Let’s transform these ingredients into a dish that’s both comforting and delicious.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a consistent cooking temperature.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it in a baking dish. Set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple chunks, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, allowing the brown sugar to dissolve and the flavors to meld, about 2-3 minutes.
6. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour this into the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.
7. Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts in the baking dish, ensuring they are well-coated.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
9. If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top before serving for a hint of heat.

Cooking is an art, and like my abuela always said, it’s about feeling the flavors and trusting your instincts.