Ditch the soup cans and crispy chow mein noodles, this homemade Hawaiian Haystacks recipe is the ultimate version of the classic! Made with a creamy from-scratch chicken sauce and layered with rice, fresh toppings, and plenty of flavor, these haystacks are a family favorite you’ll want on repeat.
Easy to customize, fun to serve, and perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd, this is Hawaiian Haystacks done right.
Alright, alright! I’m clearly not in Washington anymore, Toto. I’ve lived in Utah for well over a decade now, and Utah loves food and family—and you better get on board or risk being an outcast…ha! A Hawaiian haystack, also known as a “chicken sundae,” is a convenience dish with a rice base topped with chicken gravy, diced pineapple, tomatoes, Chinese noodles, cheese, and really whatever you want for a topping.
When we first moved here, we learned about Funeral Potatoes—a cheesy potato casserole with a terrible name. Then there’s the Swig cookie debate (I don’t do cold cookies), Navajo Tacos and Cafe Rio Sweet Pork, Cafe Rio Chicken, Cafe Rio Cilantro Lime Rice, Magleby’s Buttermilk syrup, and Waffle Love Copycat. Utah loves to be social and eat. I mentioned at a Relief Society meeting (a meeting with the women of our church congregation) that I’d never had Hawaiian Haystacks, and I swear fiery darts shot from everyone’s eyeballs.
Ingredients For Hawaiian Haystacks
Hawaiian haystacks are all about layering flavors and textures, and the right ingredients make all the difference. Gather everything before you start, and you’ll be ready to build these classic Utah comfort-food stacks that are perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any casual gathering.
Base & Sauce
- Butter: Melted to create the base of the sauce
- Garlic: Whisked in for flavor
- Flour: Cooked with butter and garlic to form a roux
- Salt: Seasons the sauce
- Fresh Black Pepper: Adds a mild spice and depth
- Onion Powder: Enhances savory flavor
- Sour Cream: Stirred in to add creaminess and tang
- Lemon Juice
Our 30-minute one-pan Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice dinner is packed with so much flavor you’ll be shocked by how easy it is! This healthy Mediterranean recipe uses lemon rice, chicken, spinach, grape tomatoes, feta cheese, and classic Greek spices. It’s an easy, one-skillet chicken and rice recipe that is healthy, gluten-free, high-protein, a great source of fiber, and can be easily made dairy-free.
My family said that this One Pan Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is the best chicken and rice recipe they’ve ever had, and we hope you love it too!
Ingredients for Greek Chicken and Rice
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful Greek Chicken and Rice dish. Most of these ingredients are pantry or fridge staples, making it easy to pull together any night of the week.
Greek Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy, flavorful dark meat that stays tender and moist during cooking.
- Dried Oregano: A staple Mediterranean herb with earthy, slightly peppery notes.
- Dried Thyme: Adds a warm, woodsy flavor that complements the other herbs.
- Paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the dish.
- Garlic Powder: A quick way to add mellow, savory garlic flavor throughout.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and rice.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle kick of heat to balance the lemon and herbs.
Carrian’s Notes
I love the look and flavor of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts, but they take much longer to cook. For this recipe, I don’t recommend using them to keep things quick and easy.
Greek Lemon Rice
- Olive Oil: Used to sauté and add richness to the rice and toppings.
- Grape Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy bursts of flavor that roast beautifully.
- Garlic: Freshly min