Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 inch uniform cubes
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
- 0.5 fresh lemon
Instructions:
- Pat the 1.5 lbs chicken cubes completely dry with paper towels. Note: Surface moisture is the enemy of a crispy sear.
- Toss the chicken in a bowl with 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika until evenly coated in a red hue.
- Heat a large skillet with 2 tbsp avocado oil over medium high heat until the oil shimmers and barely smokes.
- Place chicken in the pan in a single layer, ensuring no pieces touch. Note: Work in batches if your pan is too small.
- Sear for 3 minutes without moving them until a deep brown crust forms on the bottom.
- Flip the pieces and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken feels firm to the touch.
- Reduce heat to medium low and add 4 tbsp cold unsalted butter and 6 cloves minced garlic.
- Spoon the melting butter over the chicken for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and golden.
- Squeeze 0.5 lemon over the pan and sprinkle 1 tbsp parsley until the sauce looks glossy and thick.
- Remove from heat immediately to prevent the chicken from drying out.