These Hawaiian haystacks for two are made with fluffy rice, a creamy homemade chicken gravy, and all the classic toppings, including pineapple, tomatoes, shredded cheese, coconut, and crunchy chow mein noodles.

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594 cal

If you grew up with Hawaiian Haystacks, you know the dish. A bed of rice, a creamy chicken gravy, and a pile of toppings everyone adds their own way. I already published a classic version of Hawaiian Haystacks here, but this one is different. This recipe makes just two servings, with 49 grams of protein and 594 calories per serving.

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Now that I’m cooking for two more often, I still want those familiar family meals, just without making enough food for eight people!

This version has everything I love about traditional Hawaiian haystacks, including a simple chicken gravy made from scratch instead of canned cream of chicken soup.

Why You’ll Love It

High protein: 49 grams of protein per serving thanks to the chicken, milk, and cheese.
Customizable: if your partner eats more than you, just double their rice or pile on extra toppings. Everyone gets the plate they want.
Uses leftover chicken: rotisserie chicken, grilled thighs, or leftover breasts all work.
Fun to eat: a build-your-own dinner that feels like a special night in.
No week of leftovers: made for two, finished in one meal. No big pot of gravy that will go down the drain.

bowls of ingredients and toppings for hawaiian haystacks on a kitchen countertop

Despite the name, Hawaiian haystacks are generally considered a mainland American dish rather than a traditional Hawaiian recipe. They’re especially familiar to families in Utah and other parts of the western United States.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Haystacks for Two

Here is a summary of what you’ll need for this recipe. Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.

Chicken and Sauce

Cooked chicken thighs or breasts, chopped or shredded
Butter
Flour
Chicken broth
Milk
Cooked rice

Toppings

Pineapple, chopped
Cherry tomatoes, chopped
Coconut flakes
Cheddar cheese, shredded
Green onions, sliced
Chow mein noodles

Optional Toppings

Shredded carrots
Shredded lettuce
Peas

close up of hawaiian haystacks in a brown bowl with a fork

How to Make Hawaiian Haystacks for Two

Cook the rice according to the package directions. My preference is Basmanti white rice. But I also like Jasmine rice.
Make the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Slowly stir in the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly, until thick and creamy.
Add the chicken. Stir the cooked chicken into the sauce and heat through.
Build your haystacks. Divide the rice between two plates or bowls. Top with the creamy chicken, then pile on the pineapple, tomatoes, coconut, cheese, green onions, and chow mein noodles.

Nutrition Per Serving

Calories: 594
Protein: 49 g
Carbs: 53 g
Fat: 20 g

Nutrition includes the main toppings but not the optional ones. Extra rice or toppings will change the numbers.

Tips and Variations

Season the sauce: a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder makes the gravy shine.
Lump-free gravy: add the broth and milk slowly while whisking. If it gets too thick, splash in a little more milk.
Make it lighter: use skim milk and low-sodium broth, or swap half the rice for cauliflower rice.
Use leftover rice: day-old rice reheats perfectly and saves a step.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Although this recipe is designed for two servings, you can prepare the chicken gravy ahead of time.

Store the chicken gravy and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days, provided the cooked ingredients have been handled and refrigerated safely.

Reheat the chicken gravy in a saucepan or microwave until steaming hot and it reaches 165°F. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened.

Keep fresh toppings separate until you’re ready to serve.

Want more meals for two! Check out my chicken fajitas for two as well as High protein chicken parmesan bowl.

Hawaiian Haystacks for Two

A classic family favorite sized just for two. Creamy chicken gravy over rice, piled high with pineapple, tomatoes, coconut, cheddar, green onions, and crunchy chow mein noodles. Easy to scale, with 49g of protein per serving.

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: hawaiian haystacks

Servings:

Calories: 594cal

Ingredients

8 ounce cooked chicken thighs or breasts
2 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoon flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 cup cooked rice

Toppings

2 slice pineapple chopped
8 small cherry tomatoes chopped
2 tablespoons coconut flakes
1 ounce cheddar cheese
1/4 cup green onions
5 grams chow mein noodles

Optional

Shredded carrots
Shredded lettuce
peas

Instructions

Heat butter over medium heat till melted. Add flour. Slowly stir in chicken broth and milk until thick and creamy. Add cooked chicken.
Cook rice according to package.
Top cooked rice with chicken and it’s sauce, and all the toppings including pineapple, tomatoes, coconut, cheese, green onions, and chow mein noodles.