Chicken is a versatile protein that can be prepared in endless ways, from pan-fried and roasted to simmered in flavorful sauces. With so many possibilities, chicken may seem tricky to pair with wine. However, there are some key guidelines that make chicken and wine pairing easy. Follow this complete guide to discover what wines go beautifully with chicken, elevating the flavors of your meal.
Consider the Cooking Method
The cooking method significantly impacts what wine will complement the dish best. Grilled, roasted, fried, braised chicken – each preparation changes the flavor profile and texture, requiring a different wine match.
Grilled Chicken
Grilling imparts a lovely smokiness while keeping the chicken juicy. The char from the grill provides great savory depth. Grilled chicken pairs well with medium-bodied white wines like Sauvignon Blanc and unoaked Chardonnay. The citrus and herbaceous notes in Sauvignon Blanc cut through the richness beautifully. For reds, Pinot Noir is a classic choice, as are Grenache, Barbera, and Sangiovese. The bright acidity and red fruit flavors work nicely with the smoky chicken.
Roasted Chicken
Roasted chicken is juicy and rich with crisp, golden skin. Fuller-bodied whites with a creamy texture like oaked Chardonnay or Viognier make wonderful pairings. For reds Pinot Noir Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet, and Syrah are all great options. Their ripe fruit flavors and smooth tannins complement the richness of roasted chicken.
Fried Chicken
From crispy deep-fried chicken to pan-fried cutlets, the savory crunch of fried chicken demands an acidic white wine. Dry sparkling wines like Cava and Prosecco have crisp effervescence that cuts through the richness perfectly. For whites, lean towards zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño to balance the dish. Light reds like Pinot Noir and Beaujolais work nicely too.
Braised and Stewed Chicken
Slow braises and stews deliver tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken in luscious sauces. These dishes call for medium to full-bodied wines with ripe fruit and sturdy tannins. Red Bordeaux, Syrah, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon all pair wonderfully, as do Petite Sirah and Monastrell. Whites like Sémillon and Viognier also complement nicely.
Curried Chicken
Vibrant curries demand a wine that won’t get lost among the dynamic spices. Off-dry Riesling is a classic pairing, with citrusy acidity to cut through the richness. Gewürztraminer works very well too, as do Albariño and dry Chenin Blanc. For reds, lean towards fruit-forward options like Pinot Noir and Beaujolais.
Complement the Sauce and Seasonings
The flavors used to season and sauce chicken are pivotal when selecting a wine. Make sure to consider how the wine will interact with ingredients like tomatoes, cream, herbs, spices, citrus, etc.
Chicken with Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce
The tangy sweetness of tomatoes calls for a fruit-forward red like Sangiovese, Montepulciano, or Barbera. Their high acidity helps cut through the richness. Chianti and Côtes du Rhône are foolproof options too. For whites, Sauvignon Blanc and dry Rosé pair nicely.
Creamy Chicken Dishes
Rich cream-based chicken recipes demand a full-bodied white like oaked Chardonnay or Viognier, which echo the creamy mouthfeel. If you prefer red, Pinot Noir works very well, as does Merlot with its plush texture. Sparkling wines like Cava and Franciacorta make refreshing pairings too.
Chicken with Herbs and Garlic
Bright herbs and garlic suit aromatic whites. Sauvignon Blanc Albariño Verdejo, and Vermentino have herbaceous notes that align beautifully. Leaner reds like Pinot Noir and Sangiovese complement nicely too. Avoid overpowering wines that will mask the fresh herbs.
Spicy Chicken Dishes
Fiery spice needs a wine with sweetness to tame the heat Off-dry Riesling and Gewürztraminer are perfect picks, Moscato and Brachetto d’Acqui also help soothe spicy heat Light reds like Pinot Noir and Grenache work well too, Stay far away from heavily oaked wines,
Chicken with Citrus
The zesty quality of citrus makes crisp, high-acid wines a great match. Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, Chablis, and Soave all have vibrant acidity to complement citrusy chicken. Dry sparkling wines pair nicely too. For reds, lighter options like Pinot Noir and Frappato work well. Avoid big, tannic reds.
Recommended Wine Varieties
Beyond thinking about preparation methods and seasonings, considering key wine varieties helps narrow down options. These versatile wines pair wonderfully with a wide range of chicken dishes.
Chardonnay
Buttery, oaked Chardonnay is a classic with its creamy texture and ripe orchard fruit flavors. It complements everything from roasted chicken to chicken in cream sauces beautifully. Unoaked styles work well with lighter fare.
Sauvignon Blanc
The herbaceous quality, citrus notes, and racy acidity of Sauvignon Blanc make it highly versatile with chicken. It matches nicely with grilled chicken, herbed chicken, citrusy chicken, and lighter curries.
