1tablespooncanola oilor other neutral cooking oil, divided
2red bell pepperscut into 1-inch chunks
1(8-ounce) can water chestnutsdrained
¼cupchopped green onionsabout 2, plus additional for serving
1 ½teaspoonssesame seeds
Prepared brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
Instructions
Place the chicken in a bowl and toss with the salt and pepper. Set aside.
Drain the juice from the pineapple cans into a large liquid measuring cup with a spout (you should have about 2/3 cup juice). Whisk in the soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set near the stove.
Heat 1/2 tablespoon of the oil in a large, deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot and shimmering, add the chicken. Cook on all sides until it’s light golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove to a plate.
Heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil in the skillet. Add the bell peppers and pineapple chunks from the cans. Cook until the peppers are crisp-tender and likely blistered in a few places, about 5 minutes.
Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the water chestnuts. Pour the sauce over the top and stir to coat. Let cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is reduced and everything is wonderfully coated and sticky—1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the green onions and sesame seeds. Taste and add additional salt or soy sauce, so that it is seasoned to your liking. Enjoy hot with rice and an additional sprinkle of green onions.
Notes
TO STORE: Refrigerate leftover pineapple chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
TO FREEZE: Freeze pineapple chicken in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating according to the instructions above.