Claire Thompson
Chicken is a versatile meat that pairs well with a variety of wines, including red, white, and rosé. The wine that goes best with chicken depends on how the chicken is cooked and seasoned. For example, barbecued chicken pairs well with richer red wines, while poached chicken goes well with light white wines. Fried chicken is best accompanied by sparkling wine or Lambrusco, and chicken salad is best with zesty whites from Southern France. Chicken is also used in many Asian cuisines, and these dishes are best paired with aromatic white wines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken type | Chicken salad, turkey-avocado sandwich, poached, sautéed, roasted, fried, barbecued, chicken pie, chicken curry, chicken stir-fry, chicken casserole |
| Wine pairing | Zesty whites from Southern France, bone-dry whites from Loire Valley or South Africa, dry rosé, light aromatic reds, medium-bodied reds, full-flavoured reds, dry whites, oaked Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Côtes du Rhône, Merlot, Shiraz, Grenache, Zinfandel, Burgundy, Austrian Grüner Veltliner, Provence rosé, vin jaune, white Burgundy, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Viognier, Gavi, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Australian Semillon |
| Wine characteristics | Flavors of lemon, white flowers, acidity, effervescence, spice, melon, herb, buttery finish, pear, almond, stone fruit, limey acidity, round texture |
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What You'll Learn
Rosé or sparkling wine with fried chicken
When it comes to wine and chicken, the way the chicken is cooked and seasoned is an important factor in deciding which wine to choose. Fried chicken, for example, pairs well with sparkling wine or rosé.
Fried chicken is a classic comfort food that goes perfectly with the crisp and refreshing bubbles of a dry sparkling wine. The acidity and effervescence of sparkling wine cut through the richness of the fried coating, making each bite taste just as good as the first. Any bottle of bubbly will work, such as Prosecco, Cava, or a sparkling rosé. If you want to splurge, Champagne is a perfect pairing with fried chicken, especially if you're celebrating a special occasion.
Rosé wine, with its medium body, can be an even better option than white or red wine for chicken dishes. A simple roast chicken pairs equally well with a full-flavoured red, a medium-bodied rosé, or a dry white. A dry rosé works best unless the sauce is sweet.
If you're looking for a light and fruity red wine to pair with fried chicken, Pinot Noir is a great option. For something lighter and more acidic, a Pinot Grigio could be a good choice, with its refreshing flavours of green apple, lemon, peach and pear. For a red wine with more depth, Beaujolais has amazing flavours of raspberry, strawberry and cherry, and it's perfect with fried chicken on its own or in a sandwich.
For those who prefer white wine, a crisp and acidic Riesling is a good choice, with its flavours of lemon, lime, peach and pear. A slightly spritzy and off-dry Riesling is a great pairing with fried chicken. Sauvignon Blanc, with its grassy herbal flavours, also pairs well with fried chicken.
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Red wines with barbecued chicken
When it comes to wine and chicken, the way the chicken is cooked and the type of seasoning used can help determine whether a red or white wine is a better pairing. Barbecued chicken, for instance, goes well with richer red wines.
Chicken is a flexible protein that pairs well with many different seasonings, side dishes, and accompaniments. The meat itself is a hybrid of lean white meat and rich dark meat. A simple roast chicken, for example, can be paired with a full-flavoured red, a medium-bodied rosé, or a dry white. The basic principle is to avoid overpowering the meat with the wine. A wine with good acidity and sweetness can match well with a richer dish.
Barbecuing chicken creates smoky flavours, which can be paired with richer red wines like Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, or even Malbec. A barbecue sauce can also be made with red wine, creating a sweet and sticky sauce. To make this sauce, you can whisk together ketchup, wine, sugar, chipotle, and mustard, then simmer until thickened.
Other red wines that go well with barbecued chicken include Shiraz, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines enhance the peppery and tobacco flavours in the dish. If you are using earthy ingredients like mushrooms, root vegetables, or tomato sauce, a red wine will also be a good choice.
In summary, barbecued chicken is best paired with richer, full-bodied red wines. However, it is important to consider the type of sauce and seasonings used when making the final wine selection.
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White wines with poached or boiled chicken
When it comes to wine pairings, the way chicken is cooked plays a crucial role in determining whether a red or white wine is a better match. Poached and boiled chicken are delicate cooking methods that often call for light and dry white wines. Here are some suggestions for white wines that can beautifully complement poached or boiled chicken:
Dry White Wines
Poached or boiled chicken, with its subtle flavours, pairs well with dry white wines. Look for bone-dry examples from the Loire Valley of France or South Africa. These wines typically have flavours of lemon and white flowers, adding a zesty touch to the dish. Their dryness also helps cut through the richness of the chicken, creating a refreshing and well-balanced pairing.
