Wine Pairings With Chicken: 10 Succulent Dishes for 10 Delectable Wines
Discover what wine goes best with chicken, and you'll be whipping up gourmet meals that your dinner guests will rave about.
Succulent, mouthwatering, tender, and delectable, chicken is a food no one can resist. Its light flavor can entice everyone from healthy eaters to foodies. Chicken’s exquisite and clean meat taste is one of the most versatile of poultry, so you can make anything from cheesy Italian casseroles to spicy, curry-based fare. The only thing missing from this array of delicious poultry dishes? A glass of wine, of course!
Few flavor pairs are more enticing than steaming chicken and a glass of white, red, or rosé. Now you can select the perfect flavor profile of a wine to match your chicken dish. From spicy, medium-bodied Merlot to the buttery creaminess of Chardonnay, this chicken and wine pairing list has a recipe for every glass.
There a million reasons to eat more chicken. Not only is chicken tasty in any dish, but it’s also packed with health benefits. It is rich in protein and amino acids, lowers your chance of heart disease, and its high levels of niacin help grow healthy skin and boost your metabolism. In other words, chicken is a miracle food. Why not eat it alongside an antioxidant-filled glass of wine? Treat yourself in every sense of the word with these chicken and wine pairings.
This collection of wines to pair with chicken is something you’ll want to keep in the kitchen for decades to come. You can be a 5-star chef or just looking for a quick weeknight fix; whatever your cooking level, you’ll find an utterly delicious chicken and wine pairing just for you on this list!
Chardonnay and Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo
Unlike other crisp, white wines, Chardonnay has an iconic, buttery-smooth taste. It 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 heavenly as creamy, rich chicken fettuccini alfredo. Sauteed chicken, simply seasoned with salt and pepper, mixes into a luscious sauce made from heavy cream and parmesan for a pairing you can’t resist.
Riesling and Spicy Chicken Tikka Masala
Because Riesling is known for its light, fruity, and sweet taste, it is the perfect match for a chicken dish with a kick. Brighten up your palate with every bite of this Indian classic, made with a tangy Tikka yogurt and the spicy taste of cumin, turmeric, cayenne, and paprika. The ripe, apricot finish of Riesling will bring out the tart undertones of this dish while emphasizing its piquant base. Win over any crowd with this sweet and spicy white wine pairing.
Pinot Noir and Chicken Marsala
The high acidity and low tannin content of Pinot Noir make it the perfect red wine to balance a savory yet creamy chicken recipe. Earthy tones of this delicate wine will balance with the gamey mushroom taste of chicken marsala. With lightly breaded, pan-fried chicken breast, this classic Italian dish will come alive with the ripe berry tones of Pinot Noir. The wine’s light body will balance the strong flavor of garlic and onions.
Rosé and Sofrito Chicken Skillet
Add some playfulness to your dining room with this bright, light, and summery pair. Rosé wine is known for its exquisite pink color and light, fruity flavor. Balance this vibrant, sweet wine with a Spanish chicken dish that will shock your taste buds with a mouthwatering, peppery taste. Chiles, tomato, bell peppers, and cilantro give this sofrito chicken skillet a natural spice while rosé's floral bouquet will complete the garden-fresh taste.
Shiraz and Smoky BBQ Chicken Brisket
There’s not a person out there who doesn’t like the bold, smoky-sweet taste of this classic Texas recipe. Now you can tease out the appetizing flavors of BBQ with a wine pairing made in heaven. Shiraz, a dark, peppery, and full-bodied wine, is just what BBQ chicken brisket needs. This hearty and spicy red will complement the bold southern style of chicken brisket, while its blackcurrant overtones will balance the honey sweetness of the BBQ.
Pinot Grigio and Chicken Tetrazzini
Opposites do attract when it comes to the exquisite pair of Pinot Grigio and chicken tetrazzini. This light-bodied white wine is dry and crisp, boasting a citrusy bouquet of apples and pears. Conversely, chicken tetrazzini is known for its rich and creamy taste and hearty linguini base. Brighten up the thick taste of gooey parmesan and mozzarella with a light white wine sure to make any dinner an incomparable dining experience!
Sauvignon Blanc and Lemon and Garlic Roasted Chicken
What better way to design a dinner than by pairing two classics? Bring the dry, tart taste of Sauvignon Blanc to a chicken dish guaranteed to please any food critic. The citrus overtones of this zesty white wine will energize the lemony take on a time-old recipe. Sauvignon Blanc is light enough not to overpower the delicate herbal rub on the chicken, and its crisp finish will keep your roasted chicken tasting fresh.
Malbec and Chicken Enchiladas with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
Argentinian Malbec is perhaps the most lively red wine you’ll ever taste. Its rich, spicy flavors and smoky finish is just what the gooey cheese taste of chicken enchiladas need. The garden-fresh flavor of tomatillo salsa will breathe new life into this piquant wine, as well. Give every bite of this Spanish dish an irresistible kick with a high-tannin red. Not only will Malbec taste out of this world, but the sensual dark color will also make your table spread pop.
Champagne and Fried Chicken
You’d never guess how divine this unlikely pairing is! The carbonated brightness of Champagne interacts with the battered, crisp exterior of the fried chicken for a texture that will make your whole mouth come alive. Choose a champagne with zesty, citrus notes, and it’s guaranteed to vivify your chicken with a delectable complexity. Treat yourself to the elegance of Champagne without breaking the bank on an equally tasty chicken pairing!
Merlot and Coq Au Vin
Though Merlot has fewer bitter tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon, its bold, spicy taste is the perfect thing to bring out the savory complexity of coq au vin. Cooked in dry Burgundy wine and the rich flavors of shallots, garlic, and mushrooms, this chicken dish comes alive with Merlot. The black cherry overtones of Merlot bring out the tanginess of the garlic while its middle-body doesn’t overpower the subtle taste of fresh thyme and carrots.
What's your go-to wine and chicken pairing? Let us know below in the comments!