Chicken is a versatile meat that can be prepared in many ways, making it a popular choice for meals. When it comes to wine pairing, chicken can be a bit tricky because it can be prepared with various herbs and spices. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of chicken dishes and which wines pair best with them.
Wine pairing is an art that can enhance the flavors of both the food and the wine, bringing out the best in both. Choosing the right wine to pair with chicken can be tricky, as there are many different types of chicken dishes to consider. From roasted chicken to grilled chicken, the perfect wine pairing can depend on the spices and seasonings used, as well as the cooking method. To help you make the best pairing choices, we will explore the ideal wines to pair with different types of chicken dishes.
White wines for white meat
White meat, like chicken, pairs well with white wines. White wines are lighter and have a more delicate flavor profile, making them a great pairing for chicken dishes. The acidity in white wines also helps to cut through the richness of the chicken. Here are some white wines that pair well with chicken:
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a popular white wine that pairs well with chicken. It is an oaked wine that is full-bodied and has a buttery texture. Chardonnay pairs well with roasted or grilled chicken dishes that have a creamy sauce.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp and refreshing wine that pairs well with chicken dishes that have a citrus or herb-based sauce. It is a lighter wine that doesn’t overpower the chicken.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is a light and refreshing wine that pairs well with chicken dishes that have a light sauce. It is a great option for chicken salads, grilled chicken, or chicken piccata.
Red wines for chicken
Red wines are generally considered to be a better pairing with red meat, but there are some red wines that pair well with chicken dishes. Here are some red wines that pair well with chicken:
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a light red wine that pairs well with chicken dishes that have a mushroom or herb-based sauce. It is a good option for roasted chicken or chicken with a light tomato sauce.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a full-bodied red wine that pairs well with chicken dishes that have a spicy or barbecue sauce. It is a great option for grilled or roasted chicken.
Syrah
Syrah is a full-bodied red wine that pairs well with chicken dishes that have a rich sauce. It is a great option for chicken dishes that have a red wine sauce or a tomato-based sauce.
Sparkling wine for chicken
Sparkling wine is another great option for pairing with chicken dishes. It is a versatile wine that can pair well with a variety of chicken dishes. Here are some sparkling wines that pair well with chicken:
A key takeaway from this text is that white wines generally pair better with chicken dishes than red wines. Chardonnay is a good option for roasted or grilled chicken with a creamy sauce, while Sauvignon Blanc is ideal for chicken dishes with a citrus or herb-based sauce. Pinot Grigio is a light and refreshing pairing for chicken salads or grilled chicken. Pinot Noir is a good option for chicken dishes with a mushroom or herb-based sauce, while Zinfandel pairs well with spicy or barbecue sauces, and Syrah goes with chicken dishes with a rich sauce. Lastly, sparkling wine can be a versatile pairing option for a variety of chicken dishes. When choosing a wine to pair with chicken, it’s important to consider the flavors and cooking method of the dish.
Champagne
Champagne is a classic sparkling wine that pairs well with chicken dishes that have a creamy sauce. It is also a great option for chicken dishes that have a light citrus or herb-based sauce.
Prosecco
Prosecco is a light and refreshing sparkling wine that pairs well with chicken dishes that have a light sauce. It is a great option for chicken salads or grilled chicken.
Other Considerations
When choosing a wine to pair with your chicken dish, consider the flavors of the dish and choose a wine that complements those flavors. For example, a chicken dish that is spicy or has bold flavors would pair well with a full-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Syrah. On the other hand, a chicken dish that is light and refreshing would pair well with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
It is also important to consider the cooking method of the chicken. Grilled or roasted chicken would pair well with a red wine like Pinot Noir, while fried or baked chicken would pair better with a white wine like Chardonnay.
FAQs – What kind of wine goes with chicken?
What types of wine pair well with chicken?
There are several types of wine that pair well with chicken. If you are serving white meat chicken, a creamy Chardonnay is an excellent choice. If you are serving dark meat chicken, a Pinot Noir is a great option. A light-bodied red wine such as a Beaujolais or a Gamay is also a good pairing for chicken. Additionally, a sparkling wine such as Champagne or Prosecco can also complement a chicken dish.
What specific dishes pair well with white wine and chicken?
For white wine, pairing creamy chicken dishes with Chardonnay is a classic pairing. Some examples of dishes that pair well with Chardonnay include chicken Alfredo, chicken pot pie, and chicken marsala. Other white wines like Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with herb roasted and grilled chicken dishes, while a Riesling can go well with spicy chicken dishes.
What specific dishes pair well with red wine and chicken?
Pinot Noir is an excellent red wine pairing for chicken dishes, especially when paired with grilled or roasted chicken, and dishes that are heavy in mushrooms or earthy flavors. Other red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with grilled or barbecue chicken dishes, while Merlot is well-suited for tomato-based and herb-infused chicken dishes.
Are there any general rules to follow when pairing wine with chicken?
A general rule of thumb is that lighter-bodied wines pair well with white meat chicken, while fuller-bodied wines pair well with dark meat chicken. Additionally, there are some flavor combinations that tend to work well together. For example, acidic wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir can counterbalance the richness of a creamy chicken dish. It’s also important to consider any herbs or spices used in the chicken dish and choose a wine that complements those flavors. Ultimately, the best pairing will depend on personal taste preferences.