Light White Wines
Poaching and boiling are gentle cooking methods that preserve the texture and moisture of the chicken while removing some of its flavours. As a result, these cooking techniques go well with very light white wines. A dry Chenin Blanc or Colombard can be excellent choices, offering a subtle yet pleasant complement to the dish without overwhelming the delicate flavours of the chicken.
Unoaked Chardonnay
For a slightly richer option, unoaked Chardonnay is a wonderful choice to pair with poached or boiled chicken. Its crisp and clean profile adds a refreshing touch to the dish. Chardonnay's versatility also allows it to adapt to various seasonings and sauces that may accompany the chicken.
Pinot Blanc and Albarino
When serving chilled poached or boiled chicken, consider pairing it with a Pinot Blanc or Albarino. These lighter white wines have a delicate profile that won't overpower the subtle flavours of the chicken. They offer a pleasant and elegant complement to the dish, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
In summary, when it comes to wine pairings with poached or boiled chicken, opt for light and dry white wines. These wines will enhance the delicate flavours of the dish without overwhelming them. Remember, the key is to match the intensity of the wine with the subtlety of the cooking method and the chicken's flavour profile.
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Red wines with earthy ingredients
When cooking chicken with earthy ingredients, a red wine is the best choice. Earthy ingredients include mushrooms, root vegetables, tomato sauce, or red wine sauce. A few examples of red wines with earthy notes are:
- Red Burgundy, particularly wines from Chambolle-Musigny, are known for their earthy minerality.
- Cabernet Franc, which has notes of tobacco, dried tree leaves, green herbs, bell peppers, and blackcurrant leaves.
- Cahors (Malbec), which has strong barnyard, manure, horse hide, and leather notes.
- Pinot Noir, which has notes of beetroot, forest floor, damp earth, and raspberries.
- Chianti (Sangiovese), which has notes of wild herbs, tomato leaf, black tea, and bitter cherry.
- Rioja (Tempranillo), which has notes of tobacco, prune, leather, wood fire smoke, cured meat, and blackberry.
When pairing wine with chicken, it is important to consider the way the chicken is cooked and the sauce or ingredients used. The basic principle is to avoid overpowering the dish; a wine with a good balance of acidity and sweetness can match well with a richer dish. For example, a simple roasted chicken pairs well with a full-flavoured red, a medium-bodied rosé, or a dry white. Fried chicken pairs well with rosé Champagne or sparkling wine, while poached chicken goes well with a very light white wine such as a dry Chenin Blanc or Colombard. Chicken with barbecue sauce can be paired with a full-bodied red with a touch of sweetness, like a Shiraz, Grenache, or Zinfandel.
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White wines with Asian chicken dishes
Chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of wines, including reds, rosés, and whites. While the choice between red or white wine with chicken may depend on the cooking method and specific flavours in the dish, white wines are generally a classic match for chicken.
When it comes to Asian chicken dishes, the complex herbs and spices used in these cuisines can make wine pairing a bit tricky. However, here are some suggestions for white wines that can complement and enhance the flavours of your Asian chicken creations:
For aromatic white wines, look for grapes such as Riesling and Gewürztraminer. These wines can stand up to the robust flavours of Asian cuisine and provide a refreshing contrast. Regions known for producing high-quality aromatic whites include Alsace and New Zealand. If you're enjoying a spicy Thai chicken curry, an off-dry Riesling with a touch of residual sugar can be a perfect match.
If you're in the mood for something sparkling, opt for a refreshing Cava or a South African Cap Classique. These wines offer high acidity and freshness, making them ideal for cutting through the richness of fried chicken dishes. However, avoid lighter sparkling wines like Prosecco, which may not have enough body to stand up to bold Asian flavours.
For a simple roast chicken dish with Asian flavours, a white Burgundy or a cool-climate Chardonnay can be an excellent choice. These wines provide a good balance of acidity and sweetness, making them versatile enough to pair with a variety of chicken preparations.
Finally, if you're enjoying a dim sum or sesame chicken dish, a white wine with aromatic grapes can be a delightful pairing. The sweetness and distinctive characteristics of these wines complement the flavours of minced chicken and sesame.
So, while there are many options to consider, these suggestions should provide a starting point for pairing white wines with Asian chicken dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken pairs well with a variety of red wines, including Pinot Noir, Burgundy, Côtes du Rhône, Merlot, Shiraz, Grenache, and Zinfandel.
White wines that go well with chicken include Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Verdejo, Albarino, and Chenin Blanc. For chicken curry, consider pairing with Viognier or Gavi.
Rosé wines can be a great choice to pair with chicken, especially a medium-bodied rosé or a full-flavoured rosé. A Provence rosé is recommended by food and wine pairing expert Fiona Beckett.
Yes, depending on the specific dish, sparkling wine or champagne can also be a good choice to pair with chicken, especially fried chicken.
