Best Wine with Chicken—Pairing Wine and Chicken Dishes

Are you having chicken for dinner tonight? One of the most versatile meats you can cook with, chicken is delicious when simply roasted with a drizzle of olive oil and a few herbs—but it’s also perfect for soaking in smoky barbecue marinades and spice rubs or starring in soups, stews and pasta dishes.

And, of course, there’s a perfect wine pairing for every chicken dish. Read our guide to choosing a good wine with chicken to make every chicken dinner a winner.

Red or White Wine with Chicken?

White wine is a classic go-to with chicken, so why not start here? From dry and crisp to rich and creamy, there are many white wine options depending on how you’re serving your chicken. Lighter, drier styles may better suit simple chicken dishes (such as those served over green salads), while full-bodied, richer styles pair well with roasted meat.

But some rules are meant to be broken! Several red wines work very well, too. Their juicy red-fruit notes, savory hints of spice and herbs and refreshing acidity can help balance out flavorful chicken dishes.

Easy-drinking reds like Pinot Noir are most commonly paired with chicken, but a few full-bodied wines can also work if your chicken is served in a rich sauce.

Rosé wine, with its crisp character, delicate berry notes and hints of minerality and dried herbs can also match chicken’s delicate, savory flavors.

Best Wine with Chicken Marsala

Wine pairing: Malbec

A true Italian-American classic, Chicken Marsala is pan-fried chicken cutlets smothered in a creamy mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. It’s a complex dish that needs a full-bodied wine to match its richness.

Malbec is known for its dark-fruit flavors with notes of cocoa and leather, which complement the savoriness of the rich mushroom and Marsala sauce. Malbec’s medium acidity helps cut through the creamy sauce, creating a wonderful balance.

J Opi Malbec 2022 is a berry-rich Malbec from Argentina’s famous Mendoza Valley.

Best Wine with Roast Chicken

Wine pairing: Oaked Chardonnay or Pinot Noir

An oaked Chardonnay is a classic pairing with roast chicken. A full-bodied white, its rich fruit flavors are tempered by the buttery, vanilla notes imparted from oak aging. Oaked Chardonnay’s creamy texture also pairs well with the chicken’s succulent texture. The award-winning RedHeads Harmonie Rox Chardonnay 2021 is a creamy, buttery option that pairs perfectly with roast chicken.

If you prefer red wine, try a light-bodied Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir’s refreshing acidity and cherry and raspberry flavors subtly complement chicken’s savory taste without overpowering it. Try silky and elegant Purple Owl Pinot Noir 2022 from California.

Best Wine with Chicken Alfredo

Wine pairing: Chardonnay

Chicken and pasta smothered in garlicky butter, cream and Parmesan make a delicious dish. But which wine should you pair with this dish? With its fruit-forward profile and bright acidity, Chardonnay cuts through the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, creating the perfect balance.

The wine’s zesty lemon and green apple notes complement and contrast the chicken’s rich, savory flavors.

Domaine la Domitienne Chardonnay 2021 from southern France is an excellent choice with chicken Alfredo—it’s dry and crisp with hints of vibrant lemon.

Best Wine with Fried Chicken

Wine pairing: White sparkling

What can make a plate of delicious fried chicken even more delicious? A glass of bubbly! The bubbles and acidity in sparkling wines, such as Champagne, Prosecco and Cava, can cut through fried chicken’s rich flavor and oiliness, providing a refreshing contrast. The wine’s crispness also helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Elegantly light and brimming with fruity apple and pear flavors, Il Papavero Prosecco 2021 is fabulous paired with fried chicken.

Best Wine with Chicken Parmesan

Wine pairing: Barbera or Lambrusco

A staple of Italian-American cuisine, Chicken Parmesan is a firm family favorite.

Try pairing this dish of breaded chicken smothered in a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese with a glass of Barbera. This popular Italian red wine’s lively acidity and fruity characteristics help balance the dish’s rich flavors. Try Berlico 2022, a silky, juicy and fruity Barbera from Italy.

