Lucas Delgado
Chicken is a versatile meat that can be paired with a variety of wines. The best wine to have with chicken depends on how the chicken is cooked and seasoned, as well as personal taste. Generally, white meat pairs well with white wine, while red meat goes better with red wines. Chardonnay is a classic wine to pair with chicken, as its buttery undertones complement the richness of roasted or grilled chicken, and its crisp acidity goes well with creamy sauces. For a lighter touch, unoaked Chardonnay or a New World Chardonnay with riper fruit notes can be a good option. Other white wines that go well with chicken include Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Australian Semillon. If you prefer red wine, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Grenache are good choices, especially for cold chicken dishes. For barbecued chicken, a richer red wine like Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, or Malbec is a good option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken type | Fried, grilled, roasted, poached, barbecued |
| Chicken dish | Chicken pie, chicken salad, chicken with gravy, chicken with cream sauce, chicken with cranberry sauce, chicken with herbs, chicken with lemon |
| Wine type | Red, White, Sparkling, Rosé, Orange |
| Wine variety | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Australian Semillon, Cava, Cap Classique, Champagne, Provence rosé, Austrian Grüner Veltliner, Vin Jaune, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Chablis, Chenin Blanc, Gamay, Garnacha, Grenache, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc, Malbec |
| Wine characteristics | Buttery, crisp, dry, oaked, medium-bodied, full-bodied, aromatic, floral, fruity, acidic, sweet |
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What You'll Learn
Chardonnay, oaked or unoaked
Chardonnay is the most popular white wine worldwide, and its versatility makes it a great pairing with chicken. The biggest difference in the way Chardonnay tastes depends on whether it is oaked or unoaked. Oaked Chardonnay is aged in oak barrels, which adds complexity and texture to the wine. It is traditionally described as toasty and buttery, with notes of vanilla, caramel, or spices. It pairs well with heavier dishes, like roast chicken, and richer preparations of meat. For example, an oaked Chardonnay is a great choice for a lemon and thyme butter-basted roast chicken with gravy.
Unoaked Chardonnay, on the other hand, is usually produced in stainless steel barrels, which do not impart the added woodsy notes of oak. It is often characterized as crisp, floral, or fruity, with fresh notes of green apple or lemon. Unoaked Chardonnay shines when paired with lighter dishes, like vegetables, salads, and seafood. It is a great choice for lighter chicken preparations, such as poached chicken in a lemon and tarragon sauce, or chicken in mushrooms and herbs.
When it comes to cheese, oaked Chardonnay pairs well with aged cheeses, while fresh cheeses are a better match for unoaked Chardonnay.
While Chardonnay is a versatile choice for wine and chicken pairings, it is important to consider the specific style of Chardonnay and the preparation of the chicken to create a harmonious balance.
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Rosé, especially darker pink styles
Chicken is a versatile meat that pairs well with various wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. While personal taste plays a role in choosing the best wine to pair with chicken, the preparation and seasoning of the chicken are also important factors. For example, richer preparations of chicken can handle more colour, richness, and tannin in the wine. On the other hand, a simple roasted chicken is best paired with a simple wine to avoid overwhelming the food.
Rosé wines, especially darker pink styles, can be an excellent choice to pair with chicken. These wines typically have more tannin and structure than their paler counterparts, making them better for food pairing in general. The skin contact that gives rosé wines their colour also contributes to their food-friendly texture. When pairing rosé with chicken, consider the richness of the dish and choose a wine with a similar level of intensity. For example, a medium-bodied rosé would pair well with a simple roasted chicken.
If you're looking for a specific recommendation, Matthieu Longuère MS, wine development manager at Le Cordon Bleu London, suggests a full-flavoured rosé for a summery roast chicken with lemon and herbs. The acidity from the lemon and the pungency of the herbs and garlic will be perfectly complemented by the full-flavoured rosé.
When pairing wine with chicken, it's important to remember that you don't want to overpower the dish with too much tannic structure. Additionally, you may want to consider the sauce or side dishes that accompany the chicken, as these can also impact the ideal wine pairing. By taking into account the preparation, seasoning, and accompaniments of the chicken, you can create a harmonious balance between the food and wine.
Overall, rosé wines, especially darker pink styles, can be a delightful choice to pair with chicken. With their food-friendly texture and ability to stand up to richer dishes, they offer a versatile option that can enhance your dining experience. So, the next time you're enjoying a roast chicken or a summery dish with herbs and lemon, consider reaching for a glass of full-flavoured rosé to complete your meal.
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Red wines with earthy ingredients
Chicken is a versatile meat that pairs well with various wines, including reds and whites. The wine you choose should complement the flavours of the dish without overwhelming them. When using earthy ingredients like mushrooms, root vegetables, tomato sauce, or red wine sauce, a red wine is a good choice.
