Pairing wine with grilled chicken doesn’t have to be intimidating. The smoky char from the grill, the tender juiciness of the meat, and whatever seasonings you’ve chosen all influence which bottle will taste best with your meal.
White wines like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc often complement grilled chicken beautifully, with their crisp acidity cutting through the richness of the meat. But don’t overlook lighter reds like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais that can stand up to smokier flavors without overwhelming the poultry.
Your chicken preparation matters too – herb-rubbed chicken might call for a different pairing than spicy barbecue chicken or Mediterranean-style with lemon and olive oil.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best wine matches for various grilled chicken styles, from affordable everyday options to special occasion bottles. Whether you prefer whites, reds, rosés, or even sparkling wines, you’ll discover perfect pairings to elevate your next backyard BBQ.
White Wines
Chardonnay
Wine Type:
White
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Chardonnay has a rich, buttery character that complements the savory flavors of grilled chicken. The wine’s medium body matches the weight of the meat without overwhelming it. When lightly oaked, it adds subtle vanilla notes that enhance the smoky char from the grill.
Flavor Profile:
Apple, pear, citrus, and tropical fruits with notes of vanilla and butter (in oaked versions). Medium to full body with moderate acidity.
Best Styles or Varietals:
Lightly oaked California Chardonnay or unoaked versions from Chablis, France for a more mineral-driven profile.
Serving Tips:
Serve at 48-52°F (9-11°C) in a standard white wine glass. If using a buttery marinade on your chicken, try a more oaked style for harmony.
Alternative Wines:
Viognier or white Burgundy
Sauvignon Blanc
Wine Type:
White
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
The bright acidity in Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of grilled chicken and refreshes the palate. Its herbal notes complement herb marinades and rubs, while the citrus character pairs beautifully with lemon or citrus-marinated chicken.
Flavor Profile:
Lemon, lime, grapefruit, green apple with herbal notes like grass, bell pepper, or gooseberry. Light to medium body with high acidity.
Best Styles or Varietals:
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc for intense flavor or Loire Valley (Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé) for elegance and minerality.
Serving Tips:
Serve well chilled at 45-48°F (7-9°C) in a smaller white wine glass to preserve aromatics. Excellent with herb or citrus-marinated chicken.
Alternative Wines:
Albariño or Verdejo
Pinot Grigio
Wine Type:
White
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Pinot Grigio is crisp, light, and neutral, making it versatile with various chicken preparations. Its subtle flavor doesn’t overpower the chicken and its refreshing quality balances the smoky notes from grilling.
Flavor Profile:
Green apple, lemon, pear, and sometimes subtle honey notes. Light body with moderate acidity and a clean finish.
Best Styles or Varietals:
Italian Pinot Grigio for lighter styles or Alsatian Pinot Gris for richer versions.
Serving Tips:
Serve quite cold at 43-46°F (6-8°C) in a standard white wine glass. Works well with simply seasoned grilled chicken.
Alternative Wines:
Vermentino or Trebbiano
Riesling
Wine Type:
White
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Riesling offers versatility with its range from dry to sweet. The high acidity refreshes the palate, while the fruit flavors complement charred chicken. Dry Riesling works with herb-seasoned chicken, while off-dry styles balance spicy marinades.
Flavor Profile:
Green apple, peach, apricot, lime with mineral notes and sometimes petrol. Light body with high acidity and sweetness ranging from bone-dry to dessert-level.
Best Styles or Varietals:
German Riesling (Mosel for lighter styles, Rheingau for drier options) or dry Australian Riesling.
Serving Tips:
Serve at 45-50°F (7-10°C) in a smaller white wine glass with a narrower opening. Perfect with Asian-inspired grilled chicken or spicier preparations.
Alternative Wines:
Gewürztraminer or Chenin Blanc
Albariño
Wine Type:
White
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Albarino has zippy acidity and saline qualities that cut through the richness of grilled chicken. Its citrus character works beautifully with lemon-herb marinades, while its minerality complements the smoky char from the grill.
