Use boneless, skinless breasts of even thickness. If over 1 inch thick, butterfly or pound to uniform thickness for faster, even cooking. Pat completely dry with paper towels — moisture kills a good sear. Season both sides generously with 1 tsp salt and pepper or your spice blend. Coat lightly with a high-heat oil (avocado or vegetable). Keep an Instant-Read Thermometer handy; target is 165°F.

Heat a heavy Skillet (cast iron or stainless) over medium-high. Add 1–2 tbsp high-heat oil and wait until it shimmers. Lay breasts away from you into the pan. Do not move them. Cook undisturbed 5–8 min on the first side until a deep golden-brown crust forms — if it resists lifting, it's not ready. Flip once and cook another 5–8 min. Drop heat to medium if the outside is browning too fast. Optional: add 1 tbsp butter in the last 2–3 min and baste. Total time: 10–16 min depending on thickness. Pull at 165°F internal temp.

While the wings bake, melt the 4 tbsp unsalted butter with the 2 tbsp olive oil in a small Saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the 5 cloves garlic minced and cook, stirring frequently, for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and just lightly golden — don't let it brown. Remove from heat and stir in the 1 tsp lemon juice freshly squeezed and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.

Peel and slice onions to about 1/8-inch thick — thin enough to cook quickly, thick enough to avoid scorching. Yellow or Spanish onions work best. Limit to 2 large onions per 12-inch Skillet to prevent steaming. Have your fat ready and keep a splash of water, broth, or wine nearby to deglaze if needed.

Heat a Skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add butter, oil, or a mix and let it shimmer. Add sliced onions in large handfuls, stirring for 1–2 minutes per batch until they begin to soften — this prevents overcrowding. Once all onions are in, season with a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring every few minutes, for 8–12 minutes total until soft, translucent, and lightly golden. To speed up softening, add 1/4 to ½ cup water or broth and cover; steam wilts the onions in a few minutes. Remove the lid once liquid evaporates and continue cooking uncovered. If the pan looks dry, deglaze with a splash of water, broth, or wine, scraping up any browned bits. Don't crank the heat — high heat burns the outside before the onions cook through.