Cut up chicken, wash, and season with everything except oil, soy sauce, water and pineapple. Marinade 1-2 hours.

Heat a deep pot on medium-high heat, add oil, when hot, add chicken pieces one at a time in a single layer cooking only a few pieces at a time. Brown on each side.

Remove pieces from the pot as they get brown. When all pieces are brown, place all chicken back in pot with seasonings from bowl, soy sauce, and water.

Cover and cook down on medium heat for about half an hour, checking and stirring every couple minutes in between. Add a small amount of water if needed.

If adding pineapples, add in last 5 minutes.