Chicken is a versatile protein that can be paired with many different cheeses. The key to choosing the right cheese is considering the preparation method, other ingredients, and the flavor profile you want. With so many cheese varieties available, it may seem daunting to find the perfect match for chicken. However, there are some tried-and-true pairings that are sure to please.
Quick Answer
If you’re looking for a quick answer, here are some of the most popular cheese choices to serve with chicken:
- Cheddar – This versatile cheese is mild enough to complement chicken’s flavor without overpowering it.
- Mozzarella – The mild taste and melting quality makes mozzarella perfect for dishes like chicken parmesan.
- Feta – The salty, tangy flavor of feta cheese pairs well with grilled or baked chicken.
- Blue Cheese – The bold, pungent flavor adds an extra kick to chicken wings or salad topping.
- Parmesan – Grated parmesan adds a nutty, salty accent to chicken dishes like marsala or piccata.
- Goat Cheese – The rich, tangy creaminess balances nicely with the leaner texture of chicken.
Factors to Consider
There are a few factors to take into account when selecting a cheese for chicken:
Preparation Method
How the chicken is cooked or served makes a difference in cheese pairing. For example:
- Baked or grilled chicken – Firmer, aged cheeses work well like aged cheddar or gouda since they won’t melt away.
- Chicken casseroles or pasta bakes – Go for moister melting cheeses like mozzarella, havarti, or Mexican-style cheeses.
- Fried chicken – Tangy crumbled cheeses pair nicely to cut through the richness like feta, goat, or blue cheese.
- Chicken salads or sandwiches – Creamy, spreadable cheeses complement chicken salads like havarti, brie, and goat cheese.
Complementary Flavors
Think about flavors that will best enhance the chicken. For example:
- Tangy flavors – Feta, goat cheese, halloumi, lemon juice
- Salty flavors – Parmesan, feta, blue cheese, olives
- Herb flavors – Pesto, basil, oregano, thyme
- Spicy flavors – Jalapenos, pepper jack, paprika, chili powder
- Rich, creamy flavors – Brie, camembert, havarti, sour cream
Meal Courses
The part of the meal you’re serving also helps determine cheese choice:
- Appetizers – Try soft spreadable cheeses for dips or cubes like goat cheese, brie, gouda.
- Main dishes – Good melting cheeses work for casseroles or pasta like cheddar, mozzarella, monterey jack.
- Salads – Crumbled cheeses give salads extra flavor like feta, blue, parmesan.
- Desserts – Sweet and creamy types pair well like mascarpone, ricotta, cream cheese.
Best Cheeses for Popular Chicken Dishes
Certain cheeses are better suited for some of the most common chicken recipes. Here are go-to cheese recommendations:
Chicken Parmesan
Chicken parmesan is usually topped with melted mozzarella cheese to give it the iconic cheesy flavor. However, you can also use provolone, parmesan, or a blend of italian cheeses like mozzarella and ricotta.
Chicken Enchiladas
For chicken enchiladas, pepper jack, cheddar, queso fresco, or a mexican cheese blend melted into the filling and on top are standard options.
Chicken Pot Pie
A creamy chicken pot pie filling goes well with cheeses like cheddar, gruyere, swiss, or goat cheese sprinkled on top of the pie crust before baking.
Chicken Casserole
When making a cheesy chicken casserole, good melting cheeses are called for like cheddar, monterey jack, gruyere, or a blend. Topping with parmesan, breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers adds extra flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Wings
The classic spicy buffalo chicken wings are often paired with creamy, cooling blue cheese or ranch dressings for dipping. But other cheeses like cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack work too.
Chicken and Cheese Dish Ideas
To spark recipe inspiration, here are some tasty chicken and cheese dish ideas to try:
| Dish | Cheese |
|---|---|
| Chicken Cordon Bleu | Sliced ham, swiss cheese |
| Chicken Fajitas | Pepper jack, cheddar, queso fresco |
| Chicken Parmesan | Mozzarella |
| Baked Chicken Romano | Parmesan, romano |
| Chicken Florentine Casserole | Parmesan, mozzarella, ricotta |
| Chicken Enchiladas | Cheddar, pepper jack, queso fresco |
| Chicken Pot Pie | Cheddar, gruyere |
| Chicken Quesadillas | Monterey jack, pepper jack |
| Buffalo Chicken Dip | Cream cheese, blue cheese |
| Chicken Caesar Salad | Parmesan |
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it’s hard to go wrong with cheese on chicken! Combining the lean protein with a creamy, salty cheese maximizes the flavors. Favorites like cheddar, mozzarella, feta and parmesan are sure bets. But don’t be afraid to experiment with brie, gouda, pepper jack, and other varieties too. Just keep the preparation method and flavor profile in mind. With so many cheeses to choose from, you’re bound to find the perfect match that will bring any chicken dish to the next level.