especially with the sauce and rice. Focus on filling your bowl with more vegetables and fruits.

By incorporating these tips, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of Hawaiian Haystacks while making it a slightly healthier and more balanced meal for your family.