The Best Kind of Kitchen Mess

I first had Hawaiian Haystacks at my friend Lois’s potluck. Everyone built their own bowl. It looked like a delicious mess. I still laugh at that.

That is the fun part. You get to be the boss of your own dinner. Pile on the toppings you love. Leave off the ones you do not. It makes everyone at the table happy.

Let’s Make the Cozy Gravy

The heart of this dish is the creamy chicken gravy. It is like a warm hug for your rice. You just whisk milk, water, and cornstarch in a pot.

Then you add butter and all those good seasonings. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It will bubble and get thick. That is when you know it is ready.

*Fun fact: The cornstarch is what makes the gravy thick and silky. It is a little kitchen magic!*

Why This Old Recipe Matters

This meal brings everyone together. It is not just about eating. It is about talking and sharing. That is why it matters.

It also teaches us to be flexible. You can use leftover chicken. You can change the toppings. Cooking should be fun, not stressful.

What is your favorite “use up the leftovers” meal in your house? I would love to hear about it.

Your Topping Adventure

Now for the best part! The toppings turn this simple meal into a party. I always go for the pineapple and crunchy chow mein noodles. The mix of sweet and crunchy is so good.

You can add shredded cheese, olives, or peas. Try something new each time. What three toppings would you put on your haystack first?

A Bowl Full of Happy

When you serve this, put everything in little bowls. Let everyone walk around the table. They can create their own perfect dinner.

I love seeing the different combinations people make. It starts conversations. It makes a simple Tuesday night feel special. That is a good feeling.

Do you have a meal that makes your family gather and talk? This one might just become that for you.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Milk, cold	2 1/2 cups
Cornstarch	3 Tablespoons
Butter	3 Tablespoons
Chicken bouillon paste, cubes or powdered	2 teaspoons
Salt and pepper	to taste
Onion powder	1/2 teaspoon
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon
Water	1 cup
Chicken	3 cups	uncooked or cooked
Hot cooked rice	for serving

My Cozy Hawaiian Haystacks

This recipe feels like a big, warm hug from my kitchen to yours. I first had it at a church potluck years ago. I loved how everyone could build their own perfect bowl. It’s so simple, even a beginner cook can make it. Let’s get our hands busy and make some memories together.

• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by cooking your rice. Just follow the directions on the package. I like to get this going first. That way, it’s all fluffy and ready when our chicken gravy is done. My grandkids call this the “blanket” for all the yummy toppings. It makes the whole meal feel cozy.

Step 2: Make the Gravy

Now, let’s make our gravy. Grab a small saucepan. Whisk the cold milk, water, and cornstarch together. Then add the butter, chicken bouillon, and all those lovely powders. Doesn’t that smell amazing already? (A hard-learned tip: always use cold milk with cornstarch. It stops it from getting lumpy!)

Step 3: Cook the Chicken & Thicken the Gravy

Bring your mixture to a low boil. Stir it frequently with a wooden spoon. If your chicken is raw, season it and add it now. Let it cook right in the sauce. The gravy will thicken as the chicken cooks. If you’re using leftover cooked chicken, just stir it in at the very end to warm it up.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Time for the best part! Put a big spoonful of rice in a bowl. Ladle the creamy chicken gravy right over the top. Now, let everyone add their favorite toppings. What’s the one topping you couldn’t live without? Share below! I still laugh at how my grandson piles his bowl sky-high with chow mein noodles.

Three Fun Twists to Try

This recipe is like a blank canvas. You can paint it with so many different flavors. Don’t be afraid to play with your food. Here are a few ideas that have made it to my table.

Aloha Veggie

Skip the chicken. Use vegetable broth and add sautéed mushrooms. It’s just as comforting and so good.

Island Heat

Add a big spoonful of sriracha to the gravy. Top with sliced jalapeños for a little kick. It will wake up your taste buds!

Autumn Harvest

Use diced, cooked sweet potato instead of chicken. Try toasted pecans and dried cranberries on top. It tastes like a fall festival. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving It Up With Style

I love setting all the toppings in little bowls. It makes dinner feel so special. For a side, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is perfect. It cuts through the richness of the gravy. You could also serve it with some warm, buttery dinner rolls.

For a drink, a tall glass of iced tea with a lemon slice is my go-to. It’s so refreshing. For the grown-ups, a crisp, cold lager pairs wonderfully with the salty, creamy flavors. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Hawaiian Haystacks Fresh and Tasty

Let’s talk about keeping your haystacks yummy for later. Store the chicken gravy and rice in separate containers. They will last for three days in your fridge. You can also freeze the gravy for up to three months.

I once put the rice and gravy together before storing. It turned into a mushy mess. Now I always keep them apart. This makes reheating so much easier. Just warm the gravy in a pot on the stove.

Batch cooking this meal is a wonderful time-saver. It means a good dinner is ready on a busy night. This helps keep your family fed with a home-cooked meal. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Haystack Hiccups

Is your gravy too thin? Just mix a little more cornstarch with cold milk. Stir it into your gravy and let it bubble. It will thicken up nicely in no time. This ensures your sauce clings to the rice perfectly.

Do your toppings get soggy? The secret is to let the gravy cool a bit. I remember when my grandson added toppings to steaming hot gravy. His crunchy noodles went soft immediately. Now we wait a minute or two.

Is the flavor a little bland for you? Do not be shy with the salt and pepper. Taste your gravy before you serve it. Getting the seasoning right makes the whole dish sing. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Hawaiian Haystack Questions Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Just use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Check your bouillon and chow mein noodles too.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: The gravy can be made two days early. Store it in the fridge until you need it.

Q: What if I do not have an ingredient? A: No problem! Use vegetable broth for chicken broth. Try different cheeses or veggies you have on hand.

Q: Can I make a smaller portion? A: Of course. Just cut all the ingredients in half. It will work just fine.

Q: Any other tips? A: Let everyone build their own haystack. It is more fun that way. Which tip will you try first?

A Little Aloha from My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making this easy dinner. It always brings a smile to my table. The best part is seeing all the colorful toppings.

*Fun fact: This dish is called a “haystack” because the pile of toppings looks like a stack of hay!* I would love to see your creations. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Your family will enjoy this special meal. I just know it. Happy cooking!

—Grace Ellington.