Flavor Profile:
Lemon, lime, grapefruit, peach with notable salinity and mineral notes. Light to medium body with high acidity.
Best Styles or Varietals:
Spanish Albariño from Rías Baixas or Portuguese Alvarinho from Vinho Verde.
Serving Tips:
Serve well chilled at 45-48°F (7-9°C) in a standard white wine glass. Pair with chicken that has Mediterranean herbs or citrus marinades.
Alternative Wines:
Verdejo or Vinho Verde
Vermentino
Wine Type:
White
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Vermentino offers a perfect balance of fruit and herbal character that complements various chicken preparations. Its subtle bitter almond finish cuts through the richness of the meat, while its Mediterranean character works with herb marinades.
Flavor Profile:
Lime, green apple, white peach with herbal notes and a slight bitter almond finish. Light to medium body with moderate to high acidity.
Best Styles or Varietals:
Italian Vermentino from Sardinia or Liguria, or French Vermentino (called Rolle) from Provence.
Serving Tips:
Serve at 46-50°F (8-10°C) in a standard white wine glass. Perfect with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano on grilled chicken.
Alternative Wines:
Soave or Gavi
Soave
Wine Type:
White
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Soave has a subtle, gentle flavor profile that lets the chicken shine while providing a refreshing counterpoint. Its almond notes complement the savory aspect of grilled meats, while its moderate acidity balances without overwhelming.
Flavor Profile:
Green apple, pear, lemon with hints of almond and sometimes honey. Light to medium body with moderate acidity.
Best Styles or Varietals:
Italian Soave Classico or Soave Superiore for more complexity.
Serving Tips:
Serve at 46-50°F (8-10°C) in a standard white wine glass. Works well with simply seasoned chicken with a drizzle of olive oil and herbs.
Alternative Wines:
Pinot Bianco or Orvieto
Chenin Blanc
Wine Type:
White
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Chenin Blanc offers remarkable versatility, from dry to sweet styles. The wine’s high acidity cuts through richness, while its apple and honey notes complement the savory flavors of grilled chicken. Its textural complexity matches well with various marinades.
Flavor Profile:
Apple, pear, quince, honey with notes of hay and wet wool in aged versions. Light to medium body with high acidity.
Best Styles or Varietals:
Dry Vouvray from Loire Valley, France or South African Chenin Blanc.
Serving Tips:
Serve at 48-52°F (9-11°C) in a standard white wine glass. Try with chicken that has fruit glazes or honey marinades.
Alternative Wines:
Sémillon or dry Riesling
Grüner Veltliner
Wine Type:
White
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Gruner Veltliner has a peppery quality that complements the char from grilling. Its herbaceous notes work wonderfully with herb-seasoned chicken, while its high acidity cuts through the meat’s richness.
Flavor Profile:
Green apple, citrus, white pepper with distinctive vegetable notes like celery or radish. Light to medium body with high acidity.
Best Styles or Varietals:
Austrian Grüner Veltliner, particularly from Wachau, Kremstal, or Kamptal regions.
Serving Tips:
Serve at 45-50°F (7-10°C) in a standard white wine glass. Excellent with herb-rubbed chicken or preparations with green vegetables on the side.
Alternative Wines:
Dry Sylvaner or Sauvignon Blanc
Viognier
Wine Type:
White
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Viognier offers aromatic richness that enhances more strongly flavored chicken preparations. Its peachy, floral character pairs beautifully with fruit glazes, while its fuller body matches the substance of the meat.
Flavor Profile:
Peach, apricot, tangerine with honeysuckle and sometimes spice notes. Medium to full body with moderate acidity.
Best Styles or Varietals:
Northern Rhône Viognier from Condrieu, France or cooler-climate New World examples from California or Australia.
Serving Tips:
Serve slightly warmer than other whites, around 50-55°F (10-13°C) in a slightly larger white wine glass. Pairs wonderfully with chicken that has fruit glazes or Moroccan spices.
