The Best Wine to Pair with Chicken Parmesan

Here's the ideal wine to enjoy with your cheesy, saucy Chicken Parmesan.

Photo courtesy of Chef John.

Think of this dish as a blank canvas, where the chicken is topped with tomato sauce, cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Stick with simple wines that you'd enjoy with a classic cheese pizza—nothing too extravagant.

Opt for an affordable Barbera or Sangiovese (such as Chianti Classico, Chianti Rufina, or Rosso di Montalcino), or try a Montepulciano.

Image courtesy of Carl Hanson.

Pairing Drinks with Chicken Parmesan Dishes:

Classic Chicken Parmesan

The sauce brings a balance of acidity and sweetness, while the cheese adds richness. Wines like Barbera and Sangiovese complement the acidity while cutting through the richness.

Get the Recipe: Classic Chicken Parmesan

Photo by abapplez.

Chef John's Classic Chicken Parmesan

In this version, Chef John takes a different approach by using less sauce and focusing on a crispier chicken crust. This lighter, crisper take opens the door to pairing with white wines like Soave, or perhaps a budget-friendly sparkling wine (a rosé could work well). If you prefer red, a classic Chianti is still a solid choice.

Get the Recipe: Chef John's Chicken Parmesan

Photo by sanzoe.

My Mother's Parmesan Chicken

One word: Bubbles. This version skips the sauce entirely, offering an Italian-American take on fried chicken—only baked, of course. And what's the best pairing for fried chicken? Sparkling wine! Even if you add tomato sauce, you’ll be glad you went with the bubbly choice.

Get the Recipe: My Mother's Parmesan Chicken