Hi there, lovely readers! Today, I want to share an easy and delicious dinner recipe that’s perfect for these warm June evenings. This recipe has a special place in my heart because it reminds me of the time when my eldest son, Jake, scored the winning goal in his high school lacrosse game. We celebrated his victory with this delightful meal and it has since become a family favorite!

The secret ingredient for this dish is cornstarch, which gives the sauce a velvety texture that beautifully coats each and every bite. This dish is also great for busy weeknights, as it requires minimal prep and cooks up quickly. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the recipe!

**Sweet & Sour Chicken with Pineapple**

*Ingredients:*
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 green bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
– 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
– 1 small onion (cut into wedges)
– 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

*Sauce:*
– 3/4 cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple, if using)
– 1/3 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch

*Instructions:*

1. In a large ziplock bag, combine the chicken pieces and 1/4 cup cornstarch. Seal the bag and shake well to evenly coat the chicken.

2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the green and red bell peppers and onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened.

4. While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Make sure there are no lumps remaining.

5. Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

6. Add the cooked chicken and pineapple chunks back into the skillet and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.

7. Serve this delightful dish over rice or noodles and enjoy a fantastic meal with your family!

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your family as it does to mine. Remember to cherish these special moments spent around the dinner table with your loved ones. Happy cooking!