1-First: prepare all ingredients by cutting the chicken into bite-size pieces, chopping vegetables, and measuring sauces and seasonings.

2-Second: in a bowl, mix cornstarch with the chicken pieces for a light coating that helps crisp the chicken when cooked.

3-Third: heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

4-Fourth: remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, sauté garlic, onions, and bell peppers until tender, about 3-4 minutes.

5-Fifth: add pineapple chunks, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and brown sugar to the skillet, then stir and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. The sauce includes ¼ cup fresh pineapple juice and 2 cloves minced garlic for that extra zing.

6-Sixth: return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together to coat it well, cooking for another 2 minutes.

7-Seventh: adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. For those watching their diet, adaptations include substituting chicken with tofu for vegan options or using tamari for gluten-free versions. Remember, the nutritional info per serving shows 391 calories, 41g carbs, and 32g protein, making it a balanced choice.

Substeps for Sauce Preparation: To make the sauce from scratch, combine ¼ cup fresh pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons ketchup, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a small saucepan. For more on pineapple benefits, read about health benefits of pineapple, which explains how it adds both flavor and nutrients.