The Perfect Wine Pairings for Chicken Dishes

By David Gadd | Published on 2022-10-20

: Welcome to the world of wine and chicken pairings! Whether you're a novice or a connoisseur, there's something for everyone to enjoy. From the classic Cabernet Sauvignon to the best wines for grilled, fried and roasted chicken, this article will help you find the perfect wine to pair with your favorite chicken dishes. We'll explore the best wines to drink with chicken, tips for picking the perfect wine for your chicken dish, and wine and chicken pairings for popular dishes like chicken marsala, chicken parmesan, and chicken pot pie. So, grab a glass and let's get started!

Cabernet Sauvignon: The Classic Choice

Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic choice when it comes to pairing wine with chicken dishes. This full-bodied red wine has a robust flavor that stands up to the bold flavors of many chicken dishes. The tannins in Cabernet Sauvignon also help to cut through the richness of the chicken, creating a balanced flavor profile. The dark fruit flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon, such as blackberry and black currant, pair nicely with the savory flavors of chicken dishes.

When choosing a Cabernet Sauvignon to pair with chicken, look for one with a good balance of acidity and tannins. The acidity will help to cut through the richness of the chicken, while the tannins will provide a nice structure and complexity to the dish. The fruit flavors should be bold and well-integrated, and the finish should be long and lingering.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a great choice for pairing with a variety of chicken dishes, from grilled chicken to chicken marsala. It can also be used to enhance the flavors of dishes like chicken parmesan and chicken pot pie. When selecting a Cabernet Sauvignon for pairing with chicken, look for one with good structure and complexity, and a finish that lingers on the palate.

White Wines That Complement Chicken Dishes

When it comes to pairing white wines with chicken dishes, there are a few classic choices that are sure to please. Chardonnay is a great option for grilled or roasted chicken dishes, as its buttery, oaky notes are a perfect match for the savory flavors of the chicken. For a lighter option, Pinot Grigio is a great choice. Its crisp, citrusy notes make it a great pairing for lighter chicken dishes, such as chicken piccata or chicken marsala.

For those looking for a more unique pairing, Sauvignon Blanc is a great option. Its herbal and grassy notes pair perfectly with the subtle flavors of chicken, making it a great choice for dishes that feature herbs and spices. Riesling is another great option for chicken dishes, as its slightly sweet notes balance out the savory flavors of the chicken.

Finally, for those looking for a more robust pairing, Viognier is a great choice. Its full-bodied notes of apricot and peach are a great match for richer chicken dishes, such as chicken parmesan or chicken pot pie. No matter what type of white wine you choose, it's sure to be a great pairing for your chicken dish.

Red Wines to Enhance Your Chicken Meal

When it comes to pairing red wines with chicken dishes, Cabernet Sauvignon is often the go-to choice. This full-bodied red has a bold flavor that stands up to the richness of chicken dishes. It also has a hint of tannins that help to cut through the fat of the chicken, making it a perfect pairing. Other great reds for chicken include Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Zinfandel.

Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red that pairs well with chicken dishes. Its delicate flavor and light tannins make it a great choice for lighter chicken dishes, such as chicken piccata or chicken marsala. Merlot is a medium-bodied red that has a smooth, velvety texture. It pairs nicely with grilled chicken, as well as roasted chicken. Zinfandel is a bold, full-bodied red that has a hint of sweetness. It pairs well with fried chicken and other heavier dishes.

When pairing red wines with chicken dishes, it's important to consider the flavors of the dish. If the dish is spicy, a bolder red such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel may be a better choice. If the dish is lighter, a Pinot Noir or Merlot may be a better option. Experimenting with different wines is the best way to find the perfect pairing for your chicken dish.

Best Wines for Grilled, Fried and Roasted Chicken

When it comes to pairing wine with grilled, fried, and roasted chicken, there are a few key considerations. For grilled chicken, you’ll want to look for a wine that has a good balance of acidity and fruitiness, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio. These wines will help to cut through the smoky flavors of the grilled chicken while still providing a nice complement to the dish.

When it comes to fried chicken, you’ll want to look for a wine that has a bit more body and complexity, such as a Chardonnay or a Riesling. These wines will help to bring out the flavors of the fried chicken while still providing a nice balance of acidity and sweetness.

Finally, for roasted chicken, you’ll want to look for a wine with a bit more body and tannins, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot. These wines will help to bring out the flavors of the roasted chicken while still providing a nice balance of acidity and tannins. No matter which type of chicken dish you’re serving, you’ll be sure to find the perfect wine pairing to make your meal even more enjoyable.

