Mia Patel
Chicken is a versatile protein that pairs well with many seasonings, side dishes, and wines. While the white meat, white wine; red meat, red wine adage holds some truth, it is not a hard-and-fast rule. Chicken, for example, pairs well with both red and white wines, and the best pairing depends on how the chicken is prepared and seasoned, as well as personal taste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wine type | Red, Rosé, White |
| White wine type | Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Torrontes, Pinot Noir |
| Red wine type | Pinot Noir, Côtes du Rhône, Merlot, Shiraz, Grenache, Zinfandel, Barbera, Beaujolais, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo |
| Chicken type | Roasted, Fried, Chicken tenders, Chicken salad, Chicken casserole, Chicken pie |
| Sauce | Cream, Tomato, Pepper, Barbecue, Buffalo, Soy-based |
| Wine characteristics | Full-flavoured, Medium-bodied, Dry, Light, Aromatic, Sparkling, Sweet, Acidic |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken and red wine: an overview
When it comes to chicken and wine, there are many factors to consider. The wine that pairs best with chicken depends on the type of chicken, the cut of meat, the seasoning, the sauce, and the preparation method.
As a general rule, white wines are a better match for chicken than reds. White meat, such as chicken breast, pairs well with white wines like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chenin Blanc. Lighter white wines, such as a dry Chenin Blanc or Colombard, are a good choice for poached or delicately prepared chicken. For roasted chicken, richer whites like Chardonnay, rosé, or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Grenache are a good choice. Chardonnay is known for its buttery-smooth taste and creamy mouthfeel, which can elevate a rich dish.
However, this doesn't mean that red wines should be dismissed. Red wines can pair well with chicken when the dish includes earthy ingredients like mushrooms, root vegetables, or tomato sauce. A medium-bodied French or Spanish red or a Merlot can work well with tomato-based sauces. Chicken with barbecue sauce can take a full-bodied red with a touch of sweetness, like Shiraz, Grenache, or Zinfandel. Coq au vin, a dish cooked in dry Burgundy wine with rich flavours of shallots, garlic, and mushrooms, is best paired with Merlot.
Ultimately, the best wine to pair with chicken depends on personal taste and the specific preparation of the dish. Experimenting with different wines and chicken dishes can be a fun way to discover new flavour combinations and elevate your dining experience.
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Chicken dishes that pair well with red
Chicken is a versatile protein that pairs well with various seasonings, side dishes, and accompaniments. While the choice of wine depends on personal taste and the preparation of the chicken, here are some chicken dishes that pair well with red wines:
Chicken with earthy ingredients
Chicken dishes that include earthy ingredients like mushrooms, root vegetables, tomato sauce, or red wine sauce pair well with red wines. For such dishes, you can opt for a medium-bodied French or Spanish red or a Merlot. If you're using a tomato-based sauce, a medium-bodied red like Côtes du Rhône is a good choice.
Chicken with barbecue sauce
Chicken dishes with barbecue sauce can handle a full-bodied red wine with a touch of sweetness. Try a Shiraz, Grenache, or Zinfandel. These wines complement the sweetness of the barbecue sauce without being too overpowering.
Chicken coq au vin
Coq au vin is a classic French dish where chicken is cooked in dry Burgundy wine, shallots, garlic, and mushrooms. A Merlot is an excellent choice to enhance the rich flavours of this dish.
Chicken casserole or chicken pie
Chicken casseroles or pies are heartier dishes that can stand up to reds with a little more body. A Pinot Noir, preferably a Burgundy with its classic cherry flavour notes, is a good choice for these heavier chicken dishes.
Spicy chicken dishes
For spicy chicken dishes, a light-bodied red wine with good acidity can help balance the heat. A Barbera, Beaujolais, or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo can pair well with spicy chicken tenders or jerk chicken.
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Lighter red wines with chicken
Chicken is a versatile meat that pairs well with many wines, including reds. When pairing wine with chicken, it's important to consider the preparation and flavour of the dish. Lighter red wines with good acidity can work well with chicken, especially when served chilled. Here are some suggestions for lighter red wines to pair with chicken:
Pinot Noir is a classic choice for a lighter red wine that pairs well with chicken. It is lighter in body than other reds and can be served slightly chilled. It has red fruit flavours like strawberry and pairs well with teriyaki and other soy-based sauces. Old World Pinot Noirs, such as those from Burgundy, are an excellent choice and offer great value. You can also find good Pinot Noirs from the Mornington Peninsula in Australia, Oregon, New Zealand, or California's Santa Barbara County.
Gamay is another light-bodied red wine that can be a good choice for chicken dishes. Gamay wines are known for their lively, fruity flavours and good acidity. They are produced in various regions, including Beaujolais in France and the Loire Valley.
Garnacha, also known as Grenache, is a red grape variety that produces fruity and medium-bodied wines. Grenache-based wines can have a touch of sweetness and pair well with barbecue sauce on chicken. These wines are typically from the Rhône region in France or Spain.
