Mia Patel
Chicken is a versatile meat that can be paired with a variety of wines. The wine you choose will depend on the type of chicken dish you're eating. For example, a simple roasted chicken pairs well with a full-flavoured red, a rosé, or a dry white. If you're having something like chicken tenders, fried chicken, or another salty, fatty dish, you might want to opt for a sparkling wine with high acidity and freshness, such as a Cava or a vintage blanc de blancs Champagne. For chicken with lemon, garlic, or herbs, a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay could be a good choice. Spicy chicken dishes go well with aromatic white wines like medium-dry Riesling and Pinot Gris, as well as fruity rosés. Chicken casseroles or pies are richer dishes that can stand up to a red wine with more body, such as a fruity red with low tannins and good acidity like a Pinot Noir.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wine type | Red wine, White wine, Rosé, Sparkling wine |
| Wine variety | Pinot Noir, Gamay, Garnacha, Merlot, Shiraz, Grenache, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Moscato, Gewürztraminer, Furmint, Kerner, Lambrusco, Semillon, Viognier, Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc, Colombard, Pinot Blanc, Verdejo, Albarino, Brachetto d’Aqui, Cava, Crémant, Champagne |
| Chicken dish | Spicy, Fried, Roasted, Poached, Stir-fry, Risotto, Casserole, Pie, Curry, Salad, BBQ sauce, Tomato-based sauce, Barbecue sauce, Coq au vin, Chicken tenders |
| Sauce | Sweet and sour, Teriyaki, Buffalo, Pesto, Bravas, White wine butter sauce |
| Preparation method | Sautéing, Poaching, Boiling, Roasting, Frying |
| Other ingredients | Artichokes, Asparagus, Root vegetables, Mushrooms, Tomato sauce, Soy sauce, Coconut |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken and wine: the basics
Chicken is a versatile meat that can be paired with many different wines. The wine you choose should complement the flavours of the dish without overwhelming them. A good rule of thumb is "lighter meat, lighter wine". So, for example, a simple roasted chicken pairs well with a full-flavoured red, a rosé, or a dry white. When choosing a wine, consider the type of poultry, the seasoning, and the sauce.
If you're preparing an international-style dish, it's a good idea to choose a wine from the dish's country of origin. For example, an Italian chicken dish might pair well with a Vermentino, while a Spanish chicken dish might call for a Garnacha.
The cooking method can also affect the wine pairing. Poaching removes a lot of flavour from meat, so a very light white wine like a dry Chenin Blanc or Colombard is a good choice. Fried chicken, on the other hand, pairs well with sparkling wine, such as Champagne or Cava.
Spicy chicken dishes go well with aromatic white wines like medium-dry Riesling and Pinot Gris, as well as fruity rosés. If your chicken dish includes earthy ingredients like mushrooms, root vegetables, or tomato sauce, a medium-bodied French or Spanish red or a Merlot might be a good choice.
Remember, it's important to match the intensity of the dish with the intensity of the wine. So, for example, a creamy chicken pie might pair well with an Australian Semillon, which has a creamy texture but enough acidity to cut through the richness of the dish.
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Chicken tenders and sparkling wine
Chicken is a versatile meat that pairs well with many different wines. The best wine to pair with chicken depends on the type of poultry, seasoning, sauce, and cooking method. Chicken tenders are lightly flavored and medium-textured, so a lighter wine is generally a good choice.
Sparkling wine is an excellent choice to pair with chicken tenders. The carbonation in sparkling wine helps to draw the fat off your tongue from the chicken tenders. Sparkling wine with decent acidity pairs well with salty, fried, and fatty foods. Under $20, look for Cava, which is made through the same method as Champagne but tends to be more affordable. Other options include Crémant, Prosecco, and Lambrusco.
If you prefer a white wine, Riesling, Chenin Blanc, and Albariño are good choices. Riesling is a medium-dry wine that can cut through the fat and spice of chicken tenders. Chenin Blanc is dry and light, making it a good choice for poached chicken. Albariño is another dry white wine that pairs well with lighter, more delicately flavored poultry.
For those who prefer red wine, Barbera is a good choice, followed by Beaujolais and Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. Red wine pairs well with chicken when earthy ingredients like mushrooms, root vegetables, or tomato sauce are used in the preparation.
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Chicken and Chardonnay
Chicken is a versatile meat that pairs well with many different wines. The wine that you choose to drink with chicken will depend on the type of chicken dish that you are eating. For example, if you are eating a spicy chicken dish, an aromatic white wine like a medium-dry Riesling or Pinot Gris, or a fruity rosé would be a good choice. If you are eating a chicken dish with a tomato and pepper-based sauce, a medium-bodied French or Spanish red or a Merlot would be a good option.
One chicken dish that pairs well with Chardonnay is roast chicken. An oaked Chardonnay works particularly well with buttery, unctuous roast chicken. You can expect melon and herb flavours from the wine, as well as a buttery finish. Chardonnay Chicken is another chicken dish that pairs well with Chardonnay. This dish features chicken breasts topped with mushrooms and a creamy Chardonnay sauce. The recipe involves deglazing the pan with Chardonnay and adding chicken stock to create a rich sauce.
