Chicken is a versatile protein that can be prepared in endless ways. From fried chicken to chicken parmesan this meat is a staple in many households. While chicken tastes great on its own, adding cheese imparts a richness and creaminess that takes it to the next level. However with the dizzying array of cheeses available, it can be tricky to know which cheese pairs best with chicken. In this definitive guide, we’ll explore the nuances of chicken and cheese pairings to help you create mouthwatering chicken dishes.
The Art of Pairing Cheese and Chicken
Pairing cheese with chicken is an art form The chosen cheese should enhance the flavors of the chicken instead of overpowering them. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a cheese for chicken
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Cooking method – Frying, baking, grilling etc. interact differently with cheese. For example, an aged gouda works great with grilled chicken while brie shines when baked.
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Seasonings – Spices, marinades and rubs necessitate cheeses that complement or contrast with those flavors. A sharp cheddar balances barbecue chicken while a mild havarti harmonizes with lemon-herb chicken.
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Desired taste – Do you want an indulgent richness, sharp tanginess or smooth balance? Different cheeses provide diverse tasting experiences.
With these factors in mind, let’s explore some winning cheese and chicken pairings.
Soft Cheeses
Known for their velvety texture and mild flavor, soft cheeses pair beautifully with chicken.
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Brie – The buttery notes of brie complement chicken perfectly. Melt it over pan-fried or baked chicken breast for a luxurious pairing.
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Goat Cheese – Its tangy flavor contrasts rich chicken. Stuff goat cheese inside chicken breasts with herbs for a scrumptious bite.
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Cream Cheese – A kitchen staple, cream cheese enhances chicken’s flavors in pastas, dips and more without overpowering.
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Mascarpone – With its rich, slightly sweet flavor, mascarpone adds decadence to chicken in risottos, lasagnas and pastas.
Semi-Hard Cheeses
With a firm texture and bolder flavor, semi-hard cheeses stand up well to chicken.
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Monterey Jack – With its mild, creamy flavor, Monterey Jack wins as the most versatile cheese for chicken. Melt it over anything!
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Havarti – This buttery, slightly sweet cheese complements chicken’s savoriness in sandwiches, grilled cheese etc.
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Provolone – Its mild tanginess accents Italian chicken dishes like chicken parmesan and chicken paninis.
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Gouda – Especially smoked gouda, the deep, nutty caramel notes add complexity to chicken pot pies, casseroles and more.
Hard Cheeses
Boasting intense flavor and crumbly texture, hard cheeses pack a punch with chicken. Use them judiciously.
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Parmesan – This salty, savory cheese enhances chicken parmesan, chicken pasta and salads without overpowering.
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Asiago – With a sharp, nutty zing, Asiago adds flair when grated over chicken or baked in gratins.
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Cheddar – Sharp cheddar contrasts rich chicken but use sparingly as the flavor can overwhelm delicate chicken.
Best Cheeses for Popular Chicken Dishes
Beyond the basics, let’s explore cheeses tailored to specific chicken preparations:
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Chicken Parmesan – Parmesan, mozzarella, provolone
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Chicken Enchiladas – Monterey jack, cheddar, Mexican blend
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Chicken Salad – Feta, goat, blue cheese crumbles
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Chicken Sandwiches – Cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack
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Chicken Pizza – Mozzarella, feta, brie
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Chicken Alfredo – Parmesan, Asiago, Romano
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Buffalo Chicken Dip – Blue cheese, cheddar, cream cheese
Pro Tips for Chicken and Cheese Pairings
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Rub chicken with herb-cheese mixtures before cooking for intense flavor infusion.
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Stuff cheeses like goat cheese inside chicken breasts alongside herbs, vegetables etc.
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Combine 2-3 cheeses like Monterey Jack and cheddar for multi-dimensional flavors.
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Match the fat content of the cheese to the chicken. Pair fattier chicken with bolder cheeses.
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For baked chicken, add cheese in the last 10-15 minutes only to prevent burning.
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Use cheese sauces like cheddar or cheese fondue as flavorful toppings for chicken.
Off the Beaten Path: Adventurous Cheese Pairings
Beyond classics like cheddar and Monterey Jack, venture into new cheese territories:
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Chicken and Boursin Cheese Crostini
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Chicken Parmesan with Burrata Cheese
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Chicken Florentine Casserole with Gruyère
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Chicken Tagine with Halloumi Cheese
Don’t be afraid to experiment with various cheese varieties, types and flavors to find your perfect chicken partner. The options are endless!
Healthier Cheese Options for Chicken
For lighter yet flavorful options try:
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Part-skim mozzarella
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Feta cheese
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Parmesan (use sparingly)
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Low-fat swiss
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Reduced-fat cheddar
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Low-fat cream cheese
While not as indulgent, these cheeses add lots of flavor without the extra calories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cheese is best for grilled chicken sandwiches?
Swiss, cheddar, pepper jack and provolone are great grilled chicken sandwich cheeses. They melt beautifully and complement chicken’s flavors.
What cheese works with spicy chicken dishes?
Try a mild, creamy cheese like Monterey Jack, havarti or mozzarella with spicy chicken to balance the heat. Queso fresco also cools things down.
Which cheeses should be avoided with chicken?
Pungent cheeses like blue, feta and goat cheese can overpower delicate chicken. Extremely soft cheeses may also make chicken dishes too rich.
What’s the best cheese for chicken enchiladas?
Monterey Jack melts perfectly in chicken enchiladas. For more flavor, use a Mexican blend with cheeses like queso fresco, cotija and asadero.
What cheese pairs well with lemon chicken?
Bright, acidic cheeses like feta, goat and halloumi contrast lemon chicken beautifully. A sprinkle of Parmesan also accents lemony flavors.
Conclusion
Chicken and cheese form a match made in culinary heaven. With so many cheese varieties available, experiment to find your perfect pairings. Just keep the chicken’s flavors, cooking method and any seasonings in mind. Aim for balance – the cheese should elevate the chicken, not overwhelm. With these tips and tricks, you can create delectable chicken and cheese duos everyone will rave about.
Let us help you make dinner tonight by recommending two cheeses to pair with beef, pork, and chicken.
- Bleu Cheese: The strong, pungent flavors of blue cheese stand up to the rich, bold flavors of beef. Try pairing a juicy steak with a creamy bleu cheese like Gorgonzola or Roquefort. Whether you crumble on top of your warm or put some in your leftovers sandwich, beef and bleu cheese are the perfect flavor combo.
- Cheddar: The sharp, nutty flavor of cheddar cheese is a classic pairing for beef. Try putting a slice of extra-sharp cheddar on your burger or some mild cheddar in your roast beef sandwich.
- Brie: The mild, buttery flavor of brie cheese is a good match for the delicate flavor of pork. Whether you spread it across some roast pork or serve it alongside a pork tenderloin, the flavors and textures will pair beautifully.
- Gouda: The nutty, caramel-like flavor of gouda cheese is a good match for the rich flavor of pork. Try pairing a smoked pork chop with a smoked gouda or a pork schnitzel with an aged gouda.
- Chèvre: The fresh, tangy flavor of chèvre cheese pairs well with the mild flavor of chicken. Try pairing a grilled chicken breast with fresh chèvre or putting whipped chèvre in chicken salad.
- Parmesan Cheese: Chicken and parmesan are a common pairing, and for good reason. The sharp, salty flavor of parmesan brings out the rich flavor of chicken. Parmesan is a great addition to any Italian-style meal, so go ahead and sprinkle some grated parmesan on whatever chicken and pasta dish you’re making!
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