Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Haystacks combine tender chicken, creamy gravy, hot rice, and fun toppings for a family-friendly dinner everyone can customize.
I love recipes that make dinner feel easy, and this Hawaiian Haystacks recipe has become one of those dependable meals I come back to again and again.
With three slow cookers in my kitchen, it's pretty common for at least one of them to be working while I tackle the rest of the day.
A friend first shared this recipe with me, and I couldn't believe how a handful of simple ingredients turned into such a comforting meal.
The creamy chicken gravy, fluffy rice, and endless topping options make it a family favorite that's just as perfect for busy weeknights as it is for potlucks.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe is wonderfully simple to prepare, thanks to the slow cooker doing most of the work. The shredded chicken cooks until it's tender and soaks up every bit of the creamy chicken sauce, creating a rich, flavorful base for your haystack.
Everyone can build their own bowl with the toppings they love, making it an easy way to satisfy both adventurous eaters and picky ones.
It's also a great recipe to keep warm in the crockpot for family members who eat at different times.
Ingredients
See the recipe card below for measurements and instructions.
Chicken
- Chicken Breasts
- Cream of Chicken Soup
- Garlic Powder
- Seasoning Salt
- Pepper
- Rice
Optional Toppings
- Chow Mein Noodles
- Green Onions
- Olives
- Shredded Cheese
- Pineapple
- Mandarin Oranges
One of the reasons I love this recipe is that the ingredient list is short yet full of savory flavor. I usually use canned soup because it's quick and convenient on busy days, but if your family prefers cooking from scratch, homemade cream of chicken soup works just as well.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts become incredibly tender after several hours in the slow cooker, making them easy to shred. If you're short on time, you can substitute rotisserie chicken and prepare the chicken sauce on the stovetop in a saucepan over medium heat instead.
Hot white rice is the traditional base for Hawaiian Haystacks, but brown rice is another delicious option if you prefer whole grains.
Favorite Topping Ideas
One of the best parts of Hawaiian Haystacks is making each bowl your own.
My family always reaches for crunchy chow mein noodles, shredded cheddar cheese, green onion, sliced olives, pineapple, and mandarin oranges.
If you want to add even more variety, try diced tomatoes, peas, shredded carrots, chopped celery, bell peppers, toasted coconut, or a dollop of sour cream.
Fresh pineapple adds wonderful flavor when it's in season, but canned pineapple chunks work perfectly too.
Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Haystacks Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 Chicken Breasts boneless, shredded
- 3 cans Condendsed Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Seasoning Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
For Serving
- 6 cups Cooked White Rice
Optional Toppings
- Chow Mein Noodles
- Cheddar Cheese shredded
- Green Onions sliced
- Black Olives sliced
- Pineapple diced
- Mandarin Orange Segments
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Season both sides with the garlic powder, seasoned salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the cream of chicken soup over the chicken, making sure the chicken is completely covered.
- Cover with the lid and cook on Low for 8 hours or on High for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- About 15 minutes before serving, cook the rice according to the package directions and prepare any desired toppings.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large bowl. Shred the chicken using two forks or the paddle attachment of a stand mixer.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir until it is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Spoon the chicken mixture over cooked rice and let everyone customize their Hawaiian Haystacks with their favorite toppings.
Nutrition
Tips for Success
Allow the chicken plenty of time to cook until it's easy to shred with two forks. After shredding, stir the chicken back into the creamy gravy and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb even more flavor.
If the sauce seems a little thicker than you'd like after cooking, simply stir in a small splash of chicken broth or milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.
This recipe is also easy to scale. A good rule of thumb is to use 1 can of cream of chicken soup per chicken breast, whether you're making a smaller or larger batch.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken and sauce separately from the rice and toppings whenever possible. Place the chicken mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
The chicken sauce also freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Warm leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If needed, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as it reheats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Skip the slow cooking and simply prepare the chicken gravy on the stovetop, then stir in shredded rotisserie chicken until heated through.
Absolutely. Homemade cream of chicken soup works wonderfully if you prefer not to use canned soup.
We serve Hawaiian Haystacks over white rice, but brown rice is another great option.
Yes. The chicken mixture reheats beautifully, making it a great meal prep recipe for busy weeks.
The chicken and sauce freeze very well. I recommend freezing only the chicken mixture and preparing fresh rice and toppings when you're ready to serve.
Need Help With This Recipe?
Click a button below to ask the AI which toppings pair well with Hawaiian Haystacks.
More Slow Cooker Recipes
If your slow cooker is one of your favorite kitchen tools too, you'll love these easy recipes that make dinner simple while filling your home with delicious aromas.
Hi, I'm Katie!
I'm so glad you're here. Want to make something fabulous? I'm here to help!
Katie Adams
I love to make roast in a slow cooker. Super easy and it always turns out really moist and just falls apart. Yum!
Laurie
I'm becoming re-acquainted with my slow cooker 🙂 Your recipe sure looks tempting. Pinning to share. Thank you for linking up with us at Snickerdoodle Sunday and sharing your recipe with us. Have a wonderful week!
~Laurie
Katrina B.
I want to try a Red Beans and Rice with Kielbasa recipe, would love to win the slow cooker! Thank you for contest.
Wehaf
I would love to make a lemon roast chicken!
