Recipe // roasted white wine chicken, the ultimate comfort food (2024)

FAQs

What white wine is good for cooking chicken? ›

Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are dry white wines but add different flavor notes when cooking based on their sugar content. Chardonnay pairs well with poultry or when reduced in a cream sauce, while Sauvignon Blanc adds a crisp, fruity, floral, and herb flavor to vegetables.

But which wine pairing is best to complete the feast? Roast chicken sits on the fence between red and white wine. A high-welfare bird will have loads of flavour so cooked simply with butter, seasoning, maybe a lemon up the pipe, you'll find a heavier white or a lighter red will hit the spot.

Because of the acidity of the wine, the chicken will moisten on its own, leading it to be tender, juicy, and flavorful.

Some of the most popular sweet white wine types include Riesling, Moscato, Gewürztraminer, ice wine, and late harvest wine. These aromatic white wines can range from light and delicate to bold and full-bodied. Sweet white wines can also be called dessert wines for their super sweet characters.

Both red and white work well with roast chicken. Gently oaked chardonnay makes for a happy marriage as does sweet-flavoured pinot.

Pinot Bianco is a white wine normally found in Northern Italy. It is a full-bodied white wine that can be dry or sweet. It is a great choice for things that are cheesy…and chicken parm is usually very cheesy. Pinot Bianco is also called Pinot Blanc in French.

My three favorite grape varietals for cooking are Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and unoaked Chardonnay. Pinot Grigio is the most neutral of the three, which makes it the most versatile. Sauvignon Blanc provides racy acidity, which is particularly delicious in seafood dishes or with sauces utilizing heavy cream.

Larger cuts, such as whole chickens or bone-in pieces, often benefit from covered baking to ensure thorough and even cooking. Smaller cuts, like chicken breasts or tenders, can be baked uncovered for quick results.

When making foods that have a solid structure (vegetables or meats), you should roast the food. If you're making foods that aren't solid before cooking (cake, bread, etc), you should bake the food. While both methods use dry heat, the process and the temperatures can vary due to the structure of the food.

Yes, it is recommended to flip chicken breasts or thighs when cooking them in the oven. Flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time ensures that both sides are evenly cooked and helps to prevent the chicken from drying out. This also allows the chicken to develop a crispy, golden-brown exterior on both sides.

Why does white wine go with chicken? ›

This full-bodied white wine is highly acidic, which will cut through the skin and fat of the chicken while bringing out the smoky flavors of the grill. If your grilled chicken is doused in barbecue sauce, pair it with a light-bodied, fruit-forward, low-tannin red wine like Pinot Noir to complement its sweeter flavors.

Full-bodied white wines have a higher alcohol content, generally 13.5% or more, and have more complex flavors. Examples include oaked Chardonnay, Viognier, and Muscat. These wines pair well with rich, buttery foods, like lobster, as well as smoky flavors and pungent cheeses.

Best wine to serve with roast chicken – oaked chardonnay (white) Buttery, unctuous roast chicken needs a wine of similar stature, which is why an oaked chardonnay works so well. You can expect melon and herb flavours from the wine, plus a buttery finish.

For a simple roast chicken served with its own juices or accompanied by truffles, a red Burgundy or a good quality Pinot noir is an excellent choice. These wines offer a light to medium-bodied profile with bright fruit flavors and a touch of earthiness.

Both red and white work well with roast chicken.

paired with 2021 ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON

A glass of the estate Cabernet Sauvignon will pair perfectly with the flavors of the chicken and offer the perfect counterbalance with the crispier skin.