Chicken is one of the most versatile proteins in the kitchen. From grilled chicken breasts at a summer barbecue to slow-roasted thighs, spicy wings, or creamy butter chicken, there’s no shortage of ways to prepare and enjoy it. But no matter how you’re serving it, the right drink can turn a simple chicken dinner into something extraordinary.
Pairing drinks with chicken isn’t as straightforward as pairing with red meat. Because chicken takes on the flavours of whatever it’s cooked with—herbs, spices, marinades, sauces—the best drink pairings depend heavily on preparation. Whether you’re into wine, beer, cocktails, or alcohol-free options, this guide will help you choose the perfect beverage to complement your chicken dish—Canadian style, of course.
1. Wine and Chicken: A Natural Fit
Wine is often the first choice when pairing with chicken because it offers balance, subtlety, and variety. The right wine pairing depends on the seasoning, sauce, and cooking method.
White Wine and Chicken
Generally speaking, white wines are a natural match for most chicken dishes. They offer refreshing acidity and delicate flavours that let the dish shine.
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Chardonnay – A rich, buttery Chardonnay works well with creamy chicken dishes like chicken Alfredo, chicken pot pie, or roast chicken with gravy. Look for a barrel-aged Chardonnay from Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula or British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.
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Sauvignon Blanc – This crisp, citrusy wine pairs perfectly with herb-roasted chicken or dishes with green elements like asparagus or pesto. The acidity cuts through fat and brightens up the dish.
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Riesling – A slightly off-dry Riesling is ideal for spicier dishes like Thai chicken curry or General Tao chicken. The sweetness cools the heat, and the acidity balances richer sauces.
Red Wine and Chicken
While red wines are more often associated with red meats, certain styles pair nicely with bolder chicken dishes.
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Pinot Noir – Light and earthy, Pinot Noir works well with roasted or grilled chicken, especially if it’s seasoned with mushrooms, rosemary, or garlic.
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Gamay – Similar in body to Pinot Noir, Gamay (often associated with Beaujolais) pairs well with chicken in tomato-based sauces or Mediterranean dishes like chicken Provençal.
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Zinfandel or Grenache – These fruit-forward reds are great with barbecue chicken or spicy grilled wings, especially when there’s some sweetness in the sauce.
Rosé
Let’s not forget rosé, the unsung hero of wine pairings. Dry rosés are incredibly food-friendly and match everything from grilled chicken salads to fried chicken sandwiches.
2. Beer and Chicken: A Backyard Favourite
Beer is a go-to for casual chicken meals and barbecue nights. It’s refreshing, varied, and easy to match to chicken’s many personalities.
Wheat Beer (Hefeweizen or Belgian-style Wit)
Wheat beers are light, slightly fruity, and often have citrus or spice notes. They pair beautifully with grilled chicken, chicken Caesar salad, or lemon-herb marinades. Try one from a Canadian craft brewery like Unibroue’s Blanche de Chambly.
Pale Ale
Pale ales have moderate bitterness and a hoppy aroma that complements grilled or spiced chicken. Think chicken burgers, dry-rubbed drumsticks, or chicken tacos. A pale ale from Collective Arts or Beau’s will do nicely.
Amber Ale
Malty and smooth, amber ales go well with roasted chicken, honey garlic wings, or sweet glazes. They offer enough richness to handle deeper flavours without overpowering them.
Lager or Pilsner
Crisp, clean, and refreshing—lagers and pilsners are easy matches for fried chicken, chicken schnitzel, or pulled chicken sandwiches. The carbonation cuts through the fat and helps reset the palate.
3. Cocktails and Chicken: A Little More Kick
Sometimes you want a cocktail to add a bit of punch to your meal. With chicken, you can go in many directions depending on the flavours in the dish.
Gin and Tonic
The herbal, citrusy profile of gin pairs wonderfully with herb-roasted chicken, grilled lemon chicken, or even a chicken salad with vinaigrette. Add a sprig of rosemary or cucumber slice to echo the fresh flavours in the meal.
Whisky Sour
A whisky sour—with its balance of sweet and sour—makes a great pairing for barbecue chicken, especially with maple-glazed or smoky flavours. Canadian rye whisky adds a regional touch.
Margarita
Zesty and refreshing, a margarita is a natural fit for chicken tacos, grilled chicken with lime, or spicy Mexican-inspired dishes. The salt rim and citrus kick keep things lively.
Caesar
No Canadian cocktail list is complete without the Caesar. Made with clamato juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire, and vodka, it’s surprisingly good with spicy or grilled chicken—especially wings. Garnish with a pickled bean or celery stick for the full effect.
4. Non-Alcoholic Pairings: Flavour Without the Booze
Not everyone wants or needs alcohol to enjoy a great meal. Here are some thoughtful alcohol-free options that still bring big flavour.
Iced Herbal Teas
Try a chilled hibiscus or mint tea with grilled chicken for a light, refreshing pairing. A slightly sweetened peach or lemon black tea goes well with barbecue or fried chicken.
Sparkling Water with Citrus or Cucumber
Simple and clean, sparkling water with a wedge of lime, slice of cucumber, or splash of fruit juice is a great option for lighter chicken dishes like grilled breast or chicken wraps.
Ginger Beer or Spicy Soda
If you’re eating spicy or bold chicken dishes, a non-alcoholic ginger beer adds zing and cools the heat. It’s also a fun pairing for chicken wings or Asian-style glazes.
Non-Alcoholic Beer or Wine
With so many great alcohol-free beers and wines on the market now, it’s easier than ever to enjoy complex flavours without the buzz. Look for crisp NA lagers, wheat beers, or white wine alternatives to suit your meal.
5. Pairing by Chicken Dish
Here’s a quick summary for popular chicken preparations and their ideal drink partners:
| Chicken Dish | Best Drink Pairing |
|---|---|
| Roast Chicken | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Amber Ale |
| Grilled Chicken (Herbed/Lemon) | Sauvignon Blanc, Wheat Beer, Gin and Tonic |
| Spicy Chicken Wings | Riesling, IPA, Caesar, Ginger Beer |
| Chicken Alfredo / Creamy Pasta | Oaked Chardonnay, Sparkling Wine, Lager |
| Fried Chicken | Rosé, Sparkling Wine, Iced Tea |
| Chicken Tacos / Mexican Chicken | Zinfandel, Margarita, Wheat Beer |
| Butter Chicken / Indian Dishes | Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Sparkling Water |
Chicken may be the most flexible protein on the plate, and that means the drink pairings are just as exciting. Whether you're sipping a chilled white wine on a summer evening, cracking open a cold beer at the cottage, or shaking up a Caesar for game night, the right drink can make your chicken dish shine even brighter.
The key is to think about the cooking style and the seasonings, and match the intensity of the drink with the richness of the dish. With these tips in hand, you'll never be stuck wondering what to pour when serving chicken again.