Pairing Wine with Popular Chicken Dishes

When it comes to pairing wine with popular chicken dishes, there are a few tried and true combinations that are sure to please. For a classic pairing, try a Cabernet Sauvignon with chicken marsala. The bold tannins of the Cabernet Sauvignon will stand up to the richness of the marsala sauce, while the earthy notes of the wine will bring out the flavors of the mushrooms and herbs in the dish.

For a lighter pairing, try a Sauvignon Blanc with a chicken piccata. The bright acidity of the Sauvignon Blanc will cut through the richness of the butter and lemon sauce, while the citrusy notes of the wine will complement the lemon flavor in the dish.

For a more robust pairing, try a Pinot Noir with a chicken parmesan. The bright fruit notes of the Pinot Noir will bring out the sweetness of the tomato sauce, while the earthy notes of the wine will pair nicely with the cheese and herbs in the dish. The light tannins of the wine will also help to balance the richness of the dish.

Wine and Chicken: A Match Made in Heaven

When it comes to pairing wine with chicken dishes, there is no denying that it is a match made in heaven. Chicken is a versatile protein that can be cooked in a variety of ways, and each method of preparation requires a different type of wine. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, frying, or baking, there is a perfect wine to pair with your chicken dish.

When it comes to white wines, there are several options that pair well with chicken. Chardonnay is a classic choice, as its buttery notes and hints of oak complement the flavors of the chicken. Sauvignon Blanc is also a great option, as its crisp acidity and herbal notes provide a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken. For red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic choice, as its bold tannins and dark fruit flavors pair well with the flavors of the chicken. Pinot Noir is another great option, as its light body and earthy notes pair well with the subtle flavors of the chicken.

No matter what type of chicken dish you’re preparing, there is a perfect wine to pair with it. From white wines to red wines, there are plenty of options to choose from. With a bit of experimentation, you’ll be able to find the perfect wine to complement your chicken dish.

The Best Wines to Drink with Chicken

When it comes to pairing wine with chicken, there are many options to choose from. Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic choice, as its bold flavor and tannins pair well with the subtle flavors of chicken. White wines like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio are also great choices for chicken dishes, as their crisp and fruity flavors can help to enhance the flavors of the dish.

For grilled, fried, and roasted chicken, a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Zinfandel can be a great choice. These wines have a bold flavor that can stand up to the bold flavors of grilled and roasted chicken. For fried chicken, a lighter red wine like Pinot Noir can be a great choice, as its bright acidity can help to cut through the richness of the fried chicken.

When pairing wine with popular chicken dishes like Chicken Marsala, Chicken Parmigiana, or Chicken Piccata, a light-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can be a great choice. These wines have a bright acidity that can help to cut through the rich sauces of these dishes. For dishes like Chicken Pot Pie or Chicken and Dumplings, a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Riesling can be a great choice. These wines have a creamy texture that can help to balance out the richness of the dish.

Tips for Picking the Perfect Wine for Your Chicken Dish

When it comes to pairing wine with chicken dishes, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, consider the flavors of the dish. If it’s a rich dish, such as chicken marsala, you’ll want to choose a full-bodied red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon. If it’s a lighter dish, such as a grilled chicken, you might want to consider a white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc.

Another important factor to consider is the cooking method. If the chicken is grilled, you’ll want to choose a wine that can stand up to the smoky flavors of the grill. A good choice would be a red wine, such as a Zinfandel or a Syrah. If the chicken is fried, you’ll want to choose a white wine, such as a Chardonnay, to help cut through the fat of the fried chicken.

Finally, consider the other ingredients in the dish. If the dish includes tomatoes, you’ll want to choose a wine that can stand up to the acidity of the tomatoes. A good choice would be a red wine, such as a Sangiovese or a Barbera. If the dish includes mushrooms, you’ll want to choose a wine that can stand up to the earthy flavors of the mushrooms. A good choice would be a Pinot Noir. By taking into account the flavors of the dish, the cooking method, and the other ingredients, you can easily pick the perfect wine to pair with your chicken dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pairing the right wine with chicken dishes can make all the difference to your meal. Whether you're looking for a classic Cabernet Sauvignon, a white wine to complement your chicken dish, or a red wine to enhance your meal, there are plenty of options to choose from. With the right wine pairing, you can create a delicious and memorable meal that will be sure to impress.