Alternative Wines:
Roussanne or off-dry Chenin Blanc
Red Wines
Pinot Noir
Wine Type:
Red
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Pinot Noir offers the perfect balance for grilled chicken — enough structure to stand up to the smoky, charred flavors without overwhelming the meat. Its earthy mushroom notes complement the savory character of chicken, while its bright fruit provides a counterpoint.
Flavor Profile:
Red cherry, raspberry, strawberry with earth, mushroom, and sometimes cola notes. Light to medium body with moderate tannins and medium to high acidity.
Best Styles or Varietals:
Burgundy, France for elegant, earthy styles or Russian River Valley, California for fruitier expressions.
Serving Tips:
Serve slightly cooler than most reds at 55-60°F (13-16°C) in a Burgundy glass with a wider bowl. Works beautifully with mushroom sauces or herbs like thyme.
Alternative Wines:
Gamay or lighter Merlot
Gamay (Beaujolais)
Wine Type:
Red
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Gamay from Beaujolais offers juicy fruitiness that refreshes between bites of grilled chicken. Its low tannins don’t overwhelm white meat, while its vibrant acidity balances the richness. The wine’s subtle earthy notes complement the smoky char.
Flavor Profile:
Red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, banana with subtle floral notes and sometimes bubblegum (in Beaujolais Nouveau). Light body with low tannins and high acidity.
Best Styles or Varietals:
Cru Beaujolais (especially Morgon or Moulin-à-Vent for more structure) or Beaujolais-Villages for everyday drinking.
Serving Tips:
Serve slightly chilled at 55-58°F (13-14°C) in a standard red wine glass. Excellent with herb-marinated chicken.
Alternative Wines:
Light Pinot Noir or Zweigelt
Grenache
Wine Type:
Red
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Grenache brings a spicy, fruity character that complements the smoky notes from grilling. Its moderate tannins work well with both white and dark meat, while its red fruit flavors add brightness to each bite.
Flavor Profile:
Strawberry, raspberry, cherry with notes of white pepper, herbs, and sometimes anise. Medium body with moderate tannins and acidity.
Best Styles or Varietals:
Southern Rhône Grenache blends, Spanish Garnacha from Priorat, or Australian Grenache.
Serving Tips:
Serve at 60-65°F (16-18°C) in a standard red wine glass. Excellent with herb-rubbed or Mediterranean-spiced chicken.
Alternative Wines:
Cinsault or Counoise
Light Zinfandel
Wine Type:
Red
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Lighter styles of Zinfandel offer vibrant fruit that pairs wonderfully with barbecue or spice-rubbed grilled chicken. The wine’s peppery notes echo the charred elements from grilling, while its moderate tannins complement without overwhelming.
Flavor Profile:
Blackberry, raspberry, black pepper with hints of vanilla and sometimes chocolate. Medium body with moderate tannins and acidity.
Best Styles or Varietals:
Look for lighter-style California Zinfandels, especially from cooler regions like Russian River Valley or Mendocino.
Serving Tips:
Serve at 60-65°F (16-18°C) in a standard red wine glass. Pairs beautifully with barbecue-rubbed or gently spiced grilled chicken.
Alternative Wines:
Primitivo (Italian cousin of Zinfandel) or Syrah
Barbera
Wine Type:
Red
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Barbera offers bright acidity that cuts through the richness of grilled chicken, especially dark meat. Its juicy red fruit complements the savory meat flavors, while its low tannins work well with leaner white meat.
Flavor Profile:
Sour cherry, plum, strawberry with hints of herbs and sometimes vanilla (when aged in oak). Medium body with low tannins and high acidity.
Best Styles or Varietals:
Italian Barbera d’Alba or Barbera d’Asti from Piedmont.
Serving Tips:
Serve at 60-65°F (16-18°C) in a standard red wine glass. Excellent with tomato-based sauces on grilled chicken.
Alternative Wines:
Dolcetto or Sangiovese
Valpolicella
Wine Type:
Red
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Valpolicella is a lighter red with bright cherry flavors that complement grilled chicken beautifully. The wine’s moderate acidity refreshes the palate, while its low tannins don’t overpower the meat.
