WINE & FOOD AFFAIR RECIPES

Main Dish


BBQ Chicken Thighs with Southdown Zinfandel

Truett Hurst Winery

428 Hudson Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448
truetthurst.com

Marinated and juicy BBQ chicken thighs are elevated with a rich, smoky-sweet barbecue sauce crafted with Truett Hurst Southdown Zinfandel. The wine adds layers of ripe berry flavor, subtle spice, and depth to the sauce, creating the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet notes. Served alongside creamy polenta cakes, this dish brings together comforting textures and bold flavors.

Chicken Thigh Marinade

Ingredients:
  • 3 1/2 lbs boneless chicken thighs rinsed and dried
  • 2 lemons zested and juiced
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 4 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
Section Directions:
Method
Mix all of the ingredients together-place chicken in a large ziplock bag, pour marinade over the chicken.  Mix well and let marinate for 24 hours.  When ready to grill, fire up the barbecue, cook the chicken and when it's almost ready, baste the chicken with half the sauce.  Place the remaining marinade in a saucepan and simmer until it reduces by 1/3.  Use the rest of the sauce for dipping or spooning over the cooked and plated chicken.

Southdown Zinfandel BBQ Sauce

Ingredients:
  • 31/2 cups ketchup
  • 11/2 cups Truett Hurst Southdown Zinfandel
  • 2 shallots diced
  • 5 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons butter
Section Directions:
In a small saucepan on medium heat, melt butter and add shallots and minced garlic.  Stir gently for 8-10 minutes until translucent.  Add the Truett Hurst Southdown Zinfandel and reduce by half.  Add ketchup, smoked paprika, honey and brown sugar.  Lightly simmer for 20 minutes.  Salt and pepper to taste.

Creamy Polenta Cakes

Ingredients:
  • 31/2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup half and half
  • 3 tablespoons garlic minced
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels
  • 1 cup polenta
Section Directions:
In a small saucepan combine the water, half and half and garlic and bring to a simmer.  Add the polenta and turn the burner on low.  Continue to stir for about 20-25 minutes until the polenta has thickened and has a creamy texture.  Add the butter and the corn kernels.  Season with salt and pepper.  At this point, you may either serve immediately or if you would like to serve as polenta cakes, you can pour the mixture into a small sheet pan or tray and refrigerate overnight,  Once the polenta is cooled you may cut into squares and pan sear or grill on lightly oiled foil on the BBQ.

Truett Hurst Winery

428 Hudson Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448
truetthurst.com