Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry with Mushrooms

This vibrant stir-fry combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and earthy mushrooms, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The dish is enhanced with a savory soy sauce and ginger marinade, making it a quick and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week. It's also beginner-friendly and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or button mushrooms work well)
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger to create the marinade. Add the sliced chicken and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté the onions and bell pepper until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms and pineapple to the skillet, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing everything together. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.