Pinot Noir
Elegant Pinot Noir combines light body, silky tannins, and berry flavors. It pairs well with nearly any preparation – roasted, fried, grilled, and braised chicken. Pinot Noir is one of the most flexible red options.
Grenache
Fresh, fruity Grenache complements spicy and herbed chicken wonderfully. Its supple tannins, red berry flavors, and spice notes marry nicely without overwhelming. Grenache is a great choice for richer, saucy preparations too.
Dry Rosé
With its bright acidity, delicate berry fruits, and dry, refreshing finish, dry Rosé is ideal for lighter chicken recipes. It’s an especially perfect warm weather wine pairing.
Riesling
Off-dry Riesling has beautiful balance between acidity, fruitiness, and residual sugar. The touch of sweetness complements spicy chicken dishes. Riesling is also fabulous with garlic, herbs, and pan-fried chicken cutlets.
Best Practices for Pairing Chicken and Wine
Keep these general guidelines in mind:
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Match weight and intensity of dish and wine. Delicate chicken fits lighter wines; hearty braises need fuller-bodied wines.
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Acidity is key. Crisp, vibrant wines cut through richness and refresh the palate.
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Complement don’t overpower flavors. Let the seasoning and sauce ingredients guide you.
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Consider regional pairs. Chicken cacciatore & Chianti; coq au vin & Beaujolais.
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Temperature matters. Chill crisp whites; serve fuller reds slightly cooled.
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Fit the occasion. Everyday meals call for inexpensive wines; special dinners merit a step up.
With so many wonderful wines to choose from, pairing the perfect bottle with chicken offers an opportunity to explore new flavors. Use these guidelines to confidently match wine and chicken in delicious harmony. Your tastebuds will thank you.
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Pairing Wine with Chicken and Poultry
While the sauce will greatly affect the flavor of the meat, here are some great wines to try with lighter and more delicately flavored poultry. Did you know that chicken can pair well with both red and white wines?
Try to match the intensity of the dish with the intensity of the wine.
Because of its medium body, rosé wine is sometimes an even better option than white or red. For the most part, look for dry rosé wines unless the sauce is inherently sweet. Find out more about rosé wine.
Select light aromatic red wines to medium-bodied red wines with lighter tannin structure. The richer the preparation of the meat, the more color, richness, and tannin you can have in your wine.
Types of Poultry Paired with Wine
A quick tip is to think “lighter meat, lighter wine.” Roasting poultry preserves a lot of the rich flavors, so sometimes you can get away with a red wine with more complexity.
Chicken – A lightly flavored, medium textured meat. Poussin – Poussin is like a mini chicken, tastes like chicken, often prepared like Quail. Quail – More assertive flavor than chicken but not as strong as duck. Very tender, small, usually with bones. Sweet nutty flavor. Quail is traditionally stuffed with forcemeat due to a small size. Turkey – The breast meat of turkey is lightly flavored and has a strong texture.
In this case.. “Darker meat, darker wine.” Below are the best birds to pair with red wines.
Pigeon Squab (rock dove) – Succulent but earthy with darker meat and delicate texture. Pheasant – Pinkish-white meat, with delicate flavors that are a touch more exotic and apple-like than chicken. Partridge – The texture is not as delicate as pheasant or squab but with a similar flavor of earthy dark meat. Guinea Fowl – Tastes like a combination of chicken and turkey with dark meat overtones. Duck – More assertive flavor with an oily and gamey note. Depending on the preparation, duck can be more reminiscent of pork. Turkey – Long grain and strong textured meat. Turkey has a rich buttery and nutty flavor. Goose – Almost like a wild turkey with all dark meat. Often noted as being similar to roast beef. Ostrich – Unlike other birds and more steak-like in texture. Ostrich is an extremely lean and tender red meat, so try to pair it with wines that have less tannin and more juiciness, such as a Côtes du Rhône or Syrah.
What Wine Goes with Chicken
FAQ
What wine goes well with chicken?
Is chicken better with red or white wine?
White wines are usually light and fruity/citrusy in flavor and can be overwhelmed by dark meat like beef or game. On the whole, white or rosé wines go well with pork, chicken, fish, seafood, etc. Red, on the other hand, is much more robust and can stand up well to strong flavors. But this is only a rough guide.
What to drink with chicken breast?
- White Wine- The Perfect Pairing for Roasted Chicken. …
- Beer- A Versatile Pairing for Grilled, Fried, or Roasted Chicken. …
- Iced Tea- A Refreshing Pairing for Spicy or Savory Chicken Dishes. …
- Lemonade- A Tangy and Sweet Pairing for Grilled or Baked Chicken.
Should you drink red wine with chicken?
… white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, while dark meat like duck and other game go well with medium-bodied red wines such as Pinot Noir or Zinfandel