Hawaiian Haystacks

I originally got this recipe from my grandmother.  So I've loved this recipe for as long as I can remember.  A few years ago I made some changes to the original ingredients just for ease and convenience, so just a couple more changes make this delicious meal entirely pantry-friendly!

This is one of those recipes that always seemed to me a strange combination of ingredients, but you wouldn't believe how delicious it is.  Try it out!

HAWAIIAN HAYSTACKS

PREP TIME:  10-15 minutes
COOK TIME:  15-20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 3 c. uncooked rice
• 4 chicken gravy mix packets
• 4 c. cold water
• 1  1/2 c. freeze-dried chicken or two 12-oz. cans of chicken breast chunks, drained (For a while now, I've used freeze-dried every time I make this because it's so easy!)  (original recipe:  2 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped)
• 1/4 c. freeze-dried green onions (I love these things!  SO convenient!  I use them all the time in lots of recipes.)  (original recipe:  1/4 c. sliced green onions)
• 1 15-oz. can petite diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed (original recipe:  2 chopped tomatoes)
• freeze-dried grated cheese (I love this stuff--it's good even straight out of the can before rehydrating!)
• 1 bag chow mein noodles (I prefer rice noodles; pictured)
• 1 can pineapple tidbits
• slivered almonds

DIRECTIONS

Rehydrate the freeze-dried cheese according to package directions.  (Suggested on the package:  refrigerate for 2 hours before using.)  If using freeze-dried chicken, rehydrate it.  Otherwise, drain the cans of chicken.  Cook the rice according to package directions.  Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, whisk the gravy mixes with the water.  Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring often, then simmer on low 1 minute.  Remove from heat.  Add green onions and chicken, then cover with a lid to keep warm.  To make the haystacks, pile rice, cheese, chicken gravy, tomatoes, pineapple, almonds, and chow mein (or rice) noodles.    

Try this recipe, then comment and let me know how you like it!  And Pin it to Pinterest to save and share using the image below.

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