When you’re diving into a warm, comforting chicken pot pie with its flaky crust and creamy filling, the right wine can elevate your meal from simply satisfying to absolutely extraordinary. As someone who’s spent countless evenings testing different combinations (and enjoying every minute!), I’ve discovered that finding the perfect wine pairing is both an art and a science.
Let me guide you through the best wines to serve alongside your chicken pot pie, whether you’re enjoying a homemade creation or a quality store-bought version.
Why Chicken Pot Pie Needs the Right Wine
Before diving into specific recommendations, let’s understand why chicken pot pie presents such an interesting pairing challenge:
- The rich, creamy filling needs a wine with enough acidity to cut through the richness
- The buttery, flaky crust pairs beautifully with wines that have complementary buttery notes
- The tender chicken and vegetables require a wine that won’t overwhelm their subtle flavors
This combination of elements makes chicken pot pie uniquely suited to certain wines that can balance all these components
Best White Wines for Chicken Pot Pie
1. Chardonnay – The Classic Choice
Chardonnay is consistently recommended as the ideal pairing for chicken pot pie across multiple sources Here’s why it works so well
- Its medium to full body stands up to the richness of the dish
- Buttery notes (especially in oaked versions) complement the flaky crust perfectly
- The natural acidity cuts through the creamy sauce
- Apple, tropical fruit and peach flavors provide refreshing contrast
For the best experience serve your Chardonnay at about 55°F (12°C) for oaked versions or 45°F (7°C) for unoaked styles like Chablis. If you’re making a special occasion of it consider a White Burgundy from France, which offers exceptional balance. For everyday enjoyment, look for balanced Chardonnays from California, Oregon, Argentina, Chile, Canada or Australia.
2. Viognier – The Luxurious Alternative
If you’re looking to try something different, Viognier makes an outstanding pairing:
- Offers a creamy, silky texture similar to Chardonnay
- Delivers beautiful apricot, peach, tangerine and tropical fruit flavors that contrast nicely with the savory elements
- Its full-bodied nature stands up to the richness without overwhelming it
- The wine’s voluptuous texture mirrors the creamy sauce beautifully
Serve Viognier slightly chilled, around 50-55°F, to enhance this pairing.
3. Grüner Veltliner – The Surprising Match
This Austrian white wine might not be your first thought, but Grüner Veltliner creates a magical pairing with chicken pot pie:
- Its high acidity refreshes your palate between bites
- Green vegetable flavors complement the vegetables in your pot pie
- Unique white pepper notes elevate the dish to new heights
- Melon, peach, pear and grapefruit aromas bring out the subtle flavors of the chicken
Serve it cold (around 45-48°F) to highlight both the wine’s vibrant acidity and subtle spice notes.
4. Other White Wine Options
If the above options aren’t available, you can also try:
- Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris – Clean and refreshing
- Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp with herbal notes that complement the dish
- Chablis – An unoaked Chardonnay with mineral qualities
Best Red Wines for Chicken Pot Pie
Don’t worry, red wine lovers – you have excellent options too!
5. Pinot Noir – The Versatile Red
Pinot Noir is the most frequently recommended red wine for chicken pot pie:
- Light to medium-bodied so it won’t overwhelm the chicken flavors
- High acidity cuts through the richness of the dish
- Cherry, strawberry and raspberry flavors create a pleasant contrast
- Subtle earthy notes complement any mushrooms in your pot pie
French Burgundy Pinot Noirs are exceptional, but Oregon Pinot Noirs with their wonderful earthiness also work beautifully. Just remember that good Pinot Noir starts around $35, so be prepared to invest a bit more for quality.
6. Beaujolais – The Fruity Option
Made from the Gamay grape, Beaujolais (particularly Beaujolais Villages) is a fantastic choice:
- Light and fruity with vibrant cherry, raspberry, strawberry and cranberry flavors
- High acidity that “electrifies” the flavors in the pot pie
- Subtle notes of black pepper, mineral and clove that complement the savory elements
- Best served slightly chilled for maximum enjoyment
For an even better experience, look for a Beaujolais Cru, which offers more intensity and a velvety texture.
7. Barbera – The Italian Alternative
From Italy’s Piedmont region, Barbera brings something special to the pairing:
- Medium-bodied with good structure
- Vibrant cherry notes and a hint of spice
- High acidity that balances the richness of the pot pie
- Creates an exciting contrast with the savory herbs in the filling
Beyond Wine: Other Delicious Pairings
If you’re not in the mood for wine, consider these alternatives:
- Sparkling wine or Prosecco – The bubbles act as palate cleansers, cutting through the creamy sauce
- Hard cider – Especially crisp American craft ciders from the Northeast
- Wheat beer – The hints of coriander and orange peel complement herb-forward fillings
Pairings to Avoid
While experimentation is encouraged, some combinations typically don’t work as well:
- Sweet wines like Riesling or Moscato can overpower the flavors of the dish
- Heavy, tannic red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon will overwhelm the delicate chicken flavors
Adjusting Your Pairing Based on Your Pot Pie
The ingredients in your chicken pot pie can influence your wine choice:
- Mushroom-heavy pot pies pair exceptionally well with Pinot Noir
- Herb-forward fillings might benefit from Grüner Veltliner or Sauvignon Blanc
- Lighter, broth-based fillings work well with crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling
- Vegetarian chicken pot pies can follow the same guidelines as traditional versions
Tips for Perfect Pairing
To get the most from your pairing experience:
- Serve wines at the proper temperature – Too cold masks flavors, too warm accentuates alcohol
- Consider the occasion – Save premium wines for homemade pot pies, and more affordable options for everyday meals
- Trust your palate – While these recommendations work for most people, your personal preference matters most
Final Thoughts
The beauty of pairing wine with chicken pot pie lies in the balance between contrasting and complementary elements. The ideal wine should refresh your palate between bites while enhancing the flavors of this classic comfort food.
