Fried Chicken Wine Pairing – Best Wines for Fried Chicken

If you’re a fan of fried chicken, you know that finding the perfect beverage to complement this classic dish can be a challenge.

Enter fried chicken wine pairing, a surprisingly delicious combination that is gaining popularity among foodies and wine enthusiasts alike.

Whether you’re enjoying traditional fried chicken, spicy wings, or even a vegetarian version of this beloved dish, there is a wine out there that can elevate your meal to new heights.

In this article, we’ll explore the best wines for fried chicken and provide tips for selecting the perfect pairing.

So, pour yourself a glass and let’s dive into the world of fried chicken wine pairing!

But first, what wine goes with fried chicken?

The best wines to pair with fried chicken are Sauvignon Blanc, Chablis, Albariño, and Off-dry Riesling. All of these wines have a refreshing acidity that can cut through the greasiness of the fried chicken and bring out its flavors. These wines also have subtle fruit notes that can balance the savory flavors of the dish.

5 Reasons To Consider Serving Wine With Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a classic American dish that has been a staple for generations. The crispy exterior and juicy meat make it a favorite for many, and it’s no surprise that it’s often paired with a cold beer.

However, wine is a surprisingly great pairing for fried chicken, and here are five reasons why you should consider serving wine with this delicious dish:

1. Wine Enhances the Flavor of Fried Chicken: Wine has a unique ability to complement and enhance the flavors in fried chicken. The acidity in white wine can cut through the fat and balance out the flavors, while the tannins in red wine can complement the richness of the chicken.
2. Wine Offers a Wide Range of Flavor Profiles: Wine comes in a variety of styles, each with its own unique flavor profile. From light, crisp whites to full-bodied reds, there’s a wine out there that can complement any type of fried chicken, whether it’s traditional or spicy.
3. Wine Provides a Sophisticated Pairing Option: While beer is a classic pairing for fried chicken, serving wine can add a touch of sophistication to your meal. It’s an unexpected pairing that will impress your guests and elevate your dining experience.
4. Wine Can Accompany Side Dishes: Fried chicken is often served with a variety of side dishes, from mashed potatoes to coleslaw. Wine can complement these dishes just as well as it complements the chicken, creating a harmonious meal.
5. Wine Can Create a Memorable Experience: Pairing wine with fried chicken can create a memorable dining experience. It’s a fun and unexpected combination that your guests will remember long after the meal is over.

The 5 Best White Wines For Fried Chicken

When it comes to pairing wine with fried chicken, white wine is a popular choice due to its acidity and ability to cut through the richness of the dish.

Here are five of the best white wines to pair with fried chicken:

1. Sauvignon Blanc: This light and crisp white wine is a great pairing for traditional fried chicken. Its acidity and citrus flavors cut through the richness of the chicken, while its herbaceous notes complement the dish’s spices.
2. Chablis: A French wine made from Chardonnay grapes, Chablis is a dry, unoaked wine with bright acidity and mineral flavors. It’s a great pairing for fried chicken, especially if the dish is served with a creamy sauce.
3. Albariño: This Spanish white wine is known for its bright acidity and citrus flavors. It pairs well with fried chicken, especially if the dish has a spicy kick.
4. Pinot Grigio: A light and refreshing white wine, Pinot Grigio is a popular pairing for fried chicken. Its crisp acidity and fruity notes complement the flavors of the dish, making it a perfect match.
5. Vouvray: A French wine made from Chenin Blanc grapes, Vouvray is a medium-bodied wine with flavors of honey and green apple. It’s a great pairing for heartier fried chicken dishes, especially those with a sweet and savory flavor profile.

The 5 Best Red Wines For Fried Chicken

While white wine is a popular choice for pairing with fried chicken, red wine can also be an excellent option.

Here are five of the best red wines to pair with fried chicken:

1. Pinot Noir: This light-bodied red wine is a great pairing for fried chicken. Its fruity and earthy flavors complement the dish without overpowering it.
2. Beaujolais: Made from Gamay grapes, Beaujolais is a light and fruity wine with bright acidity. It’s a great pairing for fried chicken, especially if the dish is served with a spicy sauce.
3. Zinfandel: This full-bodied red wine has bold flavors of blackberry and spice that complement the richness of fried chicken. It’s a great pairing for heartier dishes with a sweet and spicy flavor profile.
4. Grenache: A medium-bodied red wine with fruity flavors of raspberry and cherry, Grenache is a great pairing for fried chicken. Its bright acidity and spice notes complement the dish without overwhelming it.
5. Lambrusco: A sparkling red wine from Italy, Lambrusco is a fun and unexpected pairing for fried chicken. Its bubbly texture and fruity flavors of blackberry and cherry make it a perfect match for the dish.