For a simple roast chicken, a medium-bodied red like a Côtes du Rhône is a good option. If your chicken dish includes mushrooms, try a Nebbiolo from Alto Adige, Italy, which is lighter than a Barolo but still packed with red fruit flavours. Alternatively, a vin jaune, a speciality of the Jura region in France, is a good choice for a roast chicken with morel mushrooms.
If your chicken dish includes tomato and pepper-based sauces, a medium-bodied French or Spanish red, or a Merlot, will complement the flavours. For a chicken dish with a barbecue sauce, a full-bodied red like a Shiraz, Grenache, or Zinfandel will add a touch of sweetness. Chicken coq au vin, cooked in dry Burgundy wine, shallots, garlic, and mushrooms, pairs well with a Merlot.
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Sparkling wines for fried chicken
Fried chicken is a classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with a refreshing glass of sparkling wine. This combination is perfect for celebrations and special occasions, like New Year's Eve, adding a touch of elegance to this traditional dish.
When it comes to choosing the right sparkling wine, opt for a dry variety, such as a Brut Estate Rosé. The crisp acidity and bubbles in these wines cut through the richness of the fried chicken, creating a harmonious contrast. Look for wines with citrus and apple notes, as these flavours complement the dish exceptionally well. The weight and intensity of both the food and the wine are crucial factors to consider when pairing them. Sparkling wine has just the right amount of body and flavour to complement fried chicken without overwhelming its delicate taste.
Extra Dry sparkling wines, with a hint of residual sugar, can also be an excellent choice. The subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with the juicy, sweet notes of fried chicken. You can find Extra Dry sparkling wines in various styles, including domestic sparkling wine, Cava, and Champagne, offering a range of price points to suit any budget. Cava, in particular, is known for its exceptional value, with bottles available for as little as $8, making it a cost-effective option without compromising on quality.
For a true southern-style experience, pair your fried chicken with a glass of bubbly. This unexpected combination will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Whether you're enjoying a bucket of chicken from your favourite restaurant or whipping up a homemade batch, the addition of sparkling wine instantly elevates the dining experience. So, the next time you're planning a gathering or simply craving some comfort food, remember that fried chicken and sparkling wine are a match made in culinary heaven.
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Sauvignon Blanc for grilled chicken
Chicken is a versatile meat that pairs well with both red and white wines. The basic principle is that you don't want to overpower the meat or the dish. A wine with a luscious fruit component and decent acidity could match a richer dish, but too much tannic structure might mask the flavours.
Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine that pairs well with grilled chicken. The citrus overtones of Sauvignon Blanc will complement chicken dishes with lemon, garlic, or herbs. It is light enough not to overpower a delicate herbal rub on chicken, and its crisp finish will keep the chicken tasting fresh. Sauvignon Blanc is also a good choice for chicken salads or sandwiches, as its zesty flavours cut through the fat in these dishes.
Sauvignon Blanc is produced in many regions, including California, Australia, Italy, Washington State, and Chile. The climate of the region affects the flavour of the wine, with warmer regions producing wines that pair better with roasty, meaty dishes. For grilled chicken, a Sauvignon Blanc from a warmer region may be a good choice.
When pairing wine with grilled chicken, it is also important to consider the seasonings and sauces used. A chicken dish with a green herb sauce, for example, might call for a more herbaceous wine with high acidity, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Vermentino. If you're looking for a red wine to pair with grilled chicken, a lighter wine like a Pinot Noir or a Grenache might be a good choice.
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Frequently asked questions
A simple roast chicken pairs well with a full-flavoured red, a medium-bodied rosé, or a dry white. Chardonnay is a classic match, especially when oaked, and carries a little more weight on the palate. A medium-bodied red like Côtes du Rhône pairs well with a dark, savoury gravy.
Chicken alfredo can be paired with lighter red wines or dry white wines. Beaujolais and Pinot Noir are two lighter reds with fruity tartness that can cut through the thick alfredo sauce. White wines that match the consistency of alfredo include Pinot Grigio, Orvieto, and Chardonnay.
Fried chicken is a juicy dish that calls for a wine that is equally simple, with a good balance of acidity and sweetness. Sparkling wines like Champagne, Cava, or South Africa Cap Classique have the signature high acidity and freshness to cut through the richness of the fried coating.
Barbecued chicken can be paired with richer, fuller-bodied red wines like Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, or Malbec. Look for more savoury options and avoid sweet sauces.
Chicken and mushroom risotto pairs well with Gavi, a white wine from Piedmont in Italy. Gavi has flavours of pear, almond, and stone fruit.
