Here's a simple and delicious recipe for Easy Pineapple Chicken Skillet that serves 4-6 people:
**Required Ingredients:**
* 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
* 1/2 cup bell pepper, sliced
* 1/2 cup onion, sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon olive oil
* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
**Cooking Steps:**
1. **Heat the Oil and Cook the Chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. **Soften the Veggies:** Reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced bell pepper and onion to the skillet. Cook until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
3. **Add the Pineapple and Spices:** Stir in the pineapple chunks, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ground ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the pineapple is tender and the sauce is bubbly.
4. **Return the Chicken:** Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to coat with the pineapple sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is slightly thickened.
5. **Season and Serve:** Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
**Tips for Better Cooking Technique:**
* **Browning the Chicken:** Make sure to cook the chicken until it's browned on all sides, as this will enhance the flavor and texture.
* **Softening the Veggies:** Don't overcook the bell pepper and onion – they should still retain some crunch.
* **Coating the Chicken:** Make sure the chicken is fully coated with the pineapple sauce to get the best flavor.
* **Adjusting the Spices:** Taste the dish as you go and adjust the amount of soy sauce, brown sugar, or ginger to your liking.
**Variations to Try:**
* **Add Some Heat:** Introduce some heat by adding diced jalapeƱos or red pepper flakes to the skillet.
* **Mango Magic:** Replace the pineapple with diced mango for a sweet and tangy twist.
* **Bacon Bonus:** Add 4-6 slices of cooked bacon to the skillet with the chicken for a smoky flavor.
* **Nutty Crunch:** Add some toasted chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or pecans) to the skillet with the vegetables for added crunch.
* **Sriracha Kick:** Replace the soy sauce with sriracha sauce for a spicy and tangy flavor.
Enjoy your delicious and easy Pineapple Chicken Skillet!