Jake Harper
Chicken is a versatile meat that can be paired with a variety of wines, from reds to whites and even sparkling wines. The best wine to pair with chicken depends on how the chicken is cooked and seasoned, as well as personal taste. For example, a simple roast chicken can be paired with a full-flavoured red, a medium-bodied rosé, or a dry white. On the other hand, fried chicken pairs well with sparkling wines that have high acidity and freshness to cut through the fat. Chardonnay, a classic pairing with chicken, is known for its buttery-smooth taste and rich citrus tone, making it a good match for creamy chicken dishes. Pinot Noir, a lighter red wine, is another popular choice for chicken, especially with mushroom-heavy dishes. Other factors to consider when choosing a wine to pair with chicken include the type of poultry, the sauce, and the herbs and spices used.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken type | White meat |
| Wine type | White wine, Red wine, Sparkling wine |
| White wine types | Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Pinot Blanc, Verdejo, Albarino, Gavi, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Torrontes |
| Red wine types | Pinot Noir, Gamay, Grenache, Merlot, Shiraz, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Côtes du Rhône, Beaujolais, Barbera, Garnacha |
| Sparkling wine types | Champagne, Lambrusco |
| Chicken preparation | Roasted, Fried, Poached, Grilled, Stir-fried, Casserole, Tagine, Salad, Curry, Pie |
| Wine characteristics | Acidity, Sweetness, Fruitiness, Tannins, Oakiness |
| Wine origin | Burgundy, France, Northern Italy, Chile, Australia, Oregon, New Zealand, Germany, California, Limarí, Mornington Peninsula, Piedmont, Alsace, Argentina |
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What You'll Learn
Chardonnay with roast chicken
Chardonnay is a classic pairing for roast chicken. Its buttery-smooth taste envelops your mouth in creaminess while still maintaining a rich citrus tone. Given Chardonnay's velvety mouthfeel, there's no dish that pairs quite as well as creamy, rich chicken dishes.
For a roast chicken, an oaked Chardonnay is a great choice. You can expect melon and herb flavours from the wine, plus a buttery finish. You could serve it with a lemon and thyme butter-basted roast chicken with gravy.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could try making a Chardonnay chicken dish. This involves searing chicken breasts, creating a nice golden exterior, and then cooking the chicken in the oven with a creamy Chardonnay sauce. The sauce is made with a reduction of Chardonnay, chicken stock, and a hint of dijon mustard. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a dinner party.
When pairing wine with chicken, it's important to remember that you don't want to overpower the meat or the dish. A wine with good acidity can match well with a richer dish, but too much tannic structure can mask the flavours.
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Pinot Noir with chicken casseroles
Chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of wines, including reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines. Chardonnay is a classic pairing for roast chicken, but Pinot Noir is also a great choice, especially for chicken casseroles.
Pinot Noir is a light to medium-bodied dry red wine with flavours of red fruits like cherries, raspberries, and strawberries, as well as aromas of violets and red currants. With age, it can develop earthy notes of mushrooms and decaying leaves. This wine is known for its elegance and versatility, pairing well with poultry, salmon, and meat dishes.
When it comes to chicken casseroles, Pinot Noir is an excellent choice as it doesn't overpower the delicate taste of white-meat chicken. Its fruity and earthy flavours complement the richness of a French-inspired wine sauce, while its acidity helps to lift the dish. For a classic pairing, opt for a Burgundy Pinot Noir, or explore other regions such as the Côte Chalonnaise in France, the Mornington Peninsula in Australia, Oregon, New Zealand, or California's Santa Barbara County.
Chicken casseroles can also be made with dark-meat chicken, and in this case, a full-bodied wine like Merlot can be used instead of Pinot Noir. The choice of herbs also plays a role in the overall flavour profile of the dish. Dried herbs like oregano and thyme should be added early in the cooking process, while fresh herbs like basil are best added at the end to provide a bright, fresh touch.
To elevate your chicken casserole, consider serving it with sides such as twice-baked mashed potatoes and a wedge salad with blue cheese dressing. This dish is perfect for transitioning from summer to fall, as it incorporates both summer produce like tomatoes and basil, and cooler-weather elements like braising and red wine.
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Sparkling wine with fried chicken
Fried chicken is an enduringly popular dish. While it may not be the first dish that comes to mind when thinking of wine pairings, sparkling wine is a great choice. The bubbles in sparkling wine cut through the richness of fried chicken, while the crisp acidity of a dry sparkling wine can stand up to the hearty and flavorful dish without overwhelming it. A dry sparkling wine, such as a brut rosé, is a perfect pairing with fried chicken due to its crisp acidity and bubbles, which complement the flavors of the dish. The citrus and apple notes in the wine also complement the fried chicken.
Champagne is another sparkling wine option that pairs well with fried chicken. The acidity and effervescence of champagne cut through the richness of the fried coating, and zesty, citrus notes elevate the chicken with a delectable complexity.
If you don't have access to sparkling wine, other wines that pair well with fried chicken include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir. Chardonnay is a classic pairing with roast chicken, especially when the chicken is basted with lemon and thyme butter. The buttery-smooth taste of Chardonnay, with its rich citrus tone and velvety mouthfeel, complements creamy, rich chicken dishes. Sauvignon Blanc has wonderfully high acidity that cuts through the fatty fried bits of fried chicken. Finally, a fruity Pinot Noir with good acidity can be enjoyed chilled and pairs well with heavier chicken dishes, such as a casserole or chicken pie.