Nebbiolo is a lighter-style red wine that pairs well with mushroom-heavy dishes. While it is typically associated with more full-bodied and expensive Barolo wines, Nebbiolo can also be found in lighter versions that would complement chicken dishes with earthy ingredients.
When choosing a lighter red wine to pair with chicken, it's important to consider the specific flavours and preparation methods of the dish. For example, if you're serving a simple roasted chicken, a full-flavoured red wine like a Pinot Noir or a medium-bodied Côtes du Rhône can be a good choice. On the other hand, if you're using earthy ingredients like mushrooms or tomato-based sauces, a medium-bodied French or Spanish red or a Merlot might be a better option.
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Red wines with heavier chicken dishes
Chicken is a versatile meat that can be paired with a variety of wines, including reds. When pairing wine with chicken, it is important to consider the preparation and ingredients used in the dish, as well as personal taste. For heavier chicken dishes, several red wines can complement the flavours well without overwhelming them.
One key factor in pairing wine with chicken is the type of meat. White meat, such as chicken breast, tends to pair well with white wines, while dark meat, like duck, is better suited for medium-bodied reds. However, this is not a strict rule, and chicken, being a versatile meat, can be enjoyed with a range of red wines as well.
When it comes to heavier chicken dishes, such as casseroles or pies, a red wine with a fuller body can be a good choice. A wine with a luscious fruit component and decent acidity can complement the richness of the dish. However, it is important to avoid wines with too much tannin structure, as they may overpower the flavours of the chicken.
For chicken dishes with earthy ingredients like mushrooms, root vegetables, or tomato sauce, a medium-bodied French or Spanish red, such as a Merlot or Côtes du Rhône, can be an excellent pairing. These wines have the structure and depth to stand up to the flavours of the dish without being overwhelming.
If your chicken dish has a barbecue sauce, a full-bodied red with a touch of sweetness, such as a Shiraz, Grenache, or Zinfandel, can be a delightful pairing. These wines have the fruitiness and depth of flavour to balance the sweetness and acidity of the barbecue sauce.
Chicken coq au vin, a classic French dish cooked in red wine with shallots, garlic, and mushrooms, is perfectly complemented by a medium-bodied Merlot. The wine's smooth, fruity notes enhance the rich flavours of the dish without overpowering them.
In summary, when pairing red wines with heavier chicken dishes, it is important to consider the ingredients, flavours, and preparation methods used. By choosing wines with good acidity, fruitiness, and moderate tannin levels, you can enhance the flavours of the dish without overwhelming them, creating a harmonious dining experience.
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Chicken and red wine: a conclusion
When it comes to wine and chicken, there are many factors to consider. The good news is that chicken is a versatile meat, and there are plenty of wine options to choose from. The basic principle is to avoid overpowering the meat or the dish. Chicken is considered a white meat, and as a general rule, white wines tend to be a better pairing for white meats. However, this does not mean that red wines should be dismissed outright.
The type of chicken dish plays a crucial role in wine pairing. For example, a simple roasted chicken pairs well with a full-flavoured red, a medium-bodied rosé, or a dry white. The acidity and effervescence of champagne or sparkling wine are excellent choices for fried chicken, cutting through the richness of the fried coating. On the other hand, barbecued chicken with earthy ingredients like mushrooms or tomato-based sauces calls for a medium-bodied French or Spanish red, or even a Merlot. A touch of sweetness in the wine, such as Shiraz, Grenache, or Zinfandel, can also complement the savoury flavours of barbecue sauce.
Chicken coq au vin, cooked in a dry Burgundy wine with rich flavours of shallots, garlic, and mushrooms, is a classic example of chicken and red wine harmony, with Merlot being the perfect companion. Poached chicken, on the other hand, is best paired with a very light white wine, as poaching removes much of the meat's flavour. A dry Chenin Blanc or Colombard can be excellent choices for this style of preparation.
Ultimately, personal taste plays a significant role in the chicken and wine pairing journey. While some may prefer the crisp, citrus notes of a Chardonnay with their roasted chicken, others might opt for a Pinot Noir or Grenache, savouring the earthy tones of these light-bodied reds. The warmth of the climate region where the wine is produced can also influence the pairing, with warmer regions allowing for roastier, meatier dishes to accompany the wine. So, whether you're indulging in a KFC bucket or a poached chicken delicacy, there's a wine out there that will enhance your chicken dining experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken tenders go well with sparkling wines like Champagne or Cava, but if you prefer red, then Barbera, Beaujolais, or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo are good choices.
A medium-bodied red like a Côtes du Rhône or a Merlot would go well with chicken in a dark, savory gravy. For cream sauces, an oaked Chardonnay is a good choice.
A light red wine like a Pinot Noir or a red from Northern Italy would go well with chicken salad.
Chicken coq au vin is cooked in a dry Burgundy wine, so a Merlot would be a good choice.
A Riesling would go well with spicy chicken, especially if it's chilled.
