Grilled Chicken Thighs with a Smoky Charred Leek Sauce

Use that grill for every part of dinner! By charring these leeks, you bring a beautiful flavor to this sauce that’s perfect over…everything!

Efficiency is key. When I get that grill fired up, this is about as exciting to me as a one-pot meal (or clean sheets, or fresh cut flowers in the bathroom….it’s up there). What this means: minimal clean-up after the meal, and that great grilled flavor! The char flavor is a key component of the sauce, so heating the grill seems like a necessary aspect of the dish. A great added bonus is to cook the rest of the meal at the same time! While many will challenge me from a health standpoint…I say treat the star here as that chicken skin. There is something about that salty crackle that just pulls this whole meal together!

An unlikely pair. I was a little skeptical in trying a sauce with leeks but knew I was aiming for a blended method of cooking. It was very recently that I stumbled upon smoked paprika, and this has quickly become a kitchen ingredient I am playing with in everything! The sweet onion like flavor of the leek fades to the grill and more char is present, which normally I may not prefer, but with this smoked paprika, the result is almost a barbeque type sauce. Truth be told, I found myself using the rest of this sauce as a dip for chips and veggies the next day!

Are you looking for more ways to cook with leeks? Try out these other dishes:

Creamed Turnip and Leek Soup

Roasted Winter Vegetables with a Spicy Soy Balsamic Glaze

Summer is here and I am LOVING trying out these seasonal ingredients in my kitchen! Follow along as I search for farmers markets and fun ways to cook creatively with what the week produces!

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Grilled Chicken Thighs with a Smoky Charred Leek Sauce

Hannah

Use that grill for every part of dinner! By charring these leeks, you bring a beautiful flavor to this sauce that's perfect over…everything!

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Servings 2

Equipment

• Grill
• Food Processor or blender
• Kitchen knife
• Tin Foil or grill basket

Ingredients

  

• 2-4 medium Leeks
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper
• 1 tbsp Sour Cream
• 1 tbsp Mayo
• 1/4 squeezed Lemon
• 1 clove Garlic
• 2 tsp Olive Oil
• 1/2-3/4 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 sprig Fresh Parsley
• 4 medium Skin on Chicken Thighs
• 3 cups Brussel Sprouts

Instructions

 

• Preheat your grill.
• Take the leeks and clean well, between each layer. Massage with olive oil, salt and pepper and place on the grill to char, flipping occasionally. Remove and set aside to cool.
• In the food processor, combine mayo, sour cream, lemon, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic and smoked paprika.
• Cut the leeks into 1-2 inch pieces and add to the food processor. Blend until combined. Splash a bit of warm water if needed to make a desired sauce consistency.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, and scoop into a serving container. Set aside.
• Using the already preheated grill, add the chicken thighs, skin side down, to get a crispy outer layer. Continue to flip until cooked thoroughly.
• Clean and slice brussel sprouts and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Using your grill basket, cook these alongside the chicken.
• When all is done, serve with a dollop of the charred leek sauce on top. Enjoy!