The 5 Best Rosé Wines For Fried Chicken

Rosé wine is a versatile option for pairing with fried chicken. Its acidity and fruitiness can complement the dish without overpowering it.

Here are five of the best rosé wines to pair with fried chicken:

1. Dry Rosé: A dry rosé with bright acidity and flavors of raspberry and strawberry is a great pairing for fried chicken. It’s a refreshing option that won’t overpower the dish’s rich and savory flavors.
2. Provence Rosé: A French rosé made in the Provence region, this wine is known for its light and refreshing flavors of watermelon and citrus. It’s a perfect match for fried chicken, especially if the dish is served with a citrusy sauce.
3. White Zinfandel: This sweet rosé has flavors of strawberry and raspberry and is a great pairing for spicy fried chicken. Its sweetness can balance out the heat of the dish.
4. Syrah Rosé: Made from the Syrah grape, this rosé has bold flavors of blackberry and spice that complement the rich flavors of fried chicken. It’s a great pairing for heartier dishes with a sweet and spicy flavor profile.
5. Sparkling Rosé: A bubbly rosé is a fun and unexpected pairing for fried chicken. Its effervescence and fruity flavors of cherry and raspberry make it a perfect match for the dish.

Other Wines To Pair With Fried Chicken

In addition to white, red, and rosé wines, there are other types of wines that can be great pairings for fried chicken.

Here are some options to consider:

1. Sparkling Wine: A sparkling wine, such as Champagne or Prosecco, can be a great pairing for fried chicken. Its bubbles can cut through the richness of the dish, while its acidity and fruitiness can complement the flavors.
2. Chardonnay: If you prefer a richer white wine, Chardonnay can be a great pairing for fried chicken. Look for a Chardonnay with a moderate amount of oak and flavors of vanilla and butter.
3. Riesling: An off-dry Riesling can be a great pairing for lighter versions of fried chicken. Its sweetness can balance out the saltiness of the dish and its acidity can cut through the richness.
4. Cabernet Franc: This medium-bodied red wine has flavors of raspberry and spice that complement the flavors of fried chicken. Its bright acidity and moderate tannins can cut through the richness of the dish.
5. Shiraz/Syrah: If you’re looking for a bolder red wine to pair with fried chicken, Shiraz/Syrah can be a great option. Look for a wine with flavors of blackberry and spice.

5 Tips For Choosing The Right Wine

Choosing the right wine to pair with fried chicken can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available.

Here are five tips to help you select the perfect wine:

1. Consider the Preparation: The preparation of the fried chicken can affect the wine pairing. For example, spicy fried chicken pairs well with wines that have a touch of sweetness, while heartier preparations can handle bolder red wines.
2. Look for Acidic Wines: Wines with higher acidity can cut through the richness of fried chicken and complement its flavors. Look for wines with bright acidity, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir.
3. Consider the Sauce: If you’re serving fried chicken with a sauce, consider the flavors of the sauce when selecting a wine. For example, a citrusy sauce may pair well with a white wine with citrus notes.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Wine pairing is subjective, and what works for one person may not work for another. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different wines with your fried chicken to find the perfect pairing.
5. Ask for Recommendations: If you’re unsure about which wine to choose, ask for recommendations from a sommelier or a wine expert. They can help you find a wine that complements the flavors of the dish and suits your personal taste.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pairing wine with fried chicken can be a fun and unexpected way to elevate your dining experience.

Whether you prefer white, red, or rosé, there are wines out there that can complement the flavors of the dish and create a memorable meal.

Here are some of the best wines to pair with fried chicken:

1. Sauvignon Blanc
2. Chablis
3. Albariño
4. Pinot Noir
5. Beaujolais
6. Zinfandel
7. Grenache
8. Lambrusco
9. Dry Rosé
10. Provence Rosé
11. White Zinfandel
12. Syrah Rosé
13. Sparkling Wine
14. Chardonnay
15. Riesling
16. Cabernet Franc
17. Shiraz/Syrah

When selecting a wine to pair with fried chicken, consider the preparation and sauce of the dish, look for wines with bright acidity, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

With the right wine pairing, you can enhance the flavors of the dish and create a memorable dining experience.