The Ultimate Easy Crock Pot Hawaiian Haystacks: A Family Favorite Weeknight Meal
Growing up, few dishes brought as much comfort and excitement to our dinner table as Hawaiian Haystacks. It was a staple in my childhood home, a meal my mom could whip up with ease that always satisfied everyone. Now, as an adult and a busy mom of three, this easy Crock Pot Hawaiian Haystacks recipe has become one of my most cherished go-to meals for those hectic weeknights. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and without fail, it’s a hit with the entire family, even the pickiest eaters!
What makes Hawaiian Haystacks truly special is its versatility. You can keep it delightfully simple by serving the rich, creamy chicken gravy over a warm bed of rice, or transform it into a customizable feast with an array of optional toppings. This “build-your-own” aspect is not only fun for kids but also allows everyone to tailor their plate precisely to their liking. I’m excited to share our family’s favorite toppings that truly elevate this dish!
For a complete and effortless meal, consider pairing this slow cooker Hawaiian Haystacks recipe with quick and easy sides. Classic choices like Oven Roasted Broccoli or a refreshing Fruit Salad complement the savory main course perfectly. If you’re looking for more simple and delicious chicken main dishes that utilize your slow cooker or are equally quick, be sure to explore my Buffalo Chicken Pasta, Pesto Chicken Parmesan, and Curry Chicken Rice and Peas recipes.
Why This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Haystacks Recipe Is a Winner
This Crock Pot Hawaiian Haystacks recipe isn’t just easy; it’s practically magical in its ability to deliver a satisfying, comforting meal with minimal effort. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation:
- Effortless Weeknight Dinner Solution: Life gets busy, and sometimes the thought of cooking a complex meal after a long day is daunting. This is where Hawaiian Haystacks truly shines! It’s a classic slow cooker “dump and go” recipe. Simply place all your main ingredients into the crock pot, set it, and let it work its magic for hours. There’s no need for pre-searing any meat or spending time chopping endless vegetables. Your main role is simply to cook some rice when it’s almost done, and a delicious, hot dinner is served! This hands-off approach frees up your precious time for other activities or simply to relax.
- Ultimate Delicious Comfort Food: There’s something inherently comforting about creamy chicken gravy. This Hawaiian Haystacks recipe takes that familiar comfort and elevates it with subtle, delightful flavors. It’s a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and incredibly tasty. The tender, shredded chicken enveloped in a rich sauce, served over warm rice, creates a culinary embrace that feels like a hug in a bowl – perfect for chasing away the chill or simply indulging in a wholesome, homemade meal. It’s the kind of dish that brings back fond memories and creates new ones.
- A Guaranteed Family Favorite: Finding a meal that pleases everyone, especially households with diverse tastes or picky eaters, can be a challenge. But Hawaiian Haystacks consistently wins over the whole family. The base of creamy chicken gravy over fluffy rice is universally appealing. The true genius lies in the “topping bar” concept. By offering a variety of toppings, each family member can customize their plate, choosing only what they love. This interactive element not only makes dinner fun but also provides an excellent opportunity to introduce new flavors and textures to young children in a low-pressure way. From crunchy noodles to sweet pineapple, there’s a topping to delight every palate.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Hawaiian Haystacks
The beauty of this Hawaiian Haystacks recipe lies in its simple yet effective ingredient list. Each component plays a vital role in creating that signature creamy, flavorful experience. Let’s delve into the specifics of what you’ll need and why:
- Canned Cream of Chicken Soup: This isn’t just an ingredient; it’s the secret weapon that forms the luscious, flavorful base of our chicken gravy. It provides a creamy texture and a depth of savory chicken flavor without requiring you to make a roux from scratch. Beyond flavor, it also helps the chicken cook up incredibly tender in the slow cooker, ensuring every bite is succulent and moist. For those conscious about sodium, a low-sodium version works just as well.
- Chicken Breasts (or Thighs): Chicken is the star protein of this classic dinner. Sticking with our theme of effortless comfort food, you have the flexibility to use either fresh or frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This means no need to remember to thaw the chicken beforehand – a lifesaver on busy days! If you prefer dark meat or happen to have them on hand, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are also an excellent substitute, offering a slightly richer flavor and even more tenderness.
