Ginger Pear Chicken

In the bag:
2 - 16 oz. cans pear halves in syrup (reserve syrup)
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. ground ginger
1 1/2 c. ginger ale
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
2 T. cornstarch
2 c. rice

From the kitchen:
4 chicken breasts (whole or cut in pieces)
1/2 c. water

Directions:
Sprinkle salt on chicken and brown in a skillet. In a separate bowl, combine 1 1/2 c. pear syrup, ginger ale, ginger, and brown sugar. Pour into skillet and simmer 20 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and place in 9 x 13 inch pan. Place pears in 9 x 13 with chicken. In a separate bowl, combine corn starch and water and add to liquid in skillet; cook over medium heat until thickened. Pour sauce over chicken and pears. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes or until chicken is done. Serve over cooked rice.