The best Chicken Piccata Wine Pairings are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sparkling wine and Rosé. Acidity is a must when pairing wine with Chicken Piccata, as you’ll need a bright wine to hold up to the citrus flavours of the Piccata Sauce. Meanwhile, whites that have a hint of citrus will complement the lemony Piccata Sauce.
Chicken piccata is a classic Italian dish renowned for its delightful combination of flavours. It typically consists of tender chicken cutlets that are lightly dredged in flour, sautéed to a golden brown in butter, and then simmered in a citrusy lemon sauce. The sauce is a harmonious blend of tangy lemon juice, rich chicken broth, and briny capers, which infuse the dish with a burst of brightness and complexity.
Chefs may also add parsley, garlic, artichokes, sliced radishes and other vegetables/herbs to accent the dish.
The result is a succulent and savoury chicken dish with a delightful balance of acidity, savoury notes, and delicate textures. Chicken piccata is often served alongside pasta or rice, creating a satisfying and satisfyingly flavorful meal showcasing the best Italian cuisine.
Best Wine With Chicken Piccata
Sauvignon Blanc & Chicken Piccata Pairing
Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp and refreshing white wine that pairs well with the tangy flavours of chicken piccata. Look for a Sauvignon Blanc with citrusy notes of lemon, lime and grapefruit, along with a lively acidity to handle the citrus flavours of the dish.
Sauvignon Blanc is also known for its green flavours, complementing any capers, garlic or green herbs, such as parsley, in your Piccata dish, making Sauvignon Blanc the perfect wine to pair with Chicken Piccata.
Chardonnay & Chicken Piccata Pairing
A medium-bodied Chardonnay pairs perfectly with Chicken Piccata as Chardonnay features notes of butter and citrus which complement the chicken that has been sautéed in butter. Meanwhile, the citrus flavours of a cool-climate Chardonnay feature notes of lemon, pear, apple and lime, which complement the Piccata sauce.
I love a creamy California Chardonnay or a lush white Burgundy; however, when I dine on Chicken Piccata, I lean more towards a lean Italian Chardonnay or a crisp Chablis, which does not see much of or any oak aging. You’ll lose that butter quality I talked about above. However, you’ll gain more harmony and refreshment with a livelier style of Chardonnay.
Pinot Grigio & Chicken Piccata Pairing
Pinot Grigio is a light and zesty white wine from Italy that pairs nicely with the lemony flavours in chicken piccata. It offers a clean and crisp profile that doesn’t overshadow the delicate nature of the dish.
I often refer to Pinot Grigio as the Coors Light of the wine world as it’s popular, tasty, and refreshing, but there isn’t much to it. As food and wine enthusiasts, we often want to melt our brains with the most expressive flavours. But sometimes, you need to sit back and trust that a well-made Pinot Grigio will keep you refreshed throughout your meal while ensuring everything on your plate remains delicious.
Rosé & Chicken Piccata Pairing
A dry Rosé can be a versatile option, offering a balance between white and red wines. Look for a Provence-style Rosé with bright acidity and red berry flavours that provide a refreshing contrast, along with featuring notes of herbs and white pepper, which get along great with the complexity of the Piccata sauce.
Stay away from sweet Rosé, like White Zinfandel, as this style of Rosé will clash with the tartness of the Piccata sauce.
Vermentino & Chicken Piccata Pairing
This lesser-known white wine has vibrant acidity and citrus notes, making it a great match for the citrus flavours in chicken piccata. High in acidity, Vermentino has beautiful flavours of herbs, fennel and pepper, which go great with the garlic, parsley and shallots in your Piccata sauce. Meanwhile, you’ll find refreshing and crisp flavours of green apple, citrus, grapefruit, lemon, lime and tropical fruits that harmonize with the Piccata sauce.