Nancy Loring
I would like to try and make pulled pork which is one of my favorite meals.
Cindy Brandon
pork tenderloin make it into pulled pork for sandwiches yummy!!
Casie Kersey
I'd love to make a pot roast in the slow cooker!
Ronda
I would love to make some roasts, chicken and soups.
Jenna H
I would love to make cheesy broccoli soup. Also I would love to try some dessert recipes in here too...maybe apple crisp?!
Regina
I would make chili, but I think I would start out by making the recipe you posted first.
Laura Avery
I would love to make a roast with potatoes and carrots 🙂
Trudy
I want to make chili in the slow cooker.
Candace M
I want to make pulled pork.
Cami Valenzuela
I'd love to make a Mississippi pot roast.. this looks delicious
allyson tice
I would love to make slow cooker chicken lasagna!
Lauryn R
I would love to try your recipe, it sounds delicious!
Martha Codi Roberts
I'd like to make pulled chicken with salsa and cheese.
Diana
I would make BBQ pulled pork sandwiches. Thanks.
Brook
I would love to try the recipe for haystacks you posted here! I would also love making Creamy Italian Chicken, BBQ chicken, and Pork for burritos in it 🙂
Marija
I'd like to make pulled pork for tacos.
MaryAnn
I want to make taco soup
Tara
We still have a ton of apples left from our apple orchard. I'd use the slow cooker to make apple sauce! So much easier than cooking it on the stove.
amber.m
Oh man, that crockpot is cool! I love the lid! I want one!
Also, that food.... YUM!
Donna L
I would like to make beef stew.
Shaylin S.
I would make Italian Beef!
lindsey gain
I would definitely be making some yummy winter soups!
Sarah Hall
I would love to make a pot roast with carrots and potatoes in gravy.
Brooke @ Blushing Noir
I use my slow cooker constantly! It's been a life saver. I'm always on the look out for new recipes so I'm saving this one!
Sheila K.
I'll make turkey chili in the slow cooker!
Brenda Haines
I want to make a Mississippi Mud Roast, thanks for the chance!
MCkenzie
I really loved reading all of the delicious looking recipes on your blog. It looks amazing, especially the slow-cooker chicken 🙂
Lynzy
I've never heard of this but it looks delicious!
Patty s.
I love making carnitas in my crockpot. Super easy and makes a ton of shredded meat!
natasha lamoreux
Its the time of year for pot roast and vegtables. Thats what i would make.
Eugenia
I love crock pot meals!! SO easy and yummy!
Darlene Owen
I would make white chili in the pot.
Diane L.
I would love to make hot soups in my slow cooker on these cold winter evenings. Thank you!
wen budro
I would love to try making some barbecued pulled pork for sandwiches.
Kate K (My Mommy Brain)
Love my crock pot! I'm always looking out for new recipes.
Jennifer Boehme
I want to try lasagna or meatloaf. But will be able to try new recipes.
STEPHANIE MCFARLAND
i want to make it all. i sleep during dinner because of my work schedule. it would be perfect to have meals ready for my husband and boys
Aaron
I would like to make chicken thighs.
chrissy @ the pearl blogr
this recipe is added to my meal plan this week and I am hoping to win that crock pot!
Dominique
I love making chicken and dumplings! And pasta sauce. And beef stroganoff. Well.. everything basically lol. Crock pot is life. Set it and forget it!
Sandy a la Mode
you had me at slow cooker! i love slow cooker recipes!! so quick and simple!
xo,
Sandy
Jenn Scott
BBQ chicken sandwiches!! YUM.
tina kelly
I think i want to cook a roast for some good sandwiches.
Kendra
This looks like a great weekend meal!
Breanna Pollard
I hope to make some soup.
Sarah Halstead
That looks good. I would make chili.
Thuy Vu
I would make pulled barbeque pork sandwiches
Kelly McGrew
i would make white chicken chili!
aNNA
Winter is knocking on my door. This crockpot would be so welcome in my kitchen.
Courtney
chicken noodle soup!
Carly
Oh my gosh, these look AMAZING!
Julie
I'd like to make a chicken soup with it.
Trish
I want to make pot roast
Sarah Cool
I would love to make slow cooker chicken curry
Jessica Miller
I would like to make Chili and soups.
Lynn @ TDHGP
I have a new recipe for White Chicken Chili Chowder that would be perfect for this crockpot. I love that I can take it with me without spills.
Holly Mitkowski
I want to make vegan chili!
Ashley t
I would love to make chili and chicken and dumplings
Kelli Taylor
I'd make some chicken to shred up for tacos!
Nicole Sender
I'd like to try your recipe for Hawaiian haystacks! Sounds so good.
Austin Baroudi
Beef stew and chili!
Lee
I love my slowcooker. This one is even cooler though...bringing it to my in laws without spilling the contents all over the car sounds amazing
allison
I would love making my white chili in this! Thanks so much for the chances to win.
MARY M.
I would like to cook a pork roast because the meat gets so tender when cooked in a slow cooker.
Tracie Cooper
I would love to make chili con carne!
Patricia Delgado
Chili or stew would be nice to make!
Sahana
Looks Delicious. Thank you for sharing with us at #HomeMattersParty. Happy Thanksgiving from Home Matters family 🙂