As a kid, I was mesmerized by Uncle Ben's pineapple sauce, likely captivated by its colorful commercials. But as time passed, I started to avoid such store-bought sauces, wary of their preservatives for years. 

However, a nostalgic sighting of Uncle Ben's Pineapple Sauce jar last year sparked a desire for a culinary experiment to recreate it with natural ingredients. For that, I drew inspiration from a Hawaiian chicken marinade. 

The outcome was a delightful fusion of flavors, perfectly paired with irresistible coconut rice. In other words, the result was a dish that we kept repeating and, therefore, decided to share it with you.

So, without further ado, here's how to bring this colorful and flavorful meal to your table.

How to Make Coconut Rice:

• ‍Start with the Rice: Sauté one onion in a tablespoon of coconut butter over low heat for 5-6 minutes. Add 10g of desiccated coconut and cook for an additional 2 minutes.‍
• Cooking the Rice: Add 200g of basmati rice, one can of coconut milk, 200ml of water, and salt to taste. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.

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• Finishing Touches: Remove from heat and sprinkle with the juice of half a lime and grated lime zest.

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• Stir, cover, and let it sit for another 15 minutes.

Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Recipe:

• ‍Pineapple Sauce for Chicken: In a bowl, mix pineapple juice from the canned pineapple, 50ml water, 25ml soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, one grated garlic clove, one inch of grated ginger, and chili flakes to taste.

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• ‍Marinating the Chicken: Cut two chicken breasts into cubes and season with salt, pepper, paprika, 1 tablespoon of rum, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Marinate for at least 10-15 minutes.‍
• Cooking the Chicken: Heat a pan on medium heat and cook the chicken. Add diced onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Then, add half a red, yellow, and green bell pepper, diced celery stick, and pineapple chunks from the can, and cook for 3-4 minutes.

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• Add the sauce and cook for 5 minutes.‍
• Thickening the Sauce: Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until dissolved and pour into the pan.

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• Cook on low heat until the sauce thickens.

To Serve: Layer the sticky pineapple chicken over the basmati coconut rice. Then, garnish with green onions, chili, and ginger.

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Nutritious Aspects and Origins:

Coconut rice, a staple in various cuisines, brings a creamy, rich texture to the dish. Naturally, its origins trace back to tropical regions where coconuts are abundant. 

On the other hand, pineapple chicken, often found in Hawaiian and Asian recipes, adds a sweet and tangy flavor. 

Combining them together, you should also be aware of the fact that, this dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also provides a nutritious mix of proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. The full nutritious facts are available below.

Frequently Asked Questions:

As always, let's check some very asked questions in regards to this dish

Q: What does coconut rice taste like? 

A: Coconut rice is creamy and subtly sweet, with a rich coconut flavor.

Q: Is coconut rice keto? 

A: Traditional coconut rice is not keto-friendly due to its high carb content.

Q: What is coconut rice? 

A: Coconut rice is a dish made by cooking rice with coconut milk and sometimes additional coconut flavorings.

Q: Is coconut rice healthy? 

A: Coconut rice can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation and made with minimal added sugars.

Q: How to make pineapple chicken sauce? 

A: Combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.

Q: What goes with pineapple chicken? 

A: It pairs well with coconut rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Q: Is pineapple chicken healthy? 

A: Pineapple chicken can be healthy if made with lean chicken and controlled portions of sauce.

Conclusion

This being said, I hope you will embark on a culinary journey with this Hawaiian-inspired dish that promises a delightful medley of flavors. 

Because truth be told, this sticky pineapple chicken paired with creamy coconut rice is not just a meal but an experience. Test out this recipe and share your tropical culinary adventure with us!