- Italian Dressing Mix (Crucial Distinction!): Pay close attention here: Italian dressing mix is NOT the same as regular Italian seasoning! This mix, often found in a packet (like Good Seasons), contains a blend of herbs, but also includes key flavoring elements like salt, sugar, and sometimes vinegar, which are essential for the unique zest of the Hawaiian Haystacks sauce. These additional components are what give the gravy its distinctive, savory-sweet profile. You can absolutely add an additional ½ teaspoon of regular Italian seasoning if you desire a stronger herbal “Italian kick,” but please do not attempt to substitute regular Italian seasoning for the dressing mix, as the flavor profile will be significantly different and lack the intended complexity.
- Evaporated Milk: Once the chicken is perfectly cooked and shredded, evaporated milk is stirred in to transform the mixture into a wonderfully creamy, velvety sauce. Evaporated milk provides a richness and thickness that regular milk simply can’t achieve, without diluting the existing flavors. It creates that signature luscious gravy that coats every grain of rice beautifully.
- Rice: Traditionally, Hawaiian Haystacks gravy is served over a generous bed of hot white rice. The soft, neutral grains perfectly absorb the creamy chicken sauce. However, feel free to experiment! This delicious gravy would also be fantastic over brown rice (just adjust cooking time accordingly), quinoa for a healthier twist, egg noodles for a different texture, or even creamy mashed potatoes for an extra layer of comfort.
- Toppings: Ah, the toppings – this is where the real magic and personalized fun happens! While technically optional, I strongly encourage you not to skip them. Toppings allow everyone to customize their Hawaiian Haystacks to their exact taste preferences, turning a simple meal into an interactive experience. Think of it as a DIY dinner bar! I’ve included a comprehensive list of our family’s favorite toppings in the recipe card, ranging from crunchy to sweet to savory, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
How to Master Crock Pot Hawaiian Haystacks
Making Hawaiian Haystacks in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward, perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious and fuss-free meal:
- Prepare Your Crock Pot: Start by lightly spraying the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step helps prevent any sticking and makes cleanup significantly easier, ensuring your delicious gravy doesn’t cling to the sides.
- Layer the Base Ingredients: Open one 10.5 oz can of cream of chicken soup and empty its contents directly into the bottom of the crock pot, spreading it evenly. Next, carefully lay 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the soup. Remember, whether they are fresh or frozen, both will work perfectly, adding to the convenience of this recipe. Finally, evenly sprinkle a 0.7 oz package of Italian dressing mix (the packet, not just seasoning!) over the chicken. For those who love a more pronounced herbal flavor, an additional ½ teaspoon of regular Italian seasoning can be added at this stage to boost that “Italian kick.”
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid tightly on your crock pot. Set your slow cooker to the ‘low’ setting and cook for 6-8 hours, or if you’re short on time, switch to the ‘high’ setting and cook for approximately 4 hours. The long, slow cooking process is key to achieving incredibly tender, fall-apart chicken and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Shred the Chicken: About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve your delightful haystack dinner, it’s time to shred the cooked chicken. You can easily do this right inside the crock pot using two forks to pull the chicken apart, or for more control, remove the chicken to a plate, shred it, and then return it to the crock pot with the gravy. The chicken should be so tender that it shreds effortlessly.
- Create the Creamy Gravy: Once the chicken is shredded, pour a 12 oz can of evaporated milk into the crock pot with the chicken and gravy base. Stir everything together thoroughly until well combined. Allow the mixture to warm through for about 15-20 minutes on low heat, letting the gravy thicken slightly to a rich, pourable consistency. This step transforms the sauce into the irresistible creamy component of your haystacks.
- Prepare Rice and Toppings: While your gravy warms and thickens, cook your chosen rice according to package directions. Simultaneously, prepare all your desired Hawaiian Haystacks toppings. This means chopping vegetables, draining canned fruits, and arranging everything in small bowls for an easy self-serve topping bar.
- Serve and Enjoy: To assemble, spoon a generous amount of hot, cooked rice onto each plate. Ladle the creamy chicken mixture over the rice, creating the base of your haystack. Then, let everyone get creative by adding their favorite toppings. Stand back and watch the delight as family members customize their own perfect Hawaiian Haystack!
