What Wine Goes with Fried Chicken?

When pairing wine with food, most people think of steak, pasta, or seafood. However, fried chicken is a classic and beloved dish that deserves a perfect wine pairing. The crispy and juicy chicken, combined with flavorful spices and herbs, can be a challenge to match with the right wine. But fear not, we have some tips and recommendations to help you find the perfect pairing for your fried chicken feast.

Key Takeaways

• Pairing wine with fried chicken is an art that requires a delicate balance between the flavors and textures of both the food and the wine.
• White wines like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are great choices for fried chicken, as they complement the crispy texture and savory flavors of the chicken.
• Red wines like Pinot Noir and Zinfandel can also be a good match for fried chicken, especially if the chicken is seasoned with spicy or smoky flavors. Sparkling wines like Champagne and Prosecco can add a festive touch to your fried chicken feast.

Pairing wine with fried chicken is an art that requires a delicate balance between the flavors and textures of both the food and the wine. The right wine can enhance the flavors of the chicken and elevate the dining experience to a whole new level. In this article, we will explore the different types of wines that go well with fried chicken, as well as some other pairing considerations to keep in mind. Whether you prefer white, red, or sparkling wine, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s get started and find the perfect wine for your next fried chicken meal.

Best White Wines to Pair with Fried Chicken

The crisp acidity and refreshing flavors of white wine make it a perfect match for the rich and savory flavors of fried chicken. In this section, we will explore some of the best white wines to pair with fried chicken.

Chardonnay is a popular choice for pairing with fried chicken. It is a full-bodied white wine that can stand up to the bold flavors of fried chicken. Oaked chardonnay, in particular, is a great match for fried chicken as the oakiness of the wine complements the crispy texture of the chicken. Chardonnay is also a versatile wine that can pair well with a variety of fried chicken dishes, from classic Southern style to spicy Korean fried chicken.

Riesling is another white wine that pairs well with fried chicken. Off-dry riesling, in particular, is an excellent choice as the sweetness of the wine can balance out the saltiness of the chicken. Riesling is also a great choice for spicy fried chicken dishes as the sweetness can help cool down the heat. We recommend trying a Vouvray, a type of French riesling, with your fried chicken for a delicious pairing.

Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp and refreshing white wine that pairs well with fried chicken. Its bright acidity can cut through the richness of the chicken, while its herbal and citrus flavors can complement the seasoning of the dish. Sauvignon Blanc is also a great choice for pairing with lighter fried chicken dishes, such as fried chicken salad.

Grüner Veltliner is a lesser-known white wine that can be a great pairing for fried chicken. This Austrian wine has a unique flavor profile that includes notes of white pepper and green apple, making it a great match for the savory flavors of fried chicken. Grüner Veltliner is also a great choice for pairing with spicy fried chicken dishes as its acidity can help cool down the heat.

Albariño is a crisp and refreshing white wine from Spain that can be a great match for fried chicken. Its bright acidity can cut through the richness of the chicken, while its citrus and mineral flavors can complement the seasoning of the dish. Albariño is also a great choice for pairing with lighter fried chicken dishes, such as fried chicken sandwiches.

Best Red Wines to Pair with Fried Chicken

When pairing red wines with fried chicken, there are several options that can complement the flavors of this classic dish. Below are some of our top picks for red wines to enjoy with your next plate of fried chicken.

Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine that pairs well with fried chicken due to its low tannin content and fruity notes. It’s a versatile wine that can complement both the crispy skin and juicy meat of the chicken. Some great options to try include:

• Meiomi Pinot Noir
• La Crema Pinot Noir
• Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Pinot Noir

Grenache is a medium-bodied red wine that has a fruity and spicy flavor profile. Its bold flavors can stand up to the richness of fried chicken, making it a great pairing option. Some of our favorite Grenache wines to try with fried chicken include:

• Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Mourvedre
• Bodegas Breca Garnacha de Fuego
• Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine that has a high tannin content and bold flavors of black fruit and oak. While it may seem like an unlikely pairing for fried chicken, the richness of the wine can complement the savory flavors of the dish. Some Cabernet Sauvignon wines to try include:

• Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon
• Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon
• Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon

Tempranillo is a medium-bodied red wine that has a smooth and earthy flavor profile. Its subtle notes of vanilla and spice can complement the flavors of fried chicken without overpowering them. Some Tempranillo wines to try with fried chicken include:

• Bodegas LAN Rioja Crianza
• Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Crianza
• Bodegas Muga Rioja Reserva

Shiraz is a full-bodied red wine that has bold flavors of dark fruit and pepper. Its spicy notes can complement the crispy skin of the fried chicken, while its tannins can cut through the richness of the meat. Some Shiraz wines to try to include:

• Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz
• Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz
• Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz

Merlot is a medium-bodied red wine that has a smooth and fruity flavor profile. Its low tannin content and soft flavors can complement the savory flavors of fried chicken without overpowering them. Some Merlot wines to try with fried chicken include:

• Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot
• St. Francis Winery Merlot
• Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot

Zinfandel is a full-bodied red wine that has bold flavors of black pepper and dark fruit. Its spicy notes can complement the crispy skin of the fried chicken, while its tannins can cut through the richness of the meat. Some Zinfandel wines to try include:

• Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel
• Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel
• Turley Old Vines Zinfandel

With regards to pairing sparkling wines with fried chicken, there are a few options that work well. Here are some of our favorite sparkling wine choices for fried chicken:

Champagne is a classic pairing for fried chicken. The bubbles in the champagne help to cut through the richness of the fried chicken, while the acidity in the wine helps to balance out the saltiness. We recommend brut champagne for this pairing, as the dryness of the wine complements the savory flavors of the chicken.

Prosecco is another great option for pairing with fried chicken. This Italian sparkling wine is known for its bright, fruity flavors and crisp acidity, which make it a refreshing choice for fried chicken. Look for a dry or extra dry Prosecco, as the sweetness in a sweeter Prosecco may clash with the savory flavors of the chicken.

Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine from Italy that is often overlooked, but it can be a fantastic pairing for fried chicken. The wine’s fruity flavors and light tannins complement the chicken’s crispy coating, while the bubbles help to cleanse the palate between bites. Look for a dry or semi-dry Lambrusco for the best pairing.

Finally, we recommend trying brut champagne with your fried chicken. This dry champagne is a great choice for those who prefer their wine on the drier side, and it complements the savory flavors of the chicken perfectly. Look for a brut champagne that is made with Chardonnay grapes, as these tend to be the driest and most acidic.

The Art of Pairing Wine with Fried Chicken

With regards to pairing wine with fried chicken, there are a few things to consider. First, you want to choose a wine that can stand up to the crispy, juicy, and flavorful nature of fried chicken. Second, you want a wine that can complement the salty and savory flavors of the dish.

One option for pairing with fried chicken is sparkling wine. The effervescence of the wine can help cut through the richness of the chicken, while the acidity can complement the saltiness. A dry rosé is another good choice, as it has enough body to stand up to the chicken without overwhelming it.

For those who prefer red wine, a light-bodied red such as Pinot Noir or Gamay can be a great option. These wines have enough acidity to balance the richness of the chicken, while also complementing the flavors. If you prefer a fuller-bodied red, a Zinfandel or Syrah can work well, as they have enough tannins to cut through the richness of the chicken.

Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc can be a good choice. The buttery notes in Chardonnay can complement the crispy nature of the chicken, while the acidity in Sauvignon Blanc can cut through the richness.

The key to pairing wine with fried chicken is to choose a wine that has enough acidity and body to stand up to the flavors of the dish. Whether you prefer sparkling, red, or white wine, there are plenty of options that can complement the salty, savory, and flavorful nature of fried chicken.

Fried Chicken Varieties and Wine Pairings

Kentucky Fried Chicken and Wine Pairings

Kentucky Fried Chicken has a unique blend of spices that can be difficult to pair with wine. A sparkling wine like a Prosecco or a Rosé can help cut through the greasiness of the chicken and complement the spices. For red wine, try a Merlot with its smooth tannins and fruity notes.

With regards to Southern fried chicken, the key is to find a wine that can stand up to the bold flavors. A full-bodied red wine like a Zinfandel or a Syrah is a great option. The tannins in these wines help cut through the richness of the chicken, while the fruitiness complements the spices. For white wine, try a Chardonnay with a buttery finish.

Korean fried chicken is known for its spicy and tangy flavors. A Riesling or Gewürztraminer is a great choice to balance out the heat. The sweetness of these wines helps to cool down the spice, while the acidity cuts through the richness of the chicken. For a red wine, try Pinot Noir with its lighter body and fruity notes.

Nashville hot chicken is all about the heat. A wine with high acidity like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio can help to cool down the spice. For those who prefer red wine, a Beaujolais or a Grenache can complement the heat with their fruity and spicy notes.

With regards to pairing wine with fried chicken, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind. While we’ve already covered some of the best options, it’s important to note that there are many other wines that can work well with this dish.

For example, if you’re serving chicken wings, you might want to consider a zesty white wine with citrus notes. This can help cut through the richness of the wings and provide a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, light red wine with low tannins could also work well.

With regards to other meats, like beef, pork, or lamb, you’ll want to consider the seasonings and preparation method. For example, if you’re serving a spicy, Cajun-style pork dish, you might want to pair it with a wine that has higher residual sugar content. This can help balance out the heat and provide a nice contrast.

For vegan or Beyond Meat options, you’ll want to consider the protein source. For example, if you’re serving a mushroom and olive-based dish, you might want to pair it with a light red wine that has earthy notes. Alternatively, dry white wine with citrus notes could also work well.

Finally, if you’re serving boneless chicken cutlets or chicken breast, you might want to consider a wine with a bit more body and structure. This can help complement the meaty texture and provide a more satisfying pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions