Some recipes stick around because they are fancy, and some stick around because they make busy weeknights so much easier. This creamy slow cooker version of Hawaiian haystacks definitely falls into the second category, and it has that comforting church-supper, family-table feel that makes people come back for seconds. My uncle brought this idea home from Salt Lake City years ago, and it is still one of those dependable dinners I make when I need something simple, filling, and kid-friendly with almost no fuss.
Serve this over hot white rice with plenty of crunchy chow mein noodles set out at the table so everyone can add their own. If you want to round it out a little more, steamed broccoli, a simple green salad, or some cut pineapple on the side all work well and keep dinner easy without taking away from the creamy chicken and rice.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Hawaiian Haystacks
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 lb raw chicken breasts
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
4 cups cooked white rice
1 can chow mein noodles
Directions
1. Place the raw chicken breasts in the slow cooker and spread the cream of chicken soup over the top to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, just until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Avoid cooking longer, since chicken breasts can dry out.
3. Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, mixing it into the soup as you go until it becomes a thick, creamy chicken gravy.
4. Stir in the sour cream at the end until smooth and fully combined. Meanwhile, prepare the white rice separately.
5. Spoon the creamy chicken mixture over hot cooked rice and top each serving with chow mein noodles right before eating so they stay crisp.
6. Serve right away.
Variations & Tips
Keep the noodles crunchy: The chow mein noodles are best added at the table instead of in the slow cooker. If they sit in the sauce too long, they soften quickly and you lose that classic crunchy topping.
Use chicken thighs if needed: If you prefer a slightly richer texture or need a little more flexibility on timing, boneless skinless chicken thighs can work well here and tend to stay moist a bit longer than breasts.
Make it a toppings bar: Even though this version keeps it to five ingredients, you can set out extras like diced pineapple, sliced green onions, shredded cheese, or toasted coconut for a more build-your-own dinner when you have a few extra minutes.
Meal prep tip: Cook the rice ahead of time and refrigerate it, then just reheat before serving. That makes this especially handy on a worknight when the slow cooker has already done most of the heavy lifting.