Expert Tips for the Best Hawaiian Haystacks
While this recipe is incredibly simple, a few extra tips can help you elevate your Hawaiian Haystacks even further and ensure success every time:
- Boost the Italian Flavor: If you’re a fan of a stronger herbal aroma and taste, don’t hesitate to add an additional ½ teaspoon of regular Italian seasoning to the crock pot along with the Italian dressing mix. This will enhance the savory notes in the creamy chicken gravy, giving it a delightful extra kick without altering the core flavor profile too much.
- Vary Your Base: Hawaiian Haystacks are traditionally served over fluffy white rice, which perfectly absorbs the creamy gravy. However, feel free to experiment with other grains or starches! Brown rice offers a nuttier flavor and more fiber, just be mindful that its cook time will be longer than white rice. The rich gravy also pairs beautifully with quinoa, egg noodles, or even creamy mashed potatoes for an ultimate comfort food experience. Don’t be afraid to try something new!
- Feeding a Crowd? Easily Double the Recipe: This recipe is fantastic for gatherings! It can easily be doubled to make a large batch of Hawaiian Haystacks for family reunions, potlucks, or any large get-together. If your slow cooker isn’t large enough to accommodate double the ingredients, consider using two slow cookers. Alternatively, you can assemble it casserole-style by layering the cooked rice and gravy in a large baking dish and then adding toppings. This makes for a stunning presentation and is perfect for buffet lines.
- Consider Healthier Modifications: For those looking to lighten the dish, use low-sodium cream of chicken soup. You can also increase the vegetable content by incorporating finely diced carrots or celery into the crock pot at the beginning, or by adding a variety of fresh chopped veggies to your topping bar, like bell peppers or spinach.
- Don’t Forget the Toppings Bar: The toppings are truly what make Hawaiian Haystacks so much fun. Set out a variety of small bowls with different options, allowing everyone to customize their meal. This not only makes dinner exciting but also helps encourage picky eaters to try new things when they have control over what goes on their plate.
Make Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Hawaiian Haystacks
This recipe is a dream for meal prep and future planning, making your life even easier during busy weeks:
- Make Ahead: The chicken gravy for this haystacks dinner is wonderfully stable and will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This means you can easily prepare the gravy one or two days in advance for a quick weeknight dinner, or batch-cook it at the beginning of the week for effortless lunches. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
- Storing Leftovers: To maintain the best texture and flavor, I highly recommend storing leftover Hawaiian Haystacks components separately. Keep the gravy, cooked rice, and any leftover toppings in individual airtight containers in the fridge. This approach prevents the rice from getting soggy and allows you to mix and match when reheating. Each element will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
- Freezing for Later: Crock Pot Hawaiian Haystacks gravy makes an absolutely fantastic freezer meal! After the gravy is fully prepared and cooked, allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Then, spoon it into freezer-safe zip-top bags, ensuring you remove as much air as possible before sealing. Lay these bags flat in the refrigerator first to cool down thoroughly, then transfer them to the freezer. They will keep well for 1-2 months, making future busy nights a breeze. To defrost, simply transfer a bag from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before you plan to serve it. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce seems too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaiian Haystacks
Despite the evocative name, Hawaiian Haystacks have no direct connection to traditional Hawaiian cuisine. This dish is widely believed to have originated in the Midwest United States, likely around the 1950s. The “Hawaiian” part of the name probably stems from some of the exotic (for the time) toppings often included, such as pineapple (which, interestingly, is also not native to Hawaii but became a major crop) and shredded coconut, giving it a tropical flair.
When I first heard the term “haystack,” I naturally assumed it referred to the traditional topping of crunchy chow mein noodles, which do indeed resemble miniature haystacks piled high on a plate! However, it turns out the term “haystack” in this culinary context simply refers to a dinner that is layered. In the case of Hawaiian Haystacks, it’s typically a comforting foundation layer of rice, followed by the savory, creamy chicken gravy, and then crowned with an assortment of delicious, customizable toppings.
