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Teriyaki Chicken Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Teriyaki Chicken

Welcome to the world of teriyaki chicken wine pairing!

If you’re a fan of this delicious dish, you might be wondering which wines would pair best with it.

I’m here to share some of the best wines to complement the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki chicken.

Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé wines, there’s a perfect pairing for everyone.

So, what wine goes with teriyaki chicken?

The best wines to pair with teriyaki chicken are Beaujolais and Gewürztraminer. Lambrusco and Schiava provide a crisp acidity that can cut through the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce, while Riesling brings out the umami in the chicken.

In this article, we’ll explore the best wines for teriyaki chicken and provide some delicious dinner serving ideas to impress your guests.

So let’s uncork our bottles and get started!

Read Also: How To Thicken Teriyaki Sauce – 15 Easy Ways (Explained)

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Source: dinneratthezoo.com

Why Consider Serving Wine With Teriyaki Chicken?

Teriyaki chicken is a popular Japanese dish that features grilled or broiled chicken coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.

While this dish is delicious on its own, pairing it with the right wine can elevate the flavors and create a more well-rounded dining experience.

Here are some reasons why you should consider serving wine with teriyaki chicken:

  • Enhance the Flavors: Teriyaki sauce is known for its sweetness and umami flavor, which can be balanced and enhanced by the right wine pairing. A good wine can also cut through the richness of the chicken and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
  • Impress Your Guests: Serving wine with teriyaki chicken can show your guests that you’ve put thought and effort into the meal. It’s a simple but effective way to elevate a casual dinner into a more formal occasion.
  • Experiment with Different Wines: Teriyaki chicken is a versatile dish that can pair well with a range of wines. By experimenting with different varietals, you can discover new and exciting flavor combinations.
  • Enjoy a Balanced Meal: Pairing teriyaki chicken with wine can provide a balanced meal that includes both protein and alcohol. This can help you avoid feeling too full or sluggish after the meal.

The Best Red Wines For Teriyaki Chicken

Pinot Noir

When it comes to pairing red wine with teriyaki chicken, the key is to choose a light yet fruit-forward wine that can complement the dish’s sweet and savory flavors.

Here are some of the best red wines for teriyaki chicken:

  1. Lambrusco: This Italian sparkling red wine has a slight sweetness and a light effervescence that pairs well with the sweetness of teriyaki sauce. Its bright acidity can also cut through the richness of the chicken.
  2. Schiava: This red wine from northern Italy is light and fruity with low tannins, making it a great match for teriyaki chicken. Its red fruit flavors and floral aromas can complement the sauce’s sweetness.
  3. Beaujolais: This French red wine made from Gamay grapes is light and fruity with low tannins. It has red fruit flavors and a refreshing acidity that can balance the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
  4. Pinot Noir: This light-bodied red wine has a soft tannin structure that can complement the tender texture of the chicken. Its bright acidity and red fruit flavors can also enhance the flavors of the dish.

When serving red wine with teriyaki chicken, it’s important to serve it slightly chilled to enhance its refreshing qualities. A temperature of around 15-18°C (59-64°F) is ideal.

Opt for a medium-sized wine glass with a wider bowl to allow the wine’s aromas to develop.

The Best White Wines For Teriyaki Chicken

Riesling

If you prefer white wine, there are several options that can complement the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki chicken.

Here are some of the best white wines for teriyaki chicken:

  1. Gewurztraminer: This aromatic white wine has a spicy, floral character that can balance the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce. Its full-bodied texture and low acidity can also complement the chicken’s richness.
  2. Riesling: This German white wine is known for its high acidity and citrusy flavors, making it a great match for teriyaki chicken. Its acidity can cut through the richness of the chicken, while its fruity aromas can complement the sauce’s sweetness.
  3. Torrontés: This white wine from Argentina is light and floral with a crisp acidity that can refresh the palate. Its citrus and stone fruit flavors can also complement the dish’s flavors.
  4. Chenin Blanc: This versatile white wine has a range of styles, from dry to sweet. Its high acidity and citrus flavors can balance the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce, while its fruitiness can complement the chicken’s flavors.

The Best Rosé Wines For Teriyaki Chicken

Rosé wine

If you’re a fan of rosé wine, there are several options that can complement the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki chicken.

Here are some of the best rosé wines for teriyaki chicken:

  1. Rosé d’Anjou: This French rosé wine is light and fruity with a touch of sweetness that can complement the teriyaki sauce. Its refreshing acidity can also balance the richness of the chicken.
  2. White Zinfandel: This American rosé wine is known for its sweetness and fruity flavors, making it a great match for teriyaki chicken. Its low acidity can also complement the sauce’s sweetness.
  3. Grenache Rosé: This dry rosé wine from France has a crisp acidity and red fruit flavors that can complement the dish’s flavors. Its light body and refreshing qualities can also refresh the palate.

