Chicken is a versatile protein that can be prepared in endless ways on the grill. From chicken wings and drumsticks to boneless chicken breasts and thighs, there are so many options for tasty BBQ chicken. But what should you drink with all that smoky, saucy chicken? The right beverage can take your BBQ chicken from great to spectacular.
After analyzing numerous sources here are the top drink recommendations to complement BBQ chicken
Beer
Beer was mentioned 7 times as a popular BBQ chicken pairing. The bubbly effervescence and roasted malt flavors of beers like lagers and India pale ales (IPAs) stand up well to the charred, savory flavors of grilled chicken
IPAs with citrusy, piney hops help cut through the richness of BBQ chicken. Try pairing your chicken with hop-forward IPAs like Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA or Cigar City Jai Alai. The bitterness balances the sweet BBQ sauce.
Lagers like Corona Extra and Stella Artois have light, clean flavors that won’t overpower the chicken. The mild carbonation scrubs the palate between bites of saucy, finger-licking chicken.
Wheat beers also pair nicely with their hints of citrus and spice. Try spicy chicken wings with a Blue Moon Belgian White or shock top.
White Wine
White wine was recommended 6 times as a BBQ chicken pairing. Crisp, acidic white wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and unoaked Chardonnay cut through the richness of fried or grilled chicken.
The high acidity in Sauvignon Blanc balances salty, savory chicken dishes. Try Joel Gott or Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc.
Unoaked Chardonnay like Louis Jadot Chablis has bright lemon-lime flavors to offset fried or roasted chicken. The medium body stands up to chicken’s richness.
Light, refreshing Pinot Grigio like Cavit or Ecco Domani work with simple grilled chicken breast or skewers. The dryness contrasts the juicy chicken.
Rosé
Rosé wine was mentioned 4 times for its versatility with BBQ chicken dishes. Dry rosés like Provence rosé have crisp red fruit flavors that complement chicken without overwhelming it.
Rosés pair with classic BBQ chicken straight off the grill or charred chicken skewers with brightness from herbs and vegetables. Try Miraval or Whispering Angel, two benchmark Provence rosés.
Fruity rosés also stand up to saucy, spice-rubbed chicken or chicken wings. Try a sweet California rosé like Apothic or Josh Cellars.
Cocktails
Cocktails were suggested 3 times for backyard BBQs and summer parties. Cocktails in pitchers or punches allow you to serve a crowd. Tailor cocktails to the flavor profile of your chicken.
For saucy BBQ chicken, try bourbon lemonade with smoky bourbon and tangy citrus. Or a whiskey peach iced tea for Southern flair.
For spicy chicken, make margaritas or mojitos to help cool the heat. Add jalapeño or habanero to amp up a spicy marg.
Fruity cocktails complement chicken with tropical ingredients like grilled pineapple chicken. Make tequila sunrise, mai tais, or rum punch with orange and pineapple juice.
Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wines like Prosecco, Cava, and Champagne were recommended 3 times. Bubbly wines cut through fried, greasy chicken with cleansing effervescence.
Dry sparkling wines like Cava or Prosecco have green apple and citrus notes to balance rich chicken dishes. Freixenet and La Marca are solid, budget-friendly options.
Vintage Champagne has brioche and toasted nut flavors that pair beautifully with roasted chicken or chicken pot pie. Try Bollinger or Pol Roger Brut.
For spicy chicken, sweeter sparklers like Moscato d’Asti complement the heat with fruity sweetness.
Other Notable Pairings
A few other drinks that were mentioned for BBQ chicken include:
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Light, fruity red wines like Pinot Noir and Beaujolais work with grilled chicken, offering a compromise between white wines and full-bodied reds.
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Sangria is a festive choice for backyard BBQs. Red or white sangria provides fruity flavors that align with zesty, tomato-based BBQ sauces.
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Iced tea – peach, raspberry, or mint iced tea can quench your thirst with BBQ chicken straight off the grill. Sweet tea provides a nostalgic Southern pairing.
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Lemonade – Simple, homemade lemonade lets the chicken shine as the star of the meal. For adults, add vodka or bourbon.
So next time you’re firing up the grill or oven for BBQ chicken, consider one of these tasty drink pairings to make it a meal to remember. With the right beverage match, BBQ chicken goes from simple to sensational.
The Art of Drink Pairing
Understanding the art of drink pairing is like holding the key to unlocking the full potential of your BBQ meal. It’s not just about quenching your thirst; it’s about elevating each bite. At Old Town Smokehouse, we’ve crafted a drink menu that’s as thoughtful as our BBQ, ensuring that every sip enhances the smoky, savory flavors of our dishes.
Ribs and Rosé: A Match Made in Heaven
Ribs at Old Town Smokehouse are nothing short of legendary. Glazed to perfection, they’re a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy affair that requires a drink that’s up to the task. A dry Rosé, with its subtle fruit notes and crisp acidity, stands up to the bold flavors of the ribs, cleansing the palate and preparing it for the next delicious bite.
Our smoked chicken, known for its juiciness and subtle smoky undertones, pairs beautifully with a glass of Chardonnay. The buttery notes of the wine complement the smokiness of the chicken, while its crisp finish highlights the meat’s natural flavors, creating a delightful contrast that’s sure to please.
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FAQ
What drinks go well with barbecue chicken?
The sweet and smoky flavors of BBQ chicken pair well with iced tea, lemonade, and light, fruity wines like rosé or Riesling. If you’re serving beer, go for crisp lagers or wheat beers. For a non-alcoholic twist, sparkling water with citrus or this mojito mocktail are refreshing choices.
What drink goes with barbecue food?
Wine is not typically drunk with BBQ. Beer or Whiskey would be the more common, with beer being the most common.
What goes well with BBQ chicken?
- Spicy Mac And Cheese. …
- Baked Beans Recipe. …
- Delicious Healthy Kale Slaw. …
- Charred Broccoli. …
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries. …
- Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Without Eggs. …
- Overnight Bread. …
- Vegetarian Stuffed Mini Peppers.
What alcoholic drink goes well with chicken?
White Wine– The Perfect Pairing for Roasted Chicken – When pairing white wine with roasted chicken, it’s best to choose a dry wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines have a crisp acidity and a light, refreshing flavor that pairs well with the rich flavors of roasted chicken.