While I haven’t personally tested a vegetarian version of this specific recipe, it’s definitely an idea worth exploring! You could try substituting the cream of chicken soup with a vegetable-based cream soup, such as cream of mushroom or cream of celery. For the protein, your favorite meat substitute, like shredded plant-based chicken alternatives or even hearty mushrooms, could work well. If you experiment with a vegetarian rendition, please do let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear about your results and any successful modifications!
The sky truly is the limit when it comes to customizing your Hawaiian Haystacks with toppings! This is where you can get creative and cater to everyone’s individual preferences. Some of my all-time favorites, which add incredible flavor and texture, include sweet pineapple tidbits (fresh or canned and well-drained), crunchy chow mein noodles for that classic “haystack” texture, fragrant shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened), fresh diced tomatoes, briny sliced black olives, delightful slivered almonds, vibrant green peas, juicy mandarin oranges, and, of course, a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. I’ve also seen people get adventurous with additions like sliced green onions, diced bell peppers, and even chopped cashews. Set up a topping bar and let everyone build their own masterpiece!
A 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker is ideal for this Hawaiian Haystacks recipe, especially if you plan to double it for a crowd. This size allows ample space for the chicken and gravy to cook evenly without overflowing. Make sure your slow cooker has a tight-fitting lid to trap moisture and ensure the chicken becomes perfectly tender.
More Easy & Delicious Crock Pot Dinner Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and comfort of slow cooker meals like these Hawaiian Haystacks, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of effortless dinners waiting for you. Here are some of our other favorite crock pot recipes that are perfect for busy schedules and guaranteed to be family pleasers:
- Crockpot Lasagna
- Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
- Crockpot Kielbasa and Sauerkraut
- BBQ Pineapple Meatballs
- Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Hawaiian Haystacks truly represent the best of comforting, easy weeknight cooking. It’s a dish that brings smiles to faces and warmth to bellies, and with the simple “dump and go” method, it’s a blessing for any busy home cook. Give this beloved family recipe a try, and prepare to add it to your own list of cherished, effortless meals!
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Crock Pot Hawaiian Haystacks
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts – fresh or frozen
- 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- .7 oz Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix – (1 packet = .7 oz, essential for flavor)
- 12 fl oz can evaporated milk
- cooked white rice – for serving (or brown rice, quinoa, pasta)
Hawaiian Haystack Topping Ideas
- chopped tomatoes
- sliced black olives
- crunchy chow mein noodles
- shredded cheddar cheese
- slivered almonds
- pineapple tidbits – fresh or canned (drained)
- sweetened shredded coconut
- green peas
- mandarin oranges – fresh or canned (drained)
- diced bell peppers
- sliced green onions
Equipment
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Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger recommended)
Instructions
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Lightly spray the inside of your crock pot with nonstick cooking spray. Empty the can of cream of chicken soup into the crock pot, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Place the chicken breasts (fresh or frozen) on top of the soup, then sprinkle the entire packet of Italian dressing mix over the chicken. For extra flavor, add an optional ½ teaspoon of regular Italian seasoning. Place the lid securely on the slow cooker.
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Cook on the ‘low’ setting for 6-8 hours or on the ‘high’ setting for 4 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and very tender.
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Approximately 30 minutes before you plan to serve, use two forks to shred the cooked chicken directly in the crock pot. Once shredded, stir in the can of evaporated milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Allow the gravy to warm through and thicken slightly for about 15-20 minutes.
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Meanwhile, prepare your white rice or chosen grain, and arrange all your desired Hawaiian Haystacks toppings in separate bowls for a self-serve bar.
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To serve, spoon the creamy chicken mixture over a bed of hot, cooked rice. Let everyone customize their dish with their favorite toppings. Enjoy your homemade Hawaiian Haystacks!
Notes
For an enhanced Italian flavor, consider adding an additional 1/2 teaspoon of regular Italian seasoning to the crock pot along with the Italian dressing mix.
Store leftover Hawaiian Haystacks gravy, rice, and toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days. Storing them individually helps maintain freshness and texture.
This slow cooker gravy freezes exceptionally well. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe zip-top bags. Lay the bags flat in the fridge to chill further before moving them to the freezer. The sauce will remain fresh in the freezer for 1-2 months. To thaw, simply place the frozen bag in the refrigerator the night before you intend to use it for dinner. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
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