While wine can be a great pairing with fried chicken, don't forget that beer is also a fantastic option! The carbonation in beer will cut through the fat of the fried chicken, and almost any kind of beer will work.
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Sauvignon Blanc with chicken stir-fry
Chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of wines. The wine you choose will depend on the ingredients and sauce used in your chicken dish. For instance, Chardonnay is a classic pairing for roast chicken, while Pinot Noir or Gamay are good choices for casseroles or pies.
If you're making a chicken stir-fry, the wine you choose will depend on the ingredients and sauces used. For instance, if your stir-fry includes a lot of green vegetables, such as asparagus or green bell peppers, it's best to opt for a white wine with green or herbal flavours, such as a Sauvignon Blanc. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, in particular, sings with green pepper, pink grapefruit and tropical fruit, making it an excellent choice for a cashew chicken stir-fry. Austrian Grüner Veltliner is another white wine option that will complement the flavours of a green vegetable stir-fry.
If your chicken stir-fry includes umami-rich condiments like oyster sauce and soy sauce, or ginger for a slight heat, then you might opt for a fruity red or white wine. For whites, try a Pinot Blanc or an unoaked Chardonnay. For reds, choose a juicy, low-tannin wine like a Beaujolais from France or a California Pinot Noir.
Spicy and/or sweet flavours in your stir-fry will work best with a sweeter wine. If you're looking for a sparkling wine to pair with your chicken stir-fry, opt for one with high acidity and a good dose of freshness to cut through the fattiness of the dish.
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Beaujolais with roast chicken and vegetables
Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of wines, from reds to whites and even sparkling wines. The key is to avoid overpowering the meat or the dish with too much tannic structure, which can mask the flavours. Instead, opt for wines with good acidity and a decent amount of fruitiness to complement the chicken.
When it comes to roast chicken and vegetables, a "cru" Beaujolais is an excellent choice. Beaujolais is a light-bodied, fruity red wine made from the Gamay grape. It is known for its versatility and pairs well with a variety of dishes, including French charcuterie, cheeses, and, of course, roast chicken. The Gamay grape provides a good acidity level that complements the chicken's juices, while the fruitiness of the wine enhances the flavours of the roast vegetables.
While Beaujolais is a fantastic option for roast chicken and vegetables, it's important to note that there are different styles within the Beaujolais family. Lighter styles, such as Beaujolais Nouveau, Beaujolais Villages, and Fleurie, can be served lightly chilled and are perfect for everyday meals. For a more special occasion, a "cru" Beaujolais, such as Morgon Cote du Py, is a step up in quality and flavour complexity. These wines are still light-bodied but offer more depth of flavour and can be a wonderful treat to elevate your roast chicken dinner.
When pairing wine with roast chicken and vegetables, it's also worth considering the specific vegetables you're serving. For root vegetables, squash, and earthy flavours, a Pinot Noir or a Grenache-based Cotes du Rhone can be excellent choices. These wines have enough structure and acidity to stand up to the heartiness of the dish without overwhelming the flavours of the chicken.
Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment and explore different wines with your roast chicken and vegetables. Chardonnay, for example, is a classic pairing for roast chicken, especially when the chicken is seasoned with herbs and lemon. The buttery smoothness of Chardonnay can complement the juices of the roast chicken, creating a delicious combination. So, while Beaujolais is a fantastic option, there are also other wines that can enhance your dining experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The best wine to pair with chicken depends on how the chicken is cooked and seasoned. Chicken is a versatile meat that pairs well with both red and white wines.
Chicken dishes with earthy ingredients like mushrooms, root vegetables, tomato sauce, or red wine sauce often go well with medium-bodied reds like a Côtes du Rhône or Merlot. Barbecued chicken can be paired with full-bodied reds like Shiraz, Grenache, or Zinfandel. Chicken piccata, on the other hand, is better suited to lighter reds like Pinot Noir or Malbec.
White wines that pair well with chicken include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Blanc. Chardonnay, with its buttery texture and hints of vanilla, pudding, and guava, is a classic choice for chicken piccata. Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio offer bright fruity flavours and subtle spiciness that complement creamy and salty dishes.
Chicken Cacciatore, an Italian dish with a red sauce, pairs well with Sangiovese, the main wine grape in Italy's Chiantis. Chicken Alfredo or Parmesan, which are heavier dishes, can be paired with darker wines like Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Beaujolais. For chicken curry, a Viognier is a good choice as its slight sweetness tempers the heat of the curry. Chicken pie pairs well with Australian Semillon, which has a creamy texture and enough acidity to cut through the fat in the pastry.
When selecting a wine to pair with chicken, consider the type of poultry, seasoning, sauce, and preparation method. Lighter chicken dishes generally go well with lighter wines, while heavier dishes can handle darker, more intense wines. If you're serving a simple roast chicken, choose a wine that is equally simple to avoid overwhelming the dish, such as a medium-bodied rosé, dry white, or full-flavoured red.
