Are you sitting there with a delicious chicken parmesan dinner and wondering what wine would make this meal complete? I’ve been there too! Finding the right wine for chicken parmesan can be tricky since many folks think white meat should always go with white wine. But that’s not always the case with this Italian-American favorite!
After trying numerous combinations (and enjoying every minute of it!), I’ve put together this ultimate guide to help you pick the perfect wine for your chicken parm night. Trust me, the right wine can elevate this classic dish to new heights!
What Makes Chicken Parmesan Special?
Before diving into wine choices let’s quickly talk about what makes chicken parmesan such a beloved dish. This Italian-American creation features breaded chicken cutlets topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese (usually mozzarella and parmesan), often served over spaghetti.
Interestingly, chicken parmesan isn’t actually a traditional Italian dish! It was born in Italian-American kitchens on the East Coast, likely inspired by the Southern Italian eggplant parmesan (parmigiana di melanzane) The New York Times published the first official recipe in 1962, and the rest is history
Red Wine or White Wine With Chicken Parmesan?
This is the big question! While chicken is typically paired with white wine, chicken parmesan has special considerations:
The tomato sauce is key – The acidity and richness of the tomato sauce is why chicken parmesan typically pairs better with red wines. White wines can be overwhelmed by the bold flavors of the sauce.
However, there are excellent options in both categories! Here’s what to look for:
- Choose fruit-forward wines with good acidity to balance the bold flavors
- Look for wines with lower tannins as they complement the protein better
- Consider recipe variations – if you’re skipping the tomato sauce or making a lighter version, your wine choice might change
The 7 Best Wine Pairings for Chicken Parmesan
Let’s dive into the best wine options for your chicken parmesan dinner:
Best Red Wines for Chicken Parmesan
1. Chianti Classico (Sangiovese)
Why it works: Sangiovese grapes in Chianti Classico pair exceptionally well with tomato-based dishes. The wine complements the sweet tomato sauce with cherry and plum notes while cutting through the crispy breading and creamy mozzarella.
Look for: The black rooster (gallo nero) on the neck of the bottle, which indicates a true Chianti Classico.
Recommended bottle: Vallone di Cecione Chianti Classico
Flavor notes: Tobacco, oak, blackberry, licorice, and rosemary
2. Pinot Noir
Why it works: This is probably one of the most versatile red wines available. Its light to medium body won’t overwhelm the dish, but it still offers plenty of flavor. The bright acidity from cherry and raspberry notes makes it perfect for cutting through the rich flavors of chicken parmesan.
Recommended bottle: Schug Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Flavor notes: Cherry, raspberry, low tannins, bright acidity
3. Barbera
Why it works: Despite its deep purple color, Barbera is actually light-bodied with low tannins and high acidity – perfect for rich dishes like chicken parmesan! It’s the third most planted grape in Italy and has been around for nearly a thousand years.
Recommended bottle: G.D. Vajra Barbera d’Alba
Flavor notes: Cherry, black fruits, leather, smoke, juicy with low tannins
4. Montepulciano
Why it works: This medium-bodied Italian red has high acidity and a strong aroma that stands up well to the bold flavors of chicken parmesan.
Recommended bottle: Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva
Flavor notes: Cherry, oak, tobacco, leather, cocoa minerals, medium to long finish
Best White Wines for Chicken Parmesan
5. Sparkling White Wine (Prosecco)
Why it works: If you’re making a lighter chicken parmesan or one without heavy tomato sauce, a sparkling wine like Prosecco is an excellent choice. Its crispiness is refreshing after a mouthful of hearty chicken parmesan.
Recommended bottle: Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco Superiore
Flavor notes: Light-bodied, floral, refreshing crispiness
6. Verdicchio
Why it works: This Italian white has remarkable structure and a long finish that can stand up to the flavors of chicken parmesan better than many other whites.
Recommended bottle: Bisci Verdicchio di Matelica Vigneto Fogliano
Flavor notes: Pear, melon, peach, honey, intense floral notes
7. Chardonnay
Why it works: If dry white wine is your favorite, go for a medium to full-bodied Chardonnay. Its moderate acidity and rich, crisp taste pairs surprisingly well with cheesy chicken parmesan.
