Wine Pairing with Chicken & Poultry
Wine pairings for chicken, duck, turkey, and other poultry.
Quick Wine Pairing Guide for Chicken & Poultry
Finding the right wine to pair with chicken & poultry depends on the specific dish, cooking method, and sauce. Here's what you need to know:
- Consider the preparation: Grilled, roasted, and fried dishes pair differently than poached or steamed.
- Match intensity: Bold dishes need bold wines; delicate dishes need lighter wines.
- Don't forget the sauce: Often the sauce matters more than the protein itself.
Chicken & Poultry Dishes & Wine Pairings
Roasted Chicken
Whole roasted chicken, roasted chicken pieces, or rotisserie chicken.
💡 Oaked Chardonnay matches the richness of roasted chicken skin. For herb-roasted, try Pinot Noir.
Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken breast, thighs, or kebabs with various marinades.
💡 Lighter preparations call for lighter wines. Lemon-herb chicken loves Sauvignon Blanc.
Duck
Roasted duck, duck breast, duck confit, and Peking duck.
💡 Duck's richness pairs beautifully with Pinot Noir. For duck with fruit sauce, try an off-dry Riesling.
Best Wines for Chicken & Poultry
Merlot
RedA softer, more approachable red wine with plush tannins and ripe fruit flavors. Perfect for those new to red wine.
Pinot Noir
RedAn elegant, lighter red wine with silky texture and complex aromas. Known for its versatility with food.
Chardonnay
WhiteThe world's most popular white wine, ranging from crisp and mineral to rich and buttery depending on style.
Can't Find What You're Looking For?
Use our interactive pairing tool to search any dish.
Try Pairing Tool