Flavor Profile:
Sour cherry, red currant, raspberry with notes of herbs and sometimes almonds. Light to medium body with low tannins and medium to high acidity.
Best Styles or Varietals:
Italian Valpolicella Classico or step up to Valpolicella Superiore for more structure and concentration.
Serving Tips:
Serve at 58-62°F (14-17°C) in a standard red wine glass. Works well with herb-infused olive oil drizzled over grilled chicken.
Alternative Wines:
Bardolino or lighter Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Chianti
Wine Type:
Red
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Chianti has bright acidity and savory notes that complement the charred flavors from grilling. Its herbal character works with Mediterranean herb marinades, while its moderate tannins balance the richness of dark meat chicken.
Flavor Profile:
Sour cherry, strawberry, dried herbs with violet notes and sometimes tobacco. Medium body with moderate tannins and high acidity.
Best Styles or Varietals:
Italian Chianti Classico or Chianti Rufina for more elegant styles.
Serving Tips:
Serve at 60-65°F (16-18°C) in a standard red wine glass. Excellent with herb-marinated chicken or tomato-based accompaniments.
Alternative Wines:
Sangiovese or Morellino di Scansano
Light Merlot
Wine Type:
Red
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Lighter styles of Merlot offer supple texture and accessible fruit flavors that complement grilled chicken without overwhelming it. The wine’s plummy fruit works well with darker meat, while its moderate tannins provide structure without astringency.
Flavor Profile:
Plum, black cherry, raspberry with notes of chocolate and sometimes herbs. Medium body with moderate tannins and acidity.
Best Styles or Varietals:
Cooler-climate Merlot from Washington State, northern Italy, or Right Bank Bordeaux.
Serving Tips:
Serve at 60-65°F (16-18°C) in a standard red wine glass. Pairs well with mushroom sauces or herb butter on grilled chicken.
Alternative Wines:
Lighter styles of Cabernet Franc or Carménère
Malbec (with darker meat)
Wine Type:
Red
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Malbec works particularly well with darker chicken meat like thighs or legs. Its rich fruit profile complements the more robust flavor of dark meat, while its moderate tannins balance the higher fat content.
Flavor Profile:
Blackberry, plum, black cherry with notes of violet, chocolate, and sometimes tobacco. Medium to full body with moderate tannins and acidity.
Best Styles or Varietals:
Argentine Malbec, particularly from Mendoza’s higher elevations, or French Malbec from Cahors.
Serving Tips:
Serve at 60-65°F (16-18°C) in a standard red wine glass. Best paired with chicken thighs or legs with spice rubs or bold marinades.
Alternative Wines:
Shiraz or Bonarda
Tempranillo
Wine Type:
Red
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Tempranillo offers savory notes that complement the charred flavors from grilling. Its leather and tobacco accents work with smoky elements, while its red fruit brightens each bite of chicken. Its structure works well with both white and dark meat.
Flavor Profile:
Cherry, plum, tomato with leather, tobacco, and sometimes vanilla notes. Medium body with moderate tannins and acidity.
Best Styles or Varietals:
Spanish Rioja (especially Crianza or Reserva) or Ribera del Duero.
Serving Tips:
Serve at 60-65°F (16-18°C) in a standard red wine glass. Excellent with paprika-rubbed chicken or Spanish-style preparations.
Alternative Wines:
Sangiovese or Graciano
Rosé and Sparkling
Dry rosé from Provence
Wine Type:
Rosé
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Provençal rosé offers the refreshing qualities of white wine with some of the structure of red. Its delicate fruit complements the chicken without overwhelming, while its bright acidity cuts through richness. Its versatility works with various herbs and seasonings.
Flavor Profile:
Strawberry, watermelon, citrus zest with subtle herb notes. Light body with high acidity and bone-dry finish.
Best Styles or Varietals:
French rosé from Provence regions like Côtes de Provence or Bandol.
Serving Tips:
Serve well chilled at 45-50°F (7-10°C) in a standard white wine glass. Perfect for outdoor summer grilling, especially with herb-marinated chicken.
