Hawaiian Haystacks With Brown Rice

If you were to ask my mother what meal I requested most as a child, she would quickly answer, “Hawaiian Haystacks.”  On almost every birthday Hawaiian Haystacks were my special meal request.  I would have eaten them every week if I could have talked my mom into making them a more regular part of her dinner line up, but she always said, “It’s too much work.”  Hogwash!

If you have a rice cooker or a package of minute rice in your pantry and some precooked chicken in your freezer this meal can come together in a matter of minutes. Perfect for those busy soccer/piano lesson nights. Catch me after the jump for this quick and easy recipe….

I am always looking for ways to add just a little more nutrition into my kids’ favorite meals. Brown Rice is the perfect way to get an extra dose of fiber and a titch more protein into their tummies. The best part is the nutty flavor of the brown rice enhances the taste and my kids don’t even notice. (Que Evil Laugh)

Hawaiian Haystacks With Brown Rice

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:
1 10.5 oz can Cream of Chicken Soup + 1 can of water
1 tsp chicken bullion, or 1 small cube chicken bullion
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1-2 cups shredded or cubed chicken, cooked
1/4 cup sour cream
Pinch of ground black pepper
4-6 cups brown rice, cooked

Toppings: shredded cheese, thinly sliced celery, diced tomato, pineapple tidbits, green onions, slivered almonds, olives, chow mien noodles, soy sauce. (These are our families favorite toppings)

Other toppings you may want to try: mandarin oranges, cashews, coconut flakes, diced green pepper, or craisins.

Directions:

• In a sauce pan combine cream of chicken soup, water, bullion, lemon juice, chicken and pepper.
• Bring to a low simmer and allow to simmer 2-3 minutes. Add sour cream.
• Serve over rice and top with your favorite toppings.

I like to put the cheese on top of the rice and then pour the gravy on top of the cheese. The cheese gets nice and melted. I have actually heard that some people do not eat their haystacks with soy sauce. (gasp) Knowing this pains me. In my opinion the soy sauce on top is one of the most important ingredients. (I like Lachoy)

Hawaiian Haystacks are one of my all time favorite meals and the number 2 requested meal from my husband.  If you have never had them I know they sound strange, but trust me they are delicious, and if you have had them, give them a try with brown rice. You will love it!

Looking for more quick and easy ways with brown rice? Try these:

• Quick and Easy Ham Fried Rice – my kids LOVE this!
• Teriyaki Chicken Wraps – perfect for school lunch
• Honey Curry Chicken – I used white in this recipe, but you can switch it out for brown – and if you haven’t tried this recipe, to die for

It’s good to be back and can’t wait for you to see what I’ve been cooking up…let’s just say your Thanksgiving is going to rock :)

Happy Eating!

Maria

Tagged as: dinner