For most occasions, you can’t go wrong with a good Chardonnay as your first choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment with Viognier, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Noir, or Beaujolais to find your personal favorite.
I still remember the first time I paired a buttery California Chardonnay with my grandma’s chicken pot pie recipe – it was like the flavors were dancing together! That’s the magic of finding the right wine pairing – it can transform a simple comfort food into a dining experience worth remembering.
So next time you’re cozying up with a chicken pot pie, grab one of these wines and experience the delicious harmony for yourself!
What’s your favorite wine to pair with chicken pot pie? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Top 7 Pot Pies and Wine Pairings
Your evenings are about to get a cozy upgrade…guaranteed!
A vegetarian pot pie that’s rich, earthy, and full of umami, this recipe features a creamy mushroom filling with a hint of thyme and a buttery, flaky crust. The savory mushrooms are balanced by the fragrant herbs, making this a perfect dish for mushroom lovers.
Wine Pairing: Chardonnay Pair this with an oaked Chardonnay, which has a buttery texture that complements the creaminess of the filling. The wine’s notes of vanilla and caramel will enhance the earthy mushrooms and aromatic thyme, making each bite even more indulgent.
This pot pie brings the essence of fall to your table with roasted butternut squash, caramelized onions, and fresh sage, all smothered in a creamy Gruyère sauce. The combination of sweet squash and nutty cheese creates a wonderful balance of flavors.
Wine Pairing: ViognierViognier, with its full-bodied structure and floral aromas, pairs beautifully with the sweetness of butternut squash. Its slightly spicy and fruity notes will bring out the sage’s herbal qualities while enhancing the Gruyère’s nuttiness.
A twist on the classic chicken pot pie, this version uses leeks and tarragon to add a subtle onion flavor and a hint of anise. The filling is creamy and packed with tender chunks of chicken, making it a heartwarming dish for those chilly fall nights.
Wine Pairing: Sauvignon BlancSauvignon Blanc is a bright and crisp white wine that pairs well with the delicate flavors of leeks and tarragon. The wine’s high acidity will cut through the richness of the creamy sauce, providing a refreshing balance with every sip.
For a robust and hearty pot pie, this recipe features tender beef braised in stout, along with root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes. The stout adds depth and a slight bitterness to the rich filling, while the vegetables bring in a touch of sweetness.
Wine Pairing: Malbec Malbec’s dark fruit flavors and medium tannins are ideal for a rich dish like this one. The wine’s plum, blackberry, and black pepper notes will complement the savory beef and roasted root vegetables while balancing the stout’s bitterness.
For a luxurious twist, try a lobster and corn pot pie with a tarragon cream sauce. The sweetness of the lobster and corn, paired with the rich and slightly licorice-like flavor of tarragon, creates a memorable dish perfect for a special fall dinner.
Wine Pairing: Champagne A glass of Champagne adds a touch of elegance and has the acidity to cut through the richness of the cream sauce. Its bubbles help cleanse the palate between bites, allowing you to fully appreciate the delicate lobster flavor.
This pot pie is perfect for using up any leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, but it’s delicious any time of the season. The filling combines tender turkey with sweet potatoes, cranberries, and a hint of sage, all in a creamy base. The sweet potatoes add a touch of natural sweetness, while the cranberries provide a tangy contrast.
Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir A light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir is a great match for this pot pie. Its bright red fruit flavors and subtle earthy undertones complement the turkey and cranberries beautifully. The wine’s acidity helps balance the richness of the filling while enhancing the sweet and savory elements.
For a plant-based option, this spiced lentil and vegetable pot pie is packed with flavor and warmth. It features a mix of lentils, carrots, zucchini, and potatoes simmered in a tomato-based sauce with spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika. The crust is light and flaky, providing a perfect contrast to the hearty filling.
Wine Pairing: Grenache Grenache, with its bright red fruit flavors and soft tannins, pairs wonderfully with the spices in this pot pie. Its notes of raspberry, strawberry, and subtle white pepper add complexity to the dish without overpowering the vegetables. The wine’s medium body also works well with the heartiness of the lentils.
What to Serve With Chicken Pot Pie
FAQ
What wines pair well with chicken pot pie?
What drink goes with chicken pot pie?
1. Chicken Pot Pie – Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Our comforting Chicken Pot Pie, with its flaky crust and creamy filling, pairs beautifully with the crispness of a Chardonnay or the zesty notes of a Sauvignon Blanc. These wines complement the pie’s rich flavors without overpowering them.
What goes well with a chicken pot pie?
Chicken pot pie pairs well with light, fresh sides like a simple green salad, acidic vinaigrette-based slaws, or a cranberry sauce to balance its richness. Other complementary sides include buttery biscuits or dinner rolls, steamed or roasted green beans, corn on the cob, or mashed potatoes.
Can you use red wine in chicken pot pie?
That beautiful tender chicken in rich red wine filling is an amazing experience. Buy a rich full bodied red wine such as a Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon. The better the wine, the better the filling, and buy another bottle to enjoy with it.