Alternative Wines:
Rosé from Southern Rhône or Spanish rosado
Spanish rosado
Wine Type:
Rosé
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Spanish rosado tends to be slightly more robust than Provençal rosé, making it perfect for grilled chicken. It maintains freshness while offering more body and fruit intensity to match the smoky char and savory meat flavors.
Flavor Profile:
Strawberry, cherry, watermelon with sometimes a hint of spice. Medium body with moderate acidity.
Best Styles or Varietals:
Rosados from Navarra, Rioja, or Penedès in Spain.
Serving Tips:
Serve chilled at 48-52°F (9-11°C) in a standard white wine glass. Works beautifully with paprika-rubbed or Mediterranean-spiced chicken.
Alternative Wines:
Italian Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo or darker French rosés
Pinot Noir rosé
Wine Type:
Rosé
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Pinot Noir rosé offers delicate red fruit flavors that complement the chicken without overwhelming. Its bright acidity refreshes the palate, while its subtle earthiness works with the smoky char from grilling.
Flavor Profile:
Strawberry, cherry, watermelon with hints of minerality. Light body with high acidity.
Best Styles or Varietals:
Pinot Noir rosé from Oregon, California, or Sancerre (France).
Serving Tips:
Serve well chilled at 45-50°F (7-10°C) in a standard white wine glass. Excellent with herb-marinated chicken or fruit-glazed preparations.
Alternative Wines:
Gamay rosé or lighter Grenache rosé
Brut sparkling wine
Wine Type:
Sparkling
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Brut sparkling wine offers palate-cleansing bubbles that refresh between bites of grilled chicken. The wine’s high acidity cuts through richness, while its yeasty complexity complements the savory meat flavors.
Flavor Profile:
Green apple, lemon, brioche with notes of toast and sometimes almond. Light to medium body with high acidity and fine bubbles.
Best Styles or Varietals:
French Champagne, American sparkling wine, or English sparkling wine.
Serving Tips:
Serve well chilled at 43-48°F (6-9°C) in a flute or tulip glass. Works with nearly any style of grilled chicken and adds a touch of elegance.
Alternative Wines:
Franciacorta or Crémant
Prosecco
Wine Type:
Sparkling
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Prosecco offers lighter bubbles and friendly fruit that make it versatile with various chicken preparations. Its subtle sweetness works with spice rubs or fruit glazes, while its refreshing quality balances the richness of the meat.
Flavor Profile:
Green apple, pear, lemon with floral notes and sometimes peach. Light body with moderate acidity and gentle bubbles.
Best Styles or Varietals:
Italian Prosecco from Veneto, particularly Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG.
Serving Tips:
Serve well chilled at 43-48°F (6-9°C) in a white wine glass or flute. Perfect for lighter chicken preparations or as an aperitif before the meal.
Alternative Wines:
Asti Spumante (drier versions) or Vinho Verde with slight effervescence
Cava
Wine Type:
Sparkling
Why it pairs well with grilled chicken:
Cava offers more complexity than Prosecco while remaining refreshing. Its traditional production method creates toasty notes that complement the charred flavors from grilling, while its crisp acidity balances the richness of the meat.
Flavor Profile:
Green apple, citrus, almond with bread and sometimes honey notes. Light to medium body with high acidity and persistent bubbles.
Best Styles or Varietals:
Spanish Cava, particularly Reserva or Gran Reserva for more complexity.
Serving Tips:
Serve well chilled at 43-48°F (6-9°C) in a flute or tulip glass. Works wonderfully with garlic and herb-seasoned grilled chicken.
Alternative Wines:
Crémant de Loire or Crémant d’Alsace
FAQ on What Wine Goes With Grilled Chicken
Should I always pair white wine with grilled chicken?
No. While white wines like Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio work well, light reds such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais are excellent alternatives. The preparation method and seasonings often matter more than the chicken itself. Consider the dominant flavors in your dish when selecting a wine.
How does the marinade affect wine pairing?
