For best results, give the chicken wingettes at least half an hour to soak up the flavors of the salt, pepper and chili flakes that they are tossed in.If using fresh coconut water, make sure it comes from a young coconut. The water from mature coconuts is no good at all. If using coconut water from a can or carton, check that it is unsweetened. You just want the subtle sweetness of pure coconut water.To make additional oil unnecessary, use a non-stick frying pan large enough to hold the wingettes in a single layer.
Wipe the chicken wingettes dry with a kitchen towel and place in a mixing bowl.
Add the salt, pepper, grated ginger and half of the chili flakes.
Toss the chicken with the seasonings, cover the bowl and stick in the fridge for at least half an hour.
Set a non-stick frying pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high.
While the pan is still warming up, arrange the chicken wingettes, skin side down, in a single layer.
Leave until the skins are lightly browned and a little fat has been rendered.
Flip the wingettes over and leave to brown the opposite sides for a minute or so.
Scatter the pineapple chunks around the between the wingettes.
Pour in the coconut water and bring to the boil.
Lower the heat, cover the pan and simmer the chicken with the pineapple chunks until done and the liquid has been reduced to half.
Stir the starch in a tablespoon of water, a teaspoon of soy sauce with the remaining half of the chili flakes, and drizzle over the chicken the pineapple chunks.
Cook, stirring, until the sauce is thick and clear.
Taste and adjust the seasonings, if needed, before serving.
Notes
Although you may add more salt if seasoning needs adjustment, a teaspoon of soy sauce gives the dish better color and depth of flavor.