Alternatively, why not open a bottle of Lambrusco, the Italian sparkling red? Its touch of sweetness and soft tannins can complement the savory chicken and rich tomato sauce, while its light bubbles add an interesting texture contrast. L’Occhiolino sparkling red has a gentle sweetness with red berry and dark cherry notes.

Best Wine with Jerk Chicken

Wine pairing: Gewürztraminer

With a marinade made from Scotch bonnet peppers, spicy Jamaican Jerk chicken is hot, hot, hot! It demands a wine that can withstand its intense heat. Stand up, Gewürztraminer! This aromatic white wine is known for its sweet and spicy flavors that perfectly complement the complex flavors in jerk seasoning.

Try Sealicious Gewürztraminer 2020. It's luscious and juicy with a zingy, refreshing finish, which is ideal for cutting through the complex flavors of jerk chicken.

Best Wine with Caesar Salad

Wine pairing: Provence rosé

Caesar salad is a summertime staple, featuring chargrilled chicken and a tangy, creamy dressing. A dish this fresh and light needs an equally light wine. Say hello to a Provence rosé!

Considered one of the finest types of rosé wines in the world, these delicate pink wines are known for their light body, subtle fruit flavors and crisp finish. These characteristics provide a delicious contrast to the rich Caesar dressing and slightly smoky grilled chicken. The subtle fruitiness of a Provence rosé also complements the natural flavors of the salad’s crisp lettuce and salty Parmesan.

Elegant with delicate floral and citrus hints, Moulin de Pontfract Rosé 2022 is the perfect companion with your next Caesar salad.

Best Wine with Chicken Tacos

Wine pairing: Riesling or Viognier

What wine is best for chicken taco night? Soft flour tortillas stuffed with perfectly seasoned, spicy chicken, sour cream and pico de gallo with lime can make for a chicken dish with a kick, so choose a luscious white to pair with your meal. A full-bodied German Riesling or a California Viognier are both excellent options.

Riesling is known for its high acidity and (sometimes) a touch of sweetness, which can balance tangy, spicy flavors. Try the gently sweet Von Reben Mosel Riesling 2022 from Germany.

Similarly, Viognier pairs well with its flavors of stone fruit, citrus and floral notes that can complement the flavors in the chicken and any creamy elements like cheese or avocado. Its aromatic quality can also balance the spices in tacos.

Silky and succulent, Ocellus Viognier 2021 is a Lodi Viognier overflowing with heady honeysuckle, apricot and peach flavors.

Best Wine with Barbecued Chicken

Wine pairing: Merlot

Elevate your barbecued chicken with a delicious Merlot. With medium acidity and flavors of plum, cherry and herbs, this red complements barbecue sauce’s smoky, slightly sweet taste. Merlot’s smooth tannins also suit chicken’s tender texture.

Try Château Le Coin Bordeaux 2022, a smooth, food-friendly Merlot-based blend with ripe plum and warming clove notes.

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Best Wine with Chicken—Pairing Wine and Chicken Dishes

Red or White Wine with Chicken?

Best Wine with Chicken Marsala

Best Wine with Roast Chicken

Best Wine with Chicken Alfredo

Best Wine with Fried Chicken

Best Wine with Chicken Parmesan

Best Wine with Jerk Chicken

Best Wine with Caesar Salad

Best Wine with Chicken Tacos

Best Wine with Barbecued Chicken

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Best Wine with Chicken—Pairing Wine and Chicken Dishes

Red or White Wine with Chicken?

Best Wine with Chicken Marsala

Best Wine with Roast Chicken

Best Wine with Chicken Alfredo

Best Wine with Fried Chicken

Best Wine with Chicken Parmesan

Best Wine with Jerk Chicken

Best Wine with Caesar Salad

Best Wine with Chicken Tacos

Best Wine with Barbecued Chicken

Other Wines of the World Articles You May Be Interested in

Plus 1–Year Laithwaites
FREE Shipping Service