When choosing a wine to pair with chicken, it is important to consider the type of poultry, seasoning, and sauce used in the dish. Lighter meats generally pair better with lighter wines, while darker meats pair well with darker wines. The sauce will also greatly affect the flavour of the meat and the wine that you choose to pair with it. For example, a white wine butter sauce is a classic favourite with chicken and fish, and you can serve your chicken with the same wine that you used to make the sauce.
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Chicken and red wine
Chicken is a versatile meat that pairs well with many different wines, including reds. When choosing a wine to pair with chicken, it's important to consider the cooking method, seasoning, sauce, and other ingredients used in the dish. Here are some tips for pairing chicken with red wine:
Choose a Lighter Red Wine for Lighter Chicken Dishes
Chicken is generally considered a lightly flavoured and medium-textured meat. When choosing a red wine to pair with chicken, it's often best to opt for lighter red wines to complement the delicate flavour of the meat. Pinot Noir is a great choice for a fruity and acidic red wine with relatively low tannins, making it a good option for chicken dishes. A cool-climate New World Pinot Noir from regions like Chile's Limarí coast or Australia's Mornington Peninsula can add a unique twist to your meal. Other grape varieties to look for include Gamay and Garnacha, which also produce lively, fruity red wines with good acidity.
Match the Intensity of the Dish with the Wine
While chicken is typically a lighter meat, the intensity of the dish can vary depending on the cooking method, spices, and sauces used. If you're preparing a richer chicken dish with earthy ingredients like mushrooms, root vegetables, or tomato sauce, you can opt for a medium-bodied French or Spanish red wine, or even a Merlot. These wines will stand up to the stronger flavours of the dish without overpowering the meat.
Consider the Country of Origin for International Dishes
When preparing an international chicken dish, consider choosing a wine from the same country or region. For example, an Italian chicken dish with pesto and basil flavours would pair well with a citrusy Vermentino wine. Similarly, a Spanish chicken dish with sweet or smoky paprika or bravas sauce would be complemented by a Garnacha red wine.
Opt for Sparkling Red Wines for Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is a classic comfort food, and surprisingly, it pairs well with sparkling red wines. Look for sparkling wines with decent acidity to cut through the salty, fried flavours of the chicken. A Cava or a Crémant, made in the traditional Champagne method but using grapes from other French regions, can be excellent choices and are usually more affordable than Champagne.
Choose a Sweet Red Wine for Dishes with Sweet and Dark Sauces
Chicken dishes with sweet and dark sauces, such as teriyaki or barbecue sauce, call for a sweeter red wine. A Shiraz, Grenache, or Zinfandel can be a great choice for these dishes, adding a touch of sweetness and complexity to your meal. Just be careful not to choose a wine that is too big or oaky, as it may overpower the flavours of the chicken.
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Chicken and international wines
Chicken is a versatile meat that can be paired with many different wines. The wine you choose will depend on the type of chicken dish you are eating, as well as your personal preferences. Here are some tips for pairing chicken with international wines:
European Wines
If you're enjoying a classic roast chicken, a full-flavoured red wine, a rosé, or a dry white can all be excellent choices. An oaked Chardonnay is a classic pairing, with its melon and herb flavours complementing the dish. For something a little different, try a French or Spanish medium-bodied red or a Merlot with chicken dishes featuring earthy ingredients like mushrooms, root vegetables, or tomato sauce. If you're feeling fancy, uncork a Pinot Noir from Burgundy, or explore other New World options like those from Chile, Australia, or New Zealand.
Asian Wines
When it comes to Asian and Indian chicken dishes, think spice and sweetness. Sweet and fruity white or red wines served chilled are a perfect match. Rosé or red wines pair well with darker soy-sauce-based dishes. For something sparkling, go for Italian Brachetto d'Aqui or Moscato. If your dish is spicy, a sweet wine like a German Riesling or an off-dry Viognier is a great choice.
Sparkling Wines
Speaking of sparkling wines, who can resist some bubbles with their fried chicken? While Champagne is a classic choice, you might want to try something more affordable like Cava, a Spanish sparkling wine made in the traditional Champagne method. Or explore other sparkling options like Crémant from France or Lambrusco from Italy.
Chicken and Wine Pairing Tips
Remember, the basic principle when pairing wine with chicken is to avoid overpowering the dish. Lighter meats generally go well with lighter wines, and you don't want a wine with too much tannic structure as it can mask the flavours of the chicken. Instead, look for wines with good acidity and fruity notes to complement your chicken meal.
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Frequently asked questions
Sparkling wines with high acidity are a good option, such as Cava or Champagne. If you're dipping your chicken tenders in a spicy sauce, consider a wine with a little residual sugar like Kabinett Riesling.
Chardonnay is a classic match for roasted chicken, especially an oaked style with a riper fruit profile. You could also try a full-flavoured red, a rosé, or a dry white.
Sparkling wines with high acidity and freshness are a good choice for fried chicken, such as Spain's Cava or Champagne.
Viognier is a good option for chicken curry as it is slightly off-dry, and the small amount of sugar tempers the heat of the curry.
