Food
Pairing Chicken and Wine
What wine pairs with chicken?
Baked, stewed, grilled or fried, chicken is one of those go-to meals that always satisfies the hungry or (hungover) soul. And, while we may not be able to solve the age-old riddle of “what comes first, the chicken or the egg?”, we can definitely answer the frequently asked question of “what wines go well with chicken?”.
So, let us help take the guess work out of this best wines with chicken equation with our handy guide to creating the ideal chicken and wine pairings that everyone can enjoy. Let’s begin!
When deciding what wine to serve with your chicken dish, it’s all about the cooking method and the accompanying sauces. Light or aromatic whites wines are ideal with anything delicate, fried or with a bit of spice, while richer whites, such as chicken’s classic match, Chardonnay, are perfect with fuller flavoured creations, traditional roasts or creamy dishes. Red wine drinkers shouldn’t shy away from their favourite drop, however, if you like your chicken spicy, stick to the less tannic reds like Grenache, Pinot Noir and Merlot.
Chicken with White Wine
The aromatic profile of Viognier makes it a perfect white wine to pair with white meats such as chicken. Originally from France, the style varies from elegant and fragrant to luscious and full-bodied.
Enjoy with: Viognier, Chardonnay or Marsanne Roussanne
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With its delicious yet delicate flavours of ginger, mint, coriander and lime, Vietnamese dishes like this aromatic chicken salad, are a taste sensation with Sauvignon Blanc and blends, lighter styles of Vermentino, Riesling or Pinot G.
Enjoy with: Sauvignon Blanc and blends, Vermentino, Riesling or Pinot G
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Roast chicken is full of flavour, so the obvious and classic wine choice is a great Aussie Chardonnay or Verdelho. For something a little different, medium weight and textural whites like Fiano and Arneis are also fantastic.
Enjoy with: Chardonnay, Verdelho, Fiano or Arneis
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Miso, sesame seeds, mirin and green onions are essential Japanese ingredients, and all feature in this gorgeous chicken recipe that would pair perfectly with a Grüner Veltliner. Grüner is very similar to Riesling, but with just a little more richness and distinctive peppery aroma and flavour, however, it can look more like Chardonnay when aged.
Enjoy with: Grüner Veltliner, Riesling or Savagnin
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Chicken with Red Wine
Matt Stone's Kosho marinated chicken and fermented brown rice
Kosho is a pasty Japanese condiment made from fresh chiles then fermented with salt along with zest and juice from yuzu or other citrus fruits. This charry, citrus driven chicken dish is perfect for a juicy red wine with depth and savoury fruit profile like a Grenache or Sangiovese.
Enjoy with: Grenache, Sangiovese and GSM blends
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The combination of herbs, smoky bacon bits and earthy mushrooms in this typically French chicken dish, and the accompanying salad, call for a Pinot Noir with its classic cranberry, cherry, raspberry, clove and leaf litter flavour characters and fine tannins.
Enjoy with: Pinot Noir, Gamay, or for something lighter, try a Rosé.
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With its origins in Spain and its delicious savoury characters of blackberry, black cherry, raspberry, vanilla and clove, Tempranillo makes a tasty match to rustic chicken dishes like this one that features the spicy flavours of chorizo.
Enjoy with: Tempranillo, Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon
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For lovers of big, rich reds, go for a chicken dish that is equally rich and full-flavoured. A super-tasty chicken tagine with preserved lemon, almonds and olives is a perfect dish to stand-up to your favourite Shiraz and Cabernets. And, with their origins in the Mediterranean, Sangiovese and Tempranillo are also great matches.
Enjoy with: Shiraz, Cabernet, Sangiovese or Tempranillo
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Looking for more chicken-based culinary inspiration? Thanks to our friends at Selector, you can enjoy free access to hundreds of exquisite recipes from some of Australia’s top chefs – visit out the Selector recipe archive today and start planning your next fabulous feast!