Other Wines To Pair With Teriyaki Chicken

Sparkling Wine

While red, white, and rosé wines are the most popular choices for pairing with teriyaki chicken, there are other wines that can also work well.

Here are some additional options to consider:

  1. Sparkling Wine: A dry sparkling wine such as Champagne or Prosecco can cut through the richness of the chicken and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
  2. Sake: As a traditional Japanese drink, sake can provide a seamless pairing with teriyaki chicken. Its delicate and clean flavors can complement the dish’s flavors without overpowering them.
  3. Sherry: A dry sherry such as fino or manzanilla can complement the umami flavors of teriyaki sauce while providing a refreshing acidity to balance the dish’s sweetness.
  4. Viognier: This full-bodied white wine has a rich and creamy texture that can complement the chicken’s richness. Its fruitiness can also complement the teriyaki sauce’s sweetness.

5 Tasty Teriyaki Chicken And Wine Dinner Serving Ideas

Pairing wine with teriyaki chicken can be a fun and delicious way to enhance your dining experience.

Here are five tasty teriyaki chicken and wine dinner serving ideas to try:

  1. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Beaujolais: Grilled teriyaki chicken skewers pair perfectly with a chilled glass of Beaujolais. The fruity flavors of the wine complement the chicken’s sweetness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
  2. Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with Riesling: A teriyaki chicken bowl with rice, veggies, and teriyaki sauce is a delicious and easy weeknight dinner. Pair it with a glass of crisp Riesling to balance the dish’s sweetness.
  3. Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry with Lambrusco: A teriyaki chicken stir-fry with veggies and noodles is a quick and tasty meal. Serve it with a chilled glass of Lambrusco to enhance the dish’s flavors.
  4. Teriyaki Chicken Salad with Torrontés: A teriyaki chicken salad with mixed greens, veggies, and teriyaki dressing is a healthy and flavourful option. Pair it with a glass of Torrontés to complement the dish’s flavors.
  5. Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Rosé d’Anjou: Teriyaki chicken tacos with a spicy salsa and fresh cilantro are a fun and flavourful twist on traditional tacos. Pair them with a glass of chilled Rosé d’Anjou to enhance the dish’s flavors.

Serving Temperature And Glassware

The serving temperature and glassware can play an important role in the wine and teriyaki chicken pairing experience.

Here are some recommendations for serving temperature and glassware for the wines mentioned in this article:

  • Red Wines: Lighter red wines such as Lambrusco, Schiava, and Beaujolais should be served slightly chilled at a temperature of around 15-18°C (59-64°F). A medium-sized wine glass with a wider bowl can allow the wine’s aromas to develop.
  • White Wines: White wines such as Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Torrontés, and Chenin Blanc should be served slightly chilled at a temperature of around 10-12°C (50-54°F). A medium-sized wine glass with a narrow bowl can concentrate the wine’s aromas.
  • Rosé Wines: Rosé wines such as Rosé d’Anjou, White Zinfandel, and Grenache Rosé should be served chilled at a temperature of around 10-12°C (50-54°F). A medium-sized wine glass with a narrow bowl can concentrate the wine’s aromas.
  • Sparkling Wine: Dry sparkling wines such as Champagne or Prosecco should be served chilled at a temperature of around 6-8°C (43-46°F). A flute or tulip-shaped glass can preserve the wine’s bubbles and aromas.
  • Sake: Sake should be served chilled at a temperature of around 8-10°C (46-50°F). A traditional ceramic or glass sake cup or a wine glass can be used to serve sake.

Conclusion

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

Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé wines, there are several options that can complement the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki chicken.

From Lambrusco and Beaujolais to Gewurztraminer and Riesling, the right wine can balance the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the chicken.

So, what wine pairs well with teriyaki chicken?

The best wines to pair with teriyaki chicken are Beaujolais, Gewurztraminer, and Riesling. Lambrusco and Schiava are also good options for a lighter pairing. All of these wines will bring out the sweetness in the teriyaki sauce while cutting through any spiciness from added ingredients.

Additionally, there are other wine options such as sparkling wine, sake, and sherry that can also work well with teriyaki chicken.

By experimenting with different wine varietals, you can discover new and exciting flavour combinations.

Finally, it’s important to serve the wine at the right temperature and in the appropriate glassware to enhance the overall tasting experience. We hope this article has provided you with useful insights and tasty ideas for your next teriyaki chicken wine pairing.

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Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.