Recommended bottle: MacRostie Sonoma Coast Chardonnay or Vie di Romans Chardonnay
Flavor notes: Citrus fruits, vanilla, apple, smoky and oaky notes
Wine Pairing Tips for Different Chicken Parmesan Variations
Chicken parmesan isn’t always prepared the same way, and these variations can affect your wine choice:
Traditional Chicken Parmesan with Heavy Tomato Sauce
- Best picks: Chianti Classico, Barbera, Montepulciano
- Why: The bold red sauce needs wines with good acidity to cut through
Lighter Chicken Parmesan (Less Sauce)
- Best picks: Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wine, Verdicchio
- Why: Less sauce means lighter wines can shine without being overwhelmed
Chicken Parmesan Without Tomato Sauce
- Best picks: Chardonnay, Prosecco
- Why: Without the acidic tomato component, white wines become more viable options
Baked (Not Fried) Chicken Parmesan
- Best picks: Lighter reds like Pinot Noir or whites like Chardonnay
- Why: Less richness from frying means lighter wines can pair well
How to Choose the Perfect Wine for Your Taste
Wine pairing isn’t just about rules – it’s about what YOU enjoy! Here are some tips for finding your perfect match:
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Consider your personal preferences – If you normally enjoy bold reds, you might prefer Montepulciano with your chicken parm
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Think about the dominant flavors in your specific recipe – Extra cheese? More sauce? Less breading? These can all influence your choice
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Try different pairings – The best way to find your perfect match is to experiment! Why not have a chicken parm wine tasting night with friends?
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Temperature matters – Serve your reds slightly cool (60-65°F) and whites chilled (45-55°F) for the best experience
Wine Pairing Comparison Table
| Wine Type | Body | Acidity | Tannins | Best For | Key Flavors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chianti Classico | Medium | High | Medium | Traditional recipes | Tobacco, blackberry, herbs |
| Pinot Noir | Light-Medium | High | Low | All variations | Cherry, raspberry, earthy |
| Barbera | Light | High | Low | Cheese-heavy versions | Juicy berries, low tannins |
| Montepulciano | Medium | High | High | Bold, saucy recipes | Cherry, tobacco, cocoa |
| Prosecco | Light | Medium | None | Light/no-sauce versions | Crisp, floral, refreshing |
| Verdicchio | Medium | Medium | None | Herbed chicken parm | Pear, melon, floral |
| Chardonnay | Medium-Full | Moderate | None | No-sauce versions | Citrus, vanilla, oak |
My Personal Favorite Pairing
If I had to pick just one wine to go with chicken parmesan, I’d probably reach for a good Barbera d’Alba. The juicy berry flavors and high acidity make it versatile enough for different variations of the dish, and it’s often more affordable than some other Italian reds. Plus, there’s something special about pairing an Italian-American dish with an authentic Italian wine!
Final Thoughts
Harmonizing food and wine is kinda like creating a beautiful symphony – when done right, the whole experience becomes greater than the sum of its parts. Chicken parmesan, with its crispy coating, juicy chicken, tangy sauce, and melty cheese creates a perfect canvas for wine pairing experimentation.
Whether you go for a classic Italian red like Chianti or Barbera, or prefer to break tradition with a crisp white or sparkling wine, the most important thing is that YOU enjoy the combination. Wine pairing should be fun, not stressful!
What’s your favorite wine to pair with chicken parmesan? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Step 2: Butterfly the meat
Take your chicken breasts and butterfly them with a sharp chef’s knife. You want to end up with thin chicken fillets. Now take each chicken piece and give a few nice whacks with a meat mallet.
If you don’t have a meat mallet you can use the bottom of a frying pan.
Remember…the thinner, the better.
Step 4: Cook in a skillet
Take a large skillet and coat the bottom with a good amount of olive oil. Put it on the stove over medium high heat and let the oil heat up.
You will know the oil is ready if you sprinkle a few breadcrumbs in and they start to sizzle.
It’s very important to make sure the oil is very hot when you put the cutlets in the pan. If it’s hot enough the breadcrumbs will sear right away forming a nice crispy crust on the outside, This is what you want. Crispy breadcrumbs on the outside and juicy chicken on the inside.
Also, make sure your chicken cutlets are at room temperature when you fry them. If they are too cold you’ll have to fry them longer in the oil to get the middle cooked and the outside could burn.
When you put the chicken cutlets in the oil, if the outside of the cutlets get too tark and look like they are burning, that’s no big deal. Just turn the stove down to medium heat.
I like to cook my cutlets when the oil is at about 350 degrees. They usually cook for about 4 minutes total. Just flip them once after about 2 minutes.
After the cutlets are fried, place them on a paper towel lines baking sheet to soak up any excess oil.
Wine Education & Pairings : How to Pair Wine & Parmesan Crusted Chicken
FAQ
What wine goes well with parmesan?
What can you pair chicken parmesan with?
Parmesan chicken pairings
Pasta, rice, or potatoes, garlic bread and green beans, spinach salad or broccoli. We just had chicken parmesan with homemade scalloped potatoes!
What drink pairs best with chicken parm?
Apothic Red Blend goes great with chicken parm. It tastes like Chianti.