Marinades significantly influence your wine choice. Citrus marinades pair well with Sauvignon Blanc, herb-based ones with Vermentino or Grüner Veltliner, and spicy rubs with off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer. The marinade’s dominant flavor profile often outweighs the chicken when determining the ideal wine match.
What’s the best wine for barbecue chicken?
For sweet and smoky barbecue chicken, try Zinfandel or light Syrah. These reds have enough body to complement the bold sauce while offering fruit notes that balance the smokiness. For tangier barbecue sauces, a fruity rosé or off-dry Riesling can provide pleasant contrast.
Can I serve sparkling wine with grilled chicken?
Absolutely! Sparkling wines like Prosecco, Cava, or Champagne make excellent pairings for grilled chicken. The bubbles and acidity cleanse the palate between bites, while the crisp flavor profile complements the smoky char from the grill beautifully.
What budget-friendly wines work with grilled chicken?
Several affordable options exist: Spanish Garnacha, Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, Italian Soave, Portuguese Vinho Verde, and Argentine Malbec all offer excellent value. Many quality grilled chicken wine pairings can be found under $15, proving you don’t need expensive bottles for a perfect match.
How does the cooking temperature affect wine selection?
Higher grilling temperatures create more char and caramelization, which pair well with wines that have more body and structure like Chardonnay or Merlot. Lower, slower cooking preserves delicacy and works better with lighter wines like Albariño or Pinot Grigio that won’t overwhelm subtle flavors.
What wine goes with Mediterranean-style grilled chicken?
Mediterranean chicken with lemon, olive oil, and herbs pairs beautifully with wines from the same region. Try crisp whites like Vermentino, Albariño, or Greek Assyrtiko. Their bright acidity complements the citrus notes while their mineral qualities enhance the herbs and olive oil.
Do rosé wines work with grilled chicken?
Rosé wines are incredibly versatile with grilled chicken. Dry rosés from Provence offer refreshing acidity with subtle fruit notes that complement rather than compete with the chicken’s flavor. Spanish rosados have slightly more body for heartier preparations or darker meat chicken.
What’s the best serving temperature for wine with grilled chicken?
Serve white wines at 45-50°F (7-10°C), rosés at 50-55°F (10-13°C), and light reds at 55-60°F (13-16°C). Fuller-bodied reds should be around 60-65°F (16-18°C). Slightly chilled reds can be especially refreshing with grilled foods during warmer weather.
Can the same wine work for both chicken breast and thighs?
Chicken parts have different flavor intensities. Leaner breasts pair well with lighter wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Richer, darker thigh meat can stand up to more robust wines like Malbec, Tempranillo, or oaked Chardonnay that complement their higher fat content.
Conclusion
Selecting what wine goes with grilled chicken ultimately depends on your preparation method and personal taste preferences. Whether you’ve chosen a zesty lemon herb marinade or a bold barbecue sauce, there’s a perfect wine waiting to enhance your meal. The beauty of grilled chicken lies in its versatility.
For white meat lovers, crisp Albariño and mineral-driven Soave refresh the palate. Dark meat enthusiasts might prefer the complexity of Barbera or fruit-forward Gamay. Don’t forget these options:
- Cooking style matters: Herb-infused preparations shine with Vermentino, while spicier rubs call for off-dry Riesling
- Consider the occasion: Backyard BBQs welcome affordable Vinho Verde, while dinner parties might warrant Chablis or Pinot Noir
- Temperature counts: Serving wines at proper temperature dramatically impacts your tasting experience
Remember that food and wine pairing should bring joy, not stress. Trust your palate, experiment with different combinations, and discover your own perfect match for grilled chicken.
If you liked this article about what wine goes with grilled chicken, you should check out this article about what wine goes with salad.
There are also similar articles discussing what wine goes with manchego cheese, what wine goes with BBQ, what wine goes with Asian food, and what wine goes with duck breast.
And let’s not forget about articles on what wine goes with dark chocolate, what wine goes with baked ham, what wine goes with foie gras